Extension Education and Training Specialist

Job Description

Title: Extension Education and Training Specialist

Program: Market-Oriented Dairy (MOD)

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Start Date: on/around January 16, 2023

Level of Effort: 40 Days

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION:

The seven-year Market-Oriented Dairy (MOD) Project, funded by the USDA’s Food for Progress program, supports farmers and enterprises to meet the increased demand for dairy and aims to catalyze sustainable growth in Sri Lanka’s dairy sector. In partnership with the private and public sector, the Project will increase milk production of participating farmers, expand domestic trade of milk and milk products, and enable farmers to earn price premiums based on quality.

A recent assessment conducted by the MOD project highlighted the absence of an effective training program on extension education. This was further stressed at the Extension Strategy Workshop by both public and private sector stakeholders who indicated a willingness to actively support and participate in a program to train their respective extension staff. As the prime organization responsible for extension in Sri Lanka, the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) will take the lead in developing and delivering an extension education certificate course.

To assist DAPH in initiating a training program to meet market demand, MOD will engage an international consultant to develop an extension education program.

To develop an extension education program and curriculum to train personnel involved in providing dairy extension services.

APPROACH:

The Extension Training Specialist will conduct a quick assessment on current extension related training programs including MOD extension strategy and assessment findings. He/she will also meet with extension officers of MOD partner organizations including DAPH staff to understand extension methods used including the challenges faced. Based on the findings, the Extension Training Specialist will develop an extension education training program in close consultation with stakeholders including DAPH who will be responsible for delivering the training.

TASKS:

• Meet with MOD’s partner dairy processing companies to identify on-going extension delivery methods and practices;
• Review existing extension assessment findings and strategies;
• Meet with DAPH and private sector extension officer to obtain an understanding of extension method being implemented;
• Conduct farmer visits to obtain an understanding of the type of extension services they receive;
• Develop an extension education training program that will strengthen the provision of extension services in the dairy sector;
• Present proposed program to stakeholders;
• Develop a practical extension handbook, and
• Finalize extension training program that includes training program outline and course materials, inclusive of modern extension methods and practices.

DELIVERABLES:

• Presentation of the assessment findings
• Extension education training manual
• Extension education training course outline
• Extension education course materials
• Extension handbook
• Final report on the assignment including recommendations for DAPH on how to develop examination or other benchmarks to determine a pass grade for certification

ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS:

MOD will cover approved expenses for the expert’s transport, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, following MOD travel policies and USG travel regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a degree in extension education, agriculture, or agribusiness, or other related field with at least 7 years of experience designing/developing extension education program in the agriculture sector.
• Must be current in best practices in the provision of extension services.
• Prior experience working with developing country extension services r agribusinesses is preferred, and experience in Sri Lanka would be an advantage.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills in English.
• Must be computer literate and able to use Microsoft Suite products such as Office, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
• This position is intended for an international consultant.

About the Organization

IESC is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that fosters private sector development in the economically developing world. Since 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions that have resulted in more than 1.5 million jobs in 137 countries. We partner with businesses, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, jobseekers, and governments to sustainably build capacity, create jobs, and grow enterprises, sharing proven skills and experience that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the world. Our major funders today are the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.