Jenkins will become the first full-time AFL staff member to be based in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area since Paul Habel's move to Wagga seven years ago.

Jenkins beat a handful of applicants from across the country and will begin his new role today.

Southern NSW AFL development manager Marc Geppert said Jenkins' appointment would be of great benefit to sport in the region.

"Che will be the man on the ground out there for us," Geppert said.

"He'll be dealing with primary and secondary schools and assist with running programs there.

"He'll also be a local contact for the local junior teams in the area.

"His main priority will be continuing the growth in the bigger places like Griffith and Leeton while sustaining the growth in places like Narrandera and some of the smaller Northern Riverina communities."

Jenkins arrived in Griffith early last year as one of the Swans' big recruits from the Northern Territory.

He enjoyed a stellar first year across half-back for Griffith and gained selection in the Riverina Football League (RFL) representative team.

Geppert described Jenkins as the perfect man for the job.

"Che's a really good fit for the role," Geppert said.

"He's a good senior footy player and he's played footy across three different states and has done development work in his time in the Northern Territory.

"His experience in junior development is a big positive and the fact he is still young and playing means he will be able to get active and also be a role model to the kids."

As part of Jenkins' role he will also work towards getting an AFL 9s competition off the ground and also work on building female particpation.

Geppert said the MIA will notice a difference with Jenkins' appointment.

"It's fantastic because he's the first full-time person we've had over there in seven or eight years," Geppert said.

"With the potential of places like Griffith and Leeton we need someone full-time over there.

"Che will account for the region and be given more responsibility than just school programs."