Malawi Extension Lead

One Acre Fund is seeking a Malawi Extension Lead based in Zomba, focusing on implementing the country’s extension strategy. The role combines agronomy expertise with Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Social Behavioral Change (SBC) approaches to improve farmer support. The position emphasizes scalable, farmer-centered solutions, collaboration with Field Operations and Innovations, and continuous improvement via farmer feedback and impact data. This is a leadership role within Malawi’s agricultural development program, targeting smallholder farmers in the southern region.

What it offers

• Leadership in agronomy and extension strategy for Malawi’s farming community.
• Design and execution of a multi-year strategy aligned with Malawi’s impact priorities and farmer needs.
• Ownership of annual OKRs, budgets, and seasonal plans for extension delivery.
• Collaboration with Field Operations and Innovations to translate research into practical farmer solutions.
• Focus on HCD and SBC to ensure extension content is simple, practical, and adoptable.

Who can apply

Applicants should have strong leadership experience in agricultural extension, agronomy, or smallholder farming support, with a proven track record in strategy development, team management, and impact-driven programs. Experience in Malawi or sub-Saharan Africa is a plus, as is familiarity with HCD/SBC methodologies and scalable agricultural interventions.

What you'll do

• Own Malawi’s agronomy and extension strategy, ensuring alignment with national priorities and farmer needs.
• Co-design and maintain a multi-year strategy, translating it into annual OKRs, budgets, and seasonal plans.
• Strengthen extension delivery, training, and communication for smallholder farmers.
• Use farmer feedback and impact data to continuously refine extension approaches.
• Collaborate closely with Field Operations and Innovations to turn validated research into scalable, farmer-facing solutions.

How to apply

• Submit a cover letter outlining your fit for the role.
• Provide a CV highlighting relevant experience in agriculture, extension, or strategy leadership.
• Include names and contact details of 2-3 references with relevant experience.

Good to know

• This is a full-time, on-site role based in Zomba, Malawi.
• The position requires strong communication skills in English (Malawian Bassa is a plus).
• Experience with agricultural development programs in sub-Saharan Africa is highly desirable.
• The role involves travel to field sites and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Key requirements: Leadership in agriculture/extension, strategy development, and impact measurement in smallholder farming contexts.