The Food Security and Agribusiness Support (FAS) program is a five year, $23 million USAID funded program implemented by CNFA in Egypt. The goal of FAS is to increase agriculture-related incomes of smallholder farmers in Upper Egypt. The program will achieve this goal by implementing a market-driven approach that facilitates sustainable, pro-poor value chain development and helps smallholders increase access to domestic and export markets. The market-driven approach will be supported by four interrelated components: 1) improved on-farm production, 2)more efficient post-harvest processes, 3)improved marketing of agriculture crops and products, and 4) improved nutritional status, especially for women and children.
The Team Leader – Agronomy will be responsible providing overall strategic advice for the production component. Production interventions address constraints of farmer organizations in horticulture production.
This position reports directly to the Chief of Party and is based in Luxor.
Tasks
- Provide overall strategic direction and management for delivery of Component 1
- Coordinate Global GAP and FloCert activities via Blue Moon
- Manage visits of all Component 1 Volunteers and consultants
- Design project interventions intended to, directly or indirectly, improve on-farm productivity
- Oversee delivery of on-farm training and technical advice to improve volumes and quality
- Promote investment in innovative tools and technology at the farm level
- Support appropriate ICT solutions for extension and irrigation
- Coordinate work with associations/cooperatives in alignment with market, post-harvest and business support teams to ensure a coherent whole-of-project approach
- Build capacity of input suppliers for engaging and supplying smallholder farmers with affordable quality inputs
- Support Chief of Party with timely and accurate reporting to USAID
- Ensure high-quality performance of all related activities
- Assist in the development of technical specifications for grant solicitations; assist in the review and assessment of potential grantees; attending workshops (i.e.Full Proposal Workshop) to provide technical guidance for grantees developing applications;assist in completion of pre-award and environmental assessment site visits when required; advise on technical components of grantees’ final project proposals; development and review of technical specifications and market feasibility of in-kind procurements and grantee cost share; monitoring and evaluation of grantee activities;serve as point of contact for portfolio of grantees as assigned;integrating grant activities into the overall technical vision of the project;contribute to grant close-out and equipment disposition.
- Perform other tasks asassigned.
- Minimum of a Master’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, agriculture economics, or related field
- 10 years’ international experience in implementing agricultural development projects. Field experience in Egypt strongly preferred
- Prior USAID or other international donor experience preferred
- Experience in agricultural development including production, post-harvest management, and marketing is required.
- Experience in designing and supervising agriculture production activities;
- Experience working with production/agronomy, agricultural extension and value chain development
- Professional proficiency in written and spoken Arabic and English required
- Strong communication, analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills;
- Excellent team management skills
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
