Timor Aid, Agronomist, Deadline April 23, 2010.

Agronomist

Timor Aid
Closing date: 23 Apr 2010
Location: Timor-Leste

Position: Agronomist
Location: Dili, East Timor (with frequent travel to rural districts)
Duration: 10 months
Deadline for application: 23^th April 2010

Summary
Timor Aid, and its international partner Fundeso, have recently been awarded of a grant by AECID for the implementation of a livelihood/food security program in Manufahi District, Timor-Leste.

The program has several components, singled out to enhance the livelihood of local farmers living in remote areas, such as crops diversification, trainings, improvement of the irrigation systems, establishment of community seeds banks and oil mills, etc...

The Agronomist will be responsible for overviewing several agricultural areas, such as the enhancement of the crops production, the efficient utilization of the new irrigation system and other facilities built. The Agronomist will also be in charge of designing and implementing trainings to the farmers in home gardening, and facilitate the establishment of small cooperative for the fisheries, oil production, and seeds banks.

The Agronomist will be based in Dili, but s/he is expected to regularly visit the project sites. The Agronomist is expected to work closely with project staff in the process of project implementation and to report to the Program Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Technical Work

• Overview multiple agricultural sustainable production program areas (crop system management, water use and planning, food processing components, and horticulture, all in a tropical context)
• Provide technical assistance and analisys to identify viable strategies for the enhancement of agricultural inputs and sustainable production systems, diversify varieties and cultivation techniques and improve rural production systems;
• In coordination with the Program Coordinator, identify, develop and implement training for farmers in the area of water use and planning, food crops diversifycation, home gardening and seeds banks establishment, acquaculture, and production of oil;
• Ensure the coherence and the comprehensiveness of the approach used in order to provide effective improvement to the livelihood and food security of the communities.

Community Development Work

• Facilitate the establishment and organization of small farmers cooperatives for the establishment of seeds banks and small community oil mills;
• Engage, and maintain the engagement, of the communities in the program implementation;
• Promote the behavioural change of the semi-traditional agriculture to modern farming groups who have been directly involved in this project.

Project Management

• Provide technical assistance for the agriculture sustainable production in the project site.
• Coach the Timor Aid staff for the proper monitoring and evaluation of the project activities;
• Establish and maintain productive and positive relationships with local officials, communities and other stakeholders;
• Ensure regular submission of technical report and support the Program Coordinator in the preparation of the quarterly progress reports;
• In coordination with the Program Coordinator, lead the Same staff in ensuring the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural components of the Program;
• Regularly attend the Program meetings, providing his technical expertise and insights for project implementation;
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree (Master preferred) in Agronomy or other relevant fields
• At least two years of work experience in sustainable-organic Agriculture/Livelihood development, especially in diversification of food production, home gardening, and establishment of smalls cooperatives of farmers;
• Prior experience in aquaculture;
• At least one year of experience working in agriculture/extensions in Tropical Countries. Work experience in Timor-Leste, or in the Region, will constitute an asset.
• Fluent in English, knowledge of Indonesian and / or Tetum language will be an important asset.
• Computer literacy in MS Office packages and other programs
• Good communication skills.

Personal Qualities and Skills

·         High standard of accuracy.

·         Self-initiative and prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines.

·         Ability to work as part of a team and alone with minimum supervision.

·         Flexibility and able to adapt to change.

·         Respect of confidentiality.

·         Able to integrate in local culture and create good atmosphere at work.

Attractive salary and other benefits (air fair, visa, etc…) based on experience

How to apply
Please email cover letter and CV to: amaralalbino@yahoo.co.uk (HR Manager)
Reference Code: RW_84B8UM-22