Job tittle: Senior Extension Officer – Fixed term Contract

Grade: C5

Reports To: Land Reform Restitution and Community Dynamics Manager

Main Purpose of the job: 

Cane quality is a critical aspect of the sugar making process. Key to the cane quality is burn harvest to crush delay (BHTCD). Typically the lower the BHTCD the better is the cane quality. Felixton (FX) mill receives cane from the four restitution projects in the Melmoth area which is circa 75km away. For this universe of growers BHTCD will be a challenge due to long haul and also longer cane growing cycle. One of the ways to improve cane quality is to closely monitor the harvesting plans and ensure that all estimated cane is harvested within the crushing season. Melmoth growers have ongoing challenges of long carry over cane which eventually affect the quality of cane even before its harvested. Community dynamics matters and overall coordination of farming activities with existing management structures becomes a key activity. It is for this reason that a dedicated Senior extension Officer is required.

Roles,Responsibilities and Relationships: 

Co-ordinate cane supply from infield to zone and to Felixton Mill thus reducing BHTCD.
Monitor and influence all cane quality variables.
Engage with Role players such Trustees, Contractors, and Service Providers to agree on the crop removal plan.
Keep accurate track record of cane stock available from field, Zone and into the mill.
Communicate with all role players involved to ensure smooth delivery of cane into the mill.
Engage with all relevant stakeholders regarding mill performance issues
Track and trend cane quality and provide weekly/monthly reports.
Develop and train growers on the significance of managing cane and logistics by working with Land reform Extension Team.
Find solutions to problems by working with local stakeholders.
Escalate all unsolvable challenges to the Land Reform and Community Dynamics Manager.
Ensure good communication and respect to all stakeholders involved in Melmoth projects.
Ability to resolve conflict and suggest possible solutions.
Conduct Grower Days and workshops in collaboration with key Industry role players like SASRI and grower organizations.

Qualifications & Experience:

A relevant Tertiary qualification in Agriculture i.e. Minimum National Diploma in Plant Production Agriculture
 Senior certificate Course in Sugar cane agriculture
Between 3 to 5 years’ experience in sugarcane farming practices
and logistics
Computer skills/literacy.
A valid Code EB driver’s license

Required Competencies

Self-motivated individual that can work independently.
Must have high ethical values and professional maturity.
Influence and motivate others.
Ability to work and make decisions or apply/ implement actions under pressure and take initiative.
Attention to details.
Demonstrate good planning organizing, leading and controls(PLOC) skills.
Ability to work in a team.

Closing date: 06 June 2025

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