Winrock International is a non-profit organization that works with people around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. Winrock International is currently recruiting for the position of full-time Nutrition Specialist in its Tamale office to support the five-year, USAID-funded Feed the Future Ghana Agriculture and Natural Resources Management Project (USAID AgNRM).

AgNRM seeks to provide a scalable, integrated landscapes approach to support sustainable economic development and rural livelihoods, improve nutritional outcomes, expand climate change related risk management options, and strengthen northern Ghana’s natural resource base. As part of this, AgNRM is supporting community-based natural resource management in the Black Volta Basin and in the Western and Eastern Biodiversity Corridors.

The project activities are being implemented within the Forestry Commission’s Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) framework under four project outcomes: 1) Increased Incomes from Natural Resource Products; 2) Improved Food and Nutritional Security; 3) Increased Farmer and Community Security/Access to Land and Natural Resources; and 4) Strengthened Environmental Stewardship.

Winrock International is seeking applicants for the position of Agronomy/Climate Smart Agriculture Field Officer as part of USAID-funded Feed the Future Ghana Agriculture and Natural Resources Management project. The responsibilities, duties, and qualifications are described in the position description below.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• LOCATION: Several positions – Bolgatanga, Sandema, and Wa, Ghana
• UNIT: Forestry and Natural Resource Management Group
• POSITION TITLE: Agronomy/Climate Smart Agriculture Field Officer
• STATUS: Full time
• REPORTS TO: Food Security and Nutrition Specialist

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Agronomy and Climate Smart Agriculture Extension Officer will work with the Food Security and Nutrition Specialist, technical staff, field teams, and partners to identify, develop and/or strengthen agricultural production and nutrition and improve household resilience.
• Household agricultural production and reliance will be enhanced through effective planning and implementation of Climate Smart Agricultural practices and improved resilience.

INCLUDED RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Take a lead in identifying and implementing Climate Smart Agricultural practices in AgNRM supported communities;
• Assist the Outcome 2 Lead in the validation and selection of the most appropriate agricultural practices to promote in AgNRM’s targeted landscapes;
• Ensure viability and sustainability of the proposed agricultural techniques and practices;
• Assist in the identification and assessment of existing technology(ies) that could be adapted in AgNRM’s targeted landscapes;
• Assist in the identification of technology or equipment specifications appropriate for enhancing household resilience to shocks and stressors;
• Prepare and/or streamline and present training programs as part of an integrated Climate Smart Agriculture approach, or as and when required;
• Identify appropriate training materials and/or training service providers and manage agronomy and/or Climate Smart Agriculture training activities;
• Meet regularly (monthly) with targeted communities and farmers to assess progress towards set objectives;
• Ensure effective linkages and integration of activities with the other AgNRM components, including agriculture, value chain activities, natural resource management and improving CREMA governance capacities;
• Liaise with Communications Team to develop a variety of communications materials and knowledge resources to provide up-to-date success stories and evidence of program results and impacts;
• Provide bi-weekly and quarterly report inputs, and participate in annual reporting and planning processes;
• Performs other duties that may be required from time to time as may be directed by the Outcome Two (2) Lead and/ the AgNRM management;
• Reports to the Lead for Outcome 2 on the AgNRM project.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Excellent benefits include life, disability, and medical insurance, retirement, and other normal Winrock benefits.

Qualification Required & Experience

• Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or related fields.

Work Experience

• Minimum three years of professional experience in food security and agronomic approaches in the agricultural and natural resources sectors, including agriculture research, livestock experience, and extension/education experience.
• Experience working on agriculture/food security projects.
• Experience in managing and mentoring formal and informal farmer groups/ enterprises.
• Experience in markets and/or rural development.
• Experience organizing and managing community forums, such as trainings, workshops, and meetings.
• Demonstrated and proven record to work in a multidisciplinary team under changeable and complex circumstances.
• Previous work experience and knowledge of USAID or other donor projects.

Skills

• Excellent data collection, collation and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and facilitation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in English required.
• Fluency in at least one of the local languages spoken in AgNRM’s Zone of Influence: Wale, Kasem, Buli, Mampruli, Frafra, Kusaal, or Talene.
• Computer literacy, specifically in Microsoft Word and Excel, is required.

Location: Bolgatanga, Sandema, and Wa

How To Apply For The Job

All interested candidates shall submit their applications (maximum 5 pages including resume, two references and one-page cover letter) in English to:

Ghana.Recruitment@winrock.org indicating “Agronomy/Climate Smart Agriculture Field Officer” in the subject line.

Closing Date: 16 March, 2018

Qualified applicants will be invited for an in-person interview.

Winrock would like to graciously thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are short listed will be contacted. EEOE/AA.