Lead Agronomist, CRSPT : Mtwara or Lindi, Tanzania

Job Title:        Lead Agronomist, CRSPT

Location:        Mtwara or Lindi, Tanzania

Programme background

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede development in marginalized and isolated regions.  AKF is working in Tanzania in sectors that include rural development, education, health and civil society strengthening.  The Coastal Rural Support Programme Tanzania, CRSP (T) is a multi-input area development initiative of AKF in Lindi and Mtwara regions. The programme’s overall goal is to improve the quality of life and social wellbeing of people in the two regions through sustainable interventions in agriculture and market development, access to finance, health, and education.  CRSPT is working on a private-sector led sustainable agriculture approach that combines sustainable production intensification with strengthening markets.  The programme is currently working on rice, sesame, and horticulture value chains with the possible addition of legumes and other crops.  CRSPT has sizeable reach and is directly working with over 55,000 farmers and over 250 private sector stakeholders including local entrepreneurs, rural shops, millers, cooperatives, marketing groups, traders and agribusiness companies.

AKF is looking for a dynamic professional who can take on the role of Lead Agronomist at CRSPT. The Lead Agronomist is a key position responsible for leading sustainable production intensification efforts of CRSPT in selected crops along with a team of agronomists, supervisors and facilitators.

Working under the leadership of the CRSPT Programme Director, the successful candidate will drive the sustainable production intensification and market development component. Leading the production and market development teams, the MD Manager will be responsible for guiding CRSPT’s effort to sustainably intensify production in the rice, sesame and horticulture sub-sectors as well as steer and manage activities to strengthen market linkages including establishing/promoting links with private sector companies in the region, Dar es Salaam and elsewhere.

The Lead Agronomist is a key position, responsible for leading sustainable production intensification efforts of CRSPT (in rice, sesame, horticulture and possibly legumes) along with a team of agronomists, supervisors and facilitators.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement sustainable and/or time bound strategies and operational plans for extension services for selected crops
• Ensure that production intensification approaches are environmentally sustainable and market relevant
• Facilitate innovation and use of technology to improve yield and post-harvest handling
• Supervise, support and hold accountable the agronomists and their field teams on efficient and effective delivery of training programmes at field level to improve crop productivity, post-harvest handling, and incomes of small holders
• Engage the regional and district government in strategizing and planning to improve agriculture programs and practices
• Support the market development unit to facilitate linkages of program producers groups to relevant value chain actors for improved  profitability for farmers
• Ensure organization and implementation of farmer field days, farmers exchange visits, exposure visits for government officials and other partners as well as such similar learning and awareness creation endeavors.
• Facilitate the development of learning and training materials as well as information and communication bulletins that enhance CRSPT visibility.
• Supervise in conjunction with other CRSP-T staff as may be required, field surveys related to agriculture and livelihood such as yield measurement, adoption rates, impact of extension services etc
• Write monthly, quarterly summaries and annual reports to the sector managers as maybe required for the purpose of program documentation, M&E and reporting to donors.
• Contribute to CRSP-T quarterly and annual planning meetings and budgeting process by furnishing timely information on the agronomic aspect of crop cultivation.
• Ensure adequate and useful communications linkages are maintained between the project management, the communities and other stakeholders in a transparent manner that eliminates confusion.

Qualifications/Experience:

•       Minimum of BSc in Agronomy, Agriculture, Horticulture or BSc Education with Agricultural Extension (MSc degree preferred)

•       At least eight years working in land farming or rural development projects of which at least 5 years as senior agronomist in a reputable organisation

•       Experience of crop production management and post-harvest management/technologies

•       Experience of working in at least one of the following crops: rice, sesame, horticulture, legumes

•       Fully aware of current and emerging agricultural approaches, inputs including seed varieties, technologies, equipment, and agro-ecological zoning for Tanzania

•       Strong understanding of agriculture markets

•       Experience of working in rural Tanzania preferably in southern coastal regions ( Lindi and Mtwara)

•       Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage different streams of work and deadlines

•       Strong leadership, project management and people’s management skills

•       A strong work ethic, interpersonal skills, and proactive

•       Ability to work in a multicultural environment

•       Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Swahili

•       Willingness to live in Mtwara, Tanzania, and travel to remote areas as needed

Interested applicants are requested to submit their CVs (not exceeding 3 pages), including contact details for three professional references, and a covering letter explaining why they are best suited for the particular position directly to the Human Resources Manager through email at crspt.hr@crspt.org or before the closure of the business on Monday 5^th January 2015.  Please clearly indicate “Application for LEAD AGRONOMIST POSITION” in your email subject. We respect all candidates but we can only respond to shortlisted candidates. Although all applications will be considered on their individual merit, suitably qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.