Field-Based Opportunity: Agricultural Extension Officer (5 Openings) at Lutheran World Relief – Corus International

Abia Ekiti Ondo Osun Rivers

Drive Climate-Smart Cocoa Production Across Nigeria

Lutheran World Relief (LWR), a proud member of the Corus International family, is dedicated to providing holistic and sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges. Our work empowers smallholder farmers—increasing their food security, participation in agricultural value chains, and income, all while building climate resilience.

We are looking for five experienced and passionate Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) to join our TRACE project team. This is a critical field role focused on delivering cutting-edge technical support in the cocoa sector across multiple Nigerian states.

About the TRACE Project and the Role

The TRACE project aims to significantly enhance cocoa production, quality, and traceability in Nigeria. As an AEO, you will be on the front lines, working directly with government extension agents, farmers, and input suppliers to drive the adoption of best practices.

Locations Available (5 Openings):

  • Akure, Ondo State
  • Ikom, Cross River State
  • Osun State
  • Ekiti State
  • Abia State

Your Impact and Core Responsibilities

Reporting to the Program Technical Advisor, you will serve as the technical backbone for our project location, translating strategy into measurable field success:

1. Technical Training and Implementation

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) & GAP: Provide direct technical support and cascaded training (through lead farmers) on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) for cocoa cropping to significantly increase yield and productivity.
  • Traceability and Monitoring: Support the monitoring of weather and cocoa traceability systems, update production estimates, and coordinate input distribution and credit accounting as needed.
  • Seedling Production: Support the production of high-quality cocoa seedlings through commercial youth and women enterprises, ensuring the distribution of improved planting material.

2. Producer Group Mobilization & Management

  • Mobilize cocoa farmer groups into the traceability system, focusing on group social cohesion, organization, and financial management.
  • Support producer groups in establishing Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and accessing financial services.
  • Build and sustain reliable relationships with Producer Enterprise Agents (PEAs) and producer groups to ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality products for private sector partners (trading companies/processors).
  • Facilitate post-training field inspections to rigorously monitor training quality and adoption rates.

3. Reporting and Coordination

  • Ensure timely and quality capturing of MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) data in coordination with the MEL team.
  • Prepare comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual work plans, budgets, and technical reports.
  • Represent LWR in relevant cocoa forums and manage relationships with various intermediaries (input suppliers, transporters, Licensed Buying Agents).

Who We Are Looking For (Requirements)

We need candidates who are technically proficient, proven leaders in the field, and committed to sustained agricultural development.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, or a relevant field.
  • Experience: 3–5 years of specialized experience managing farmer out-grower programs, contract farming, business development services, and agricultural extension services.
  • Cocoa Expertise is Mandatory: Proven expertise in the cocoa value chain, Natural Resources Management, the cocoa traceability system, and cropping techniques.
  • Sector Knowledge: Proven experience working with donor-funded projects, NGOs, and familiarity with cocoa certification/sustainability programs.
  • Value Chain Focus: Experience with market development approaches and linking producers to markets.

Working Conditions:

  • This is a field-heavy role requiring regular attendance (5 days/week) and necessary domestic travel across the project locations. Corus maintains a hybrid work policy where possible.

Join the Corus Family

As a member of the Corus family, you are expected to adhere to our core values: Inclusion, Disruption, Interconnectedness, and Agility. You will contribute to a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, upholding our zero-tolerance policy against abuse.

If you are ready to use your technical expertise to empower smallholder farmers and enhance Nigeria’s cocoa sector, we want to hear from you.

Application Closing Date: Not Specified.

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should:

Go to Field-Based Opportunity: Agricultural Extension Officer (5 Openings) at Lutheran World Relief – Corus International to apply