Coordinator Diploma Programme in Agroecology at Kasisi Agricultural Training Center

Job Description

Job Description –Coordinator Diploma in Agroecology Programme

Duration: I-year contract renewable. To start immediately.

Location: Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) offices at Kasisi, travel for business visits on one-on-one discussions. Considerable communication by internet

Reporting to: Training and Research Coordinator

Purpose of the job:
To coordinate the diploma program in agroecology at KATC and plan its further development.

Since 2022 Kasisi Agricultural Training Center (KATC) has offered besides other training modules a Diploma Programme in Agroecology. The 2 to 3 years are designed as a blended learning program with online lecturers, self-study, and 3 weeks residential per semester. The course is accredited by the University of Zambia. Modules cover all relevant topics of Agriculture with a special focus on sustainable organic practices.

Responsibilities:

To liaise with the Executive Director, Programme Manager, Training and Research Coordinator, and Bread for the World Germany continuously, verbally and in writing
To liaise and maintain the relations with UNZA, especially the School of Agriculture and the academic office
To liaise and maintain linkages with the Ministry of Agriculture especially but also other Ministries
To liaise with the commercial farming community/the employing industry.
To liaise with potential students of this new program and advertise the new program.
To maintain relations with graduates from the program.
To lead in the continuous review and improvement of the courses and the program as a whole.
In liaison with the Business Development officer to ensure the program operates on an economically, financially, environmentally, and socially sound BUSINESS PLAN.
Ensure the institution is up to date and that management is kept up to date and advised on all applicable regulatory and statutory obligations
Ensure all applicable statutory obligations are adhered to and met at all times.
Facilitate and advise students during their studies.
Encourage and accompany students in student research on organic topics.

Duties:

Maintain the curriculum acceptable by the School of Agriculture UNZA so that the program will continue to be affiliated/accredited to UNZA.
Develop regular and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the program.
Identify which areas of study that need to be included in the program to keep contents updated and relevant including new research findings and developments in education.
Coordinate and guide processes of student application and admission.
Liaise with lecturers in the program and ensure timely and qualitative delivery of lectures, assignments, tests, and exams.
Organize the semestrial residentials and practical exercises at KATC.
Encourage and guide students in research within the area of Agroecology.
Develop a business plan for this new diploma in agroecology to ensure that it will be financially self-sustaining
Identify capital and human resources investments required to develop this program further.
Meet with the Executive Director, Programme Manager, and Training & Research Coordinator weekly for de-briefing and produce weekly progress reports
Maintain good links with the coordinator of the youth empowerment program to ensure that youths are receiving the best possible facilitation.
Spot interesting personalities to invite for guest lectures and workshop
Prepare Graduation Celebration for the Students.
Facilitate students during the time of residential and attachments.
Take over a certain deputation of lectures within the program.

Qualifications, experience, and requirements:

Minimum a Bachelors Degree, preferably Masters Degree
Work experience in an academic institution will be advantageous.
Good communication skills especially on social media and the internet
Excellent writing and reporting skills in English
Able to work with minimum supervision
Knowledge of teaching methodology will be an added advantage
Be a self-starter
Strong people management skills
Strong planning, budgeting monitoring, and evaluation skills
Hardworking, honest, and reliable willing to work long sometimes awkward hours
Driving license B