ORGIIS Vacancies 2018

ORGIIS is an NGO based in Paga, working in partnership with Aduna (UK) on identifying locally grown crops that can create new export market value chains.

Job Description

Job Title: Crop Production Manager

We are developing a donor funded Sahel Innovation Centre (SIC) near Paga, Upper East Region. The SIC is being funded by the United Nations up until December 2019 although it is anticipated that the position may continue until after that date. The purpose of the SIC is to innovate with crops (within a 1-hectare plot) that will grow within a Sahel environment but have the potential to be grown at scale to create new export markets. The SIC will merge the latest agronomic knowledge with local farmers to identify

1. the optimum strain or variety of each plant suited to the climate, soil and conditions
2. the optimum methods of planting, growing, harvesting and processing each crop

The crops currently for consideration are:

• Moringa
• Fonio
• Bambara

The SIC also includes a nursery for the propagation and growth of baobab seedlings for ongoing transplantation into local communities.

Role and Responsibilities

We require an individual that can make an immediate start in order to take advantage of the 2018 rainy season. The individual will report into the local ORGIIS Project Manager. However, they will be required to communicate regularly with the SIC Agronomist (based in the UK) who will work alongside the Crop Production Manager to help determine the optimum methods for fulfilling the objectives. This will include:

• Preparing the land for sowing and demarcating specific areas of the plot for each crop
• Organising and working with local experts to install a reliable crop irrigation system
• Supervising the construction of a dedicated baobab nursery
• Liaising with the SIC Agronomist to agree activities, address issues and identify improvements
• Supervising a small team of staff and instructing accordingly
• Monitoring and evaluating the growth of each seed variety
• Distributing and allocating baobab seedlings to field officers for transplanting
• Documenting and keeping records of SIC tools, keeping safe and maintaining in good condition
• Keeping accurate records (electronic and photographic) as advised by the SIC Agronomist and reporting regularly on progress
• Disseminating knowledge to farmer groups and outgrower schemes, providing demonstrations and field day training as needed
• Explaining, educating and guiding SIC visitors and sharing the learnings of the project. This may include officials, donors and farmer groups from neighboring countries
• Working alongside the wider ORGIIS team and ensuring co-ordination with parallel projects

The position is subject to a three-month probationary period

Qualifications & Experience

A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy, agriculture or related fields.

A minimum of two years experience in managing crop production. Preference will be given to candidates that can evidence previous experience of applying agronomic principles to crop production.

As well as having enthusiasm for the project, the individual should be able to clearly communicate their own ideas, suggestions and concerns etc. They will need to take ownership of the project and take responsibility for ensuring its future success.

The individual will need to be able to access the SIC each working day and be comfortable to work unsupervised in a remote location.

Skills

Strong technical knowledge of crop production techniques

Practical experience of irrigation systems and management, including drip irrigation

Excellent data collection, collation and reporting skills

Post harvest technology experience not essential but desirable

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Computer literacy, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel

Ability to access the SIC on a daily basis and work unsupervised in a rural location

Salary

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please state salary expectations in your application.

Location

Paga, Upper East Region

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter explaining why you believe you are the right candidate for the role to [email protected] indicating ‘Crop Production Manager’ in the subject line.