Job Title: Technical Associate II: Field Agronomist – Coffee, Cashew, Cocoa
(for Sierra Leonean Nationals only, position contingent on award of donor funding)
Department: Programs
Band: 7
Reports To: Project Manager – Coffee, Cocoa, Cashew Value Chains
Country/Location: Sierra Leone/ Kenema, Kailahun, or Bo
CRS Background
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Country Background
CRS launched its work in Sierra Leone in 1963 supporting relief and development operations in the country. CRS Sierra Lone has proudly maintained a strong reputation and relationship with partners and the communities we serve in the country implementing a multi-sector program portfolio. Today, CRS Sierra Leone has a robust portfolio built around several major programs in Education, Nutrition, Health, Agriculture, and Urban Resilience. CRS Sierra Leone has its main office in Freetown, with over 140 staff in total across the country.
Job Summary:
You will provide technical support in the area of coffee and/or cocoa agriculture production and value chain development in line with with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practice to technical staff, Country Program (CP) staff and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) staff to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. Working closely with the Senior Agronomist, HQ and regional technical advisors and other country program staff, you will contribute, as coffee or cocoa agronomist, to the effective, adaptive and innovative implementation of the Integrated Approach to Strengthen Coffee, Cocoa, and Cashew Production and Quality in Sierra Leone project.
Job Responsibilities:
· Collect and disseminate Agriculture related information and resources to CRS staff and partners and assist with organization, design and coordination of training workshops to support capacity building efforts. Identify new approaches and methods for online learning.
· Responsible for working alongside MAF staff to deliver trainings, onsite coaching and deliver necessary extension services on Coffee or Cocoa.
· Research and analyze technical information from a variety of sources for technical problems to support CP teams in achieving technical excellence in ongoing Agriculture programs/projects.
· Support the development of program/project documents and tools, as well as technical manuals or guidance, training materials, and quality improvement and assessment guidelines.
· Coordinate and/or perform various activities in support of implementation and program/project design, including but not limited to monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, needs assessment, strategic planning, program design, and technological solutions.
· Contribute to the learning agenda by researching and analyzing information, conducting literature reviews, mappings or information gathering from various internal and external sources on assigned topics. Coordinate maintenance of virtual resource and documentation databases.
Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
Education and Experience
· Master’s in international development, Agriculture, or Agronomy required.
· Minimum of two to three years of relevant work experience with an international NGO, with at least one year of field-based programming experience.
· Additional experience may substitute for some education.
· Specific knowledge of technical principles and concepts in Agronomy of Coffee or Cocoa.
· Knowledge of program design requirements and regulations of major donors.
· Knowledge of latest technological tools that have the potential to be applied in Agriculture or Agronomy of Coffee or Cocoa.
· Strong English writing skills.
· Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, knowledge-sharing networks.
Personal Skills
- Good relationship management skills with ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
- Strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking capacity and skills
- Good writing skills
- Strong data collection and research skills and ability to interpret and analyze data
- Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented
Language Required
English, Krio, Mende
Travel Required
Regular travel from sub-offices in Kenema, Kailahun, Bo to field sites and to main office in Freetown
Key Working Relationships:
Supervisory: None
Internal: Senior Agronomist, CCC Field Agronomists, Project Manager, Head of Programs, Technical Advisors for Agriculture
External: MAF Block Extension Officers and Frontline Extension Officers, Partners
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
· Integrity
· Accountability & Stewardship
· Builds Relationships
· Develops Talent
· Continuous Improvement & Innovation
· Strategic Mindset
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Equal Opportunity Employer, women encouraged to apply
More Information
- Job City Freetown