Job Description & Requirements
The Agriculture Technical Officer is responsible for implementation of the agriculture component of a complex livelihood & market development project under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in coordination with other technical staff, project team, partners, local government and other agencies operating in the agriculture sub-sector.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provide expertise-scientific, technical and practical information to all areas related to agriculture;
• Develop, design and/or peer review training materials for target beneficiaries (e.g. lead farmers, Barangay Agricultural Committees), and field staffs, subsequently propose relevant adjustments and improvements;
• Conduct in-house and on-the-field training for beneficiaries and stakeholders in agriculture techniques & practices;
• Contribute to building partnership with all relevant stakeholders and target groups (e.g. Department of Agriculture);
• Writing or translating advisory leaflets, technical notes, and contributing to press releases and articles
• Identify and propose innovative approaches towards planting/cultivation/processing of agriculture crops, horticulture and livestock management;
• Measuring performance and analysing agricultural data such as crop yields;
• Attending meetings, organising seminars, classes, farm demonstrations and group sessions;
• Preparing of request for required project agricultural materials with consideration of the technical aspects and participate in procurement process and quality control of the agricultural materials;
• Design and conduct agricultural project feasibility studies or pilot trials; Collect and assess field data and assist M&E unit in developing of technical questions for baseline and periodic surveys;
• In cooperation with project staff (based on market assessment), identify alternative and feasible crops/livestock suitable for the target area and with high market potential and related agriculture technologies and practices;
• Provide technical follow up and monitoring of the agricultural components of the project in all 6 target municipalities and give necessary feedback for smooth implementation;
• Provide inputs to or participate in activities aimed at linking local farmers with regional/national level agribusinesses and other private sector companies/ traders;
• Perform any other responsibility as assigned by the Project/Programme Manager.
Qualifications Required
Master’s Degree in Agriculture, preferably with specialisation in crop or animal production;
• At least 4 years relevant experience focused in the management/ advisory position of development programmes involving agriculture, natural resource management, community mobilization and training;
• Demonstrated experience in working with small farmers, farmers’ organizations, agri-businesses, local authorities;
• Experience in conducting feasibility studies (e.g. Agro-Ecosystem Analysis);
• Familiarity with conservation agriculture and agroforestry;
• Familiarity with coconut based farming system and value chain enhancement is a significant advantage
• Excellent capacity building/training skills/ pedagogy; Strong analytical and planning skills;
• Flexibility, enthusiasm and willingness to learn and adapt within dynamic and often self-directed working environment;
• Ability and willingness to travel to the field extensively; Knowledge of the geographical area is an advantage;
• Excellent written and spoken English and Waray-Waray.
What We Offer
• Contract period: February/March 2015 – November 2016, renewable based on funding and performance
• Salary/benefits: According to PIN’s salary grid and HR Policy;
• Responsible and independent working position;
• Background of a well-established organization.
How to Apply
Applications should include a cover letter (max 1 page) and a detailed CV giving four reference contacts from four last employments and a day telephone contact. Please send applications by e-mail to: ph.hr@peopleinneed.cz with subject “SWS Agriculture Technical Officer” by latest 23rd February 2015. Please note, that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.