Farmer Behavior & Extension Design Lead

About the role

The Agronomy & Extension Lead will own the implementation of Malawi’s extension strategy, using Human‑Centred Design and Social Behaviour Change approaches to translate agronomic recommendations into simple, practical support for smallholder farmers. The role bridges technical agronomy leadership with the design and management of a farmer‑centered extension system.

Key responsibilities

• Own and co‑design Malawi’s multi‑year agronomy and extension strategy, turning it into annual OKRs, budgets, and seasonal plans.
• Embed extension priorities into Field Operations calendars, training cascades, field tools and performance routines.
• Develop, test and refine agronomic recommendations using farmer feedback, impact data and Human‑Centred Design.
• Design and pilot farmer‑centered extension and behaviour‑change interventions, selecting the right mix of group training, demonstrations, coaching and digital channels.
• Monitor adoption, learning and impact, analysing results across farmer groups, locations and delivery channels.
• Lead seasonal learning reviews, maintain records of lessons and decisions, and adjust interventions as needed.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Extension, Sociology, Anthropology, Design or a related field.
• At least 5 + years of professional experience in Agricultural Extension, Human‑Centred Design, Social Behaviour Change Campaigns or Rural Marketing, preferably with smallholder farmers.
• Demonstrated experience developing, testing or scaling agronomic recommendations or rural extension interventions.
• Strong technical judgment, ability to assess agronomic evidence and translate it into responsible recommendations.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with statistical software such as R or Stata.
• Human‑Centred Design and adult‑learning methodologies.

What we offer

• Health insurance, housing and comprehensive benefits.
• Weekly check‑ins, mentorship, training programs and regular performance feedback.
• Opportunities for career growth, six‑monthly career reviews and a supportive learning culture.