JOB ADVERTISEMENT
USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project
Position Title : Project Manager for Agronomy Workforce Activity
Duration : 60 days
Report to : Chief of Party
- USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project
USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is a horticulture value chain activity aimed at addressing the key challenges of rural poverty, natural resource degradation, food insecurity, and under-nutrition. The value chain approach will be applied in achieving increased productivity along key horticulture value chains that include vegetables, fruits and legumes. Through the promotion of sustainable production practices, increased functionality of farmer groups and associations, improved market linkages, and increased availability and access to quality agricultural inputs and services, including access to finance, the project will aim to stimulate and support increased economic activity and growth in targeted rural communities and districts. Sustainability of these interventions will be supported by work to maintain sound policies and enabling environment relevant to the sector, as well as efforts to increase resilience to climate change and improve natural resource management as it relates to farm systems.
USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is planning to implement an activity to improve the skills of 50 recently graduated agriculture high school students in agronomy skills through in-class teaching and practical experience. Many students that complete agricultural vocational high schools in Timor-Leste are unable to find employment easily with agribusinesses or public extension services because they lack practical skills. The vocational school curricula does not incorporate sufficient practical classes as schools either do not have areas where they can practice agronomy or they do not have access to farms. There are now large numbers of students that have graduated from these schools that do not have work skills that will allow them to attain employment.
USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is seeking to work with selected schools to improve the curricula of the school, train the teachers and work with private sector to implement an internship program for the students. The Project is looking to implement this activity with GIZ, to institutionalize the training by having the curricula adopted by government. Given the complexities of this activity, the Project is seeking to recruit a Project Manager that will coordinate all of the technical experts that will be involved in this activity (curricula and teacher training expert, agronomists that will provide input to the curricula), the donors and interact with government and the schools.
SPECIFIC TASKS & DELIVERABLES
- Develop action plan for implementation of this activity, with defined actions for all experts, the Project, GiZ and government. Develop detailed budget to implement the activity. While developing this action plan, the Consultant will identify if this activity should work with adjusting curricula for students currently attending school and thereby adapting the curricula for the last year of school or if this activity can be a post highschool higher education program that is recognized by government. The Consultant will work with GiZ to identify and government to identify the best model.
- Based on approved action plan draft MOU with Giz to define what each party (Giz and the Project) will be responsible for including budgetary responsibilities
- Identify one or two agronomy schools to work with the in the Project’s targeted municipalities. Obtain information about their current programs, what they are teaching students. Provide recommendations to the Project and GiZ which school to work with.
- With support from GiZ identify which Ministries are responsible for approving the curricula (MAF but may also include Ministry of Education) and map out process to have curricula adopted, with timelines. Based on this information draft a MOU with Ministries to ensure their commitment to approving the curricula.
- Identify companies where internships programs can be implemented. Obtain commitment from companies to host internship programs. It is expected that in the first year the Project and Giz will finance the internship program. The Consultant will also identify how the internships program can be financed from non-donor sources. This will include identifying whether Sefope has resources to finance interns as well as MAF.
- Work with technical experts to develop guidelines on practical program for interns within the companies. Montitor the internship program
- Oversee implementation of the action plan including coordinating all technical staff
- Oversee selection process for identifying students
- Monitor and oversee implementation of training
QUALIFICATIONS
- Consultant needs to have demonstrated experience in working with Timorese private sector
- Experience working with different stakeholders, including schools in Timor
- Excellent organizational skills
- Fluency in Indonesian or Tetun
This program represents a challenging, fast-paced international work environment that demands initiative, flexibility and a willingness to travel for certain aforementioned position. In return, Cardno offers the right candidate a very competitive package and an exciting job that rewards creative thinking and offers an opportunity to develop a deep insight into the functioning of the Timor-Leste economy, and possibly beyond. Please note that the rate of pay will be based on previous salary and local labour standards. For further details please email [email protected]
To apply please send your CV and a brief cover letter in English responding to skills and experiences required for the position. Applications should be emailed with subject “USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project – Project Manager for Agronomy Workforce Activity”, to [email protected]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Position is open to Timor-Leste national. Cardno is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Child Protection in all fields. Successful applicants will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.
The deadline for submission of CVs / Expressions of Interest is March 29, 2017 at 05.30 pm.
USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project managed by Cardno
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