Position Summary:
Winrock International is recruiting an Agriculture Productivity Manager for an anticipated USDA-funded project. This position will be based in Laos. In anticipation of a multi-year United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded program to support the growth of the fruit and vegetable sector in Laos, Winrock is recruiting for Laotian and regionally based technical experts. The program will increase productivity, strengthen the capacity of cooperatives and to create market linkages between producers and domestic and international buyers.
The Agriculture Productivity Manager will work with farmer groups and smallholder producers to transition them out of traditional production systems and into high value horticulture commodities for domestic and regional markets. The Manger will build their capacity to adjust and respond to market signals, incorporate yield enhancing techniques and technologies, and foster long term-commercial relationships with end markets and service providers.
Responsibilities
- Design overall strategy for working with small farmers
- Specific hands-on in-field training to demonstrate best practices in the various stages of production
- Provide small farmers with in-field technical assistance and perform regular follow up visits to identify and resolve problems
- Assist in meeting standards and requirements of internationally recognized quality certifications, including organic.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years’ experience in production and research of a high value, horticultural crops
- Practical experience in implementing GlobalGAP, organic or other relevant quality certifications for horticultural exports
- Masters or PhD in relevant field is preferred
- Familiar with recent advances in agriculture, as well as current issues impacting on the agricultural sector (e.g., climate change, decreasing water resources, etc.)
- Extensive knowledge of the Laotian and regional operating environment
- Fluency in Lao required
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications:
Applicants should submit a current resume and cover letter referencing “Agricultural Productivity Manager” to winrockjobslaos@gmail.com to be considered for this position. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Winrock thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are short listed will be contacted.
Laotian nationals and regionally based technical experts encouraged to apply!
Closing Date: 02 December 2016