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Chemonics International Inc., a leading international development firm based in Washington, D.C (www.chemonics.com, seeks qualified candidates for a five-year agricultural value-chain development project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The positions will be based in Kano. Any successful candidates will possess the following:
Job Title: Soy Value Chain Advisor
Location: Kano
General Summary of Soy Value Chain Advisor: The Kano Regional Office in Kano is in charge of Sorghum, Maize, Rice and Soybeans programs. The Soybean program is currently implemented in Kaduna state. The project field work is intensive and covers all activities along the commodity value chain.
The Value Chain Advisor shall assist Senior Program Manager in coordinating all activities including facilitation of farmer mobilization; awareness creation at all levels, training of farmers in best agronomic practices, post harvest handling and the agricultural enterprise curriculum. He/she shall assist in managing the farmer-investor relationship and activities of ADP staff seconded to the program.
He/she shall assist in initiating and overseeing on-farm demonstrations on improved technologies and new practices required by specific buyer(s) to improve competitiveness at the farm level, assist with development of training materials and training in collaboration with private service providers hired by project.
In addition to technical tasks, the Value Chain Advisor will assist with M&E activities, drafting scopes of work and providing inputs for weekly, monthly and quarterly reports. The specific duties include but are not limited to the following tasks: ◦Assist Senior Program Manager with the development and implementation of commodity specific plans of action in collaboration with partners and client firms; and, design of training programs as needed for successful implementation of rice production in the targeted areas of the region.
◦Assist Senior Program Manager with the planning, implementation and monitoring of commodity specific activities including but not limited to: drafting scopes of work for short-term service providers, selecting suitable service providers, supervise their activities and ensure timely and effective delivery of quality products consistent with expected milestones and results.
◦Assist Senior Program Manager in providing technical assistance and disseminate the package of practices for the production of high quality commodities that meets end-users quality and quantity requirements through demonstrations, training of trainers, and on-the-spot visits to farms and farmers. He/she shall give priority to environmentally sound production technologies and practices that increase profitability, while addressing targeted market demands and hindrances to easy access to service markets (input dealers, banks, extension agencies, etc.). He/she shall also give attention to mechanization and ensure adoption of appropriate and affordable machineries that will improve efficiency of smallholder farming.
◦Assist Senior Program Manager with development of training materials and training of producers, ADP staff, agro-dealers etc., on improved production techniques and post-harvest handling including cleaning, sorting, grading, and storage. Also provide constant supervision on varietal trials and pilot initiatives (such as contract farming) that will improve efficiency and effectiveness of raw material supply to processors.
◦Establish close and effective working relations with key organizations and government agencies and facilitate the integration, coordination and harmonization of value chain development activities with relevant key actors like state governments, private sector firms and donor projects.
◦Provide inputs to weekly, monthly and quarterly reports and work planning exercises.
◦Perform other tasks as required by the Senior program Manager or his designee.
Qualifications/experience:
Application Closing Date
9th August, 2013
Method of Application
Please, apply only if you have the required qualifications and work experience by emailing a full CV detailing all relevant professional experience and achievements, a cover letter detailing qualifications in relation to the position, and three professional references not later than August 9, 2013 to recruitment@nigeriamarkets.org. Please specify 'the position' in the subject line. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Chemonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Title: Soy Value Chain Advisor
Location: Kano
General Summary of Soy Value Chain Advisor: The Kano Regional Office in Kano is in charge of Sorghum, Maize, Rice and Soybeans programs. The Soybean program is currently implemented in Kaduna state. The project field work is intensive and covers all activities along the commodity value chain.
The Value Chain Advisor shall assist Senior Program Manager in coordinating all activities including facilitation of farmer mobilization; awareness creation at all levels, training of farmers in best agronomic practices, post harvest handling and the agricultural enterprise curriculum. He/she shall assist in managing the farmer-investor relationship and activities of ADP staff seconded to the program.
He/she shall assist in initiating and overseeing on-farm demonstrations on improved technologies and new practices required by specific buyer(s) to improve competitiveness at the farm level, assist with development of training materials and training in collaboration with private service providers hired by project.
In addition to technical tasks, the Value Chain Advisor will assist with M&E activities, drafting scopes of work and providing inputs for weekly, monthly and quarterly reports. The specific duties include but are not limited to the following tasks: ◦Assist Senior Program Manager with the development and implementation of commodity specific plans of action in collaboration with partners and client firms; and, design of training programs as needed for successful implementation of rice production in the targeted areas of the region.
◦Assist Senior Program Manager with the planning, implementation and monitoring of commodity specific activities including but not limited to: drafting scopes of work for short-term service providers, selecting suitable service providers, supervise their activities and ensure timely and effective delivery of quality products consistent with expected milestones and results.
◦Assist Senior Program Manager in providing technical assistance and disseminate the package of practices for the production of high quality commodities that meets end-users quality and quantity requirements through demonstrations, training of trainers, and on-the-spot visits to farms and farmers. He/she shall give priority to environmentally sound production technologies and practices that increase profitability, while addressing targeted market demands and hindrances to easy access to service markets (input dealers, banks, extension agencies, etc.). He/she shall also give attention to mechanization and ensure adoption of appropriate and affordable machineries that will improve efficiency of smallholder farming.
◦Assist Senior Program Manager with development of training materials and training of producers, ADP staff, agro-dealers etc., on improved production techniques and post-harvest handling including cleaning, sorting, grading, and storage. Also provide constant supervision on varietal trials and pilot initiatives (such as contract farming) that will improve efficiency and effectiveness of raw material supply to processors.
◦Establish close and effective working relations with key organizations and government agencies and facilitate the integration, coordination and harmonization of value chain development activities with relevant key actors like state governments, private sector firms and donor projects.
◦Provide inputs to weekly, monthly and quarterly reports and work planning exercises.
◦Perform other tasks as required by the Senior program Manager or his designee.
Qualifications/experience:
- First degree in agriculture, agricultural economics or related discipline with over 5 years of professional experience in extension work, training and institutional linkages. Master's degree in the field of agriculture is an advantage.
- Demonstrated experience in agricultural production and market-led agricultural development is a must.
- Knowledge of commodity value chain development is a strong advantage. Also experience in training extension workers or other agricultural trainers in Nigeria will be beneficial.
- Demonstrated ability to design training and provide technical and marketing assistance to farmers is desirable. Also experience in developing and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural production and processing techniques.
- Ability to work collaboratively, and build alliances with relevant groups, organizations, agencies, businesses, private or public sectors is highly important. High level of initiative and creativity. He/she must be a team player, able to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Application Closing Date
9th August, 2013
Method of Application
Please, apply only if you have the required qualifications and work experience by emailing a full CV detailing all relevant professional experience and achievements, a cover letter detailing qualifications in relation to the position, and three professional references not later than August 9, 2013 to recruitment@nigeriamarkets.org. Please specify 'the position' in the subject line. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Chemonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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