Regional Input Specialists - STARR Project at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

Job description

Project Description

IFDC is recruiting for the anticipated USAID Strengthening Agriculture and Regional Resilience (STARR) Project based out of Nairobi. The overall goal of the activity is to promote increased agricultural production, investment, trade and resilience to shocks in the larger East Africa region including select IGAD, COMESA and SADC countries by addressing agricultural issues that can only be solved on a regional basis. STARR has the following objectives:

• Strengthening cross-border agricultural trade and value chains;
• Improved regional agricultural inputs;
• Strengthening resilience;
• Strengthening the regional policy environment.

Responsibilities

• IFDC seeks various regional input specialists in the following technical areas: fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation, feed & fodder, veterinary products, mechanization & farm implements
• Support cross border value chain actors that diffuse and apply new or improved agricultural inputs, practices and processes.
• Support development of strong cross border associations and other private sector networks that can facilitate the availability of improved agricultural inputs.
• Increase the capacity of regional government institutions and the private sector to produce and distribute uniform, high quality seed throughout the region.
• Promote market access and investments in the cross border agricultural input sector.

Required Skills

• Master’s Degree in agriculture, crop sciences or related fields;
• Strong knowledge of smallholder farming systems, and agri-inputs at a national and regional context;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Fluency in English (oral and written) required;
• Strong knowledge in any of the following: fertilizers, seeds, crop protection, irrigation, farm implements/mechanization, veterinary products;
• Willingness to travel extensively in East and Southern Africa.

Required Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience, including experience with a contractor or international NGO in a similar role, or experience working in private sector agri-businesses.