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Title: Project Assistant (Several Positions)
Background and Context
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to access, develop, adapt and deliver appropriate agricultural technologies for sustainable use by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is headquartered in Nairobi, and its mandate covers sub-Saharan Africa.
Since its inception in 2003, AATF projects portfolio has grown to six (6) active projects, namely, Striga control, Cowpea improvement, Banana improvement, Rice improvement, Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) and Aflatoxin control. These are at various phases of implementation. Most AATF projects will deliver technologies in the form of improved seed. In particular, the WEMA project is now in commercialization phase, which promotion and sales being key to enable its products reach the farmers.
The WEMA project aims to avail drought tolerant maize hybrids to small holder farmers in Africa. In pursuant of this effort, AATF would like to engage four(4) qualified and experienced staff to facilitate the promotion and sales of the maize hybrids emanating from its projects to farmers.The Project assistants will be based in regions where field activities are on-going, namely, Easter, Western and South rift regions of Kenya.
Description and Objective of the Assignment
The positions is for a nationally recruited staff and bears the responsibility for ensuring that partner seed companies produce and supply improved seed to target farmers in the volumes and as per set quality standards in a cost-effective manner.
The positions will be based at Machakos, Embu, Narok, and Kisumu Counties. The positions are for six months contract, and may be renewed subject to performance, field support needs and availability of funds.
Reporting to the AATF Seed Systems Manager, the incumbents will oversee field work in his/her assigned region of operations.
Key duties and responsibilities
Oversee all field work in respective region of operations, including monitoring activities to ensure timely delivery of milestones.
Assist in formulation and implementation of detailed field workplans, including clearly defined milestones and timelines.
Facilitate collection and analysis of field information and data as per the work plan, including, seed distribution and commercial sales data at the agro-dealer, seed company and farmer levels.
Prepare and submit quality field reports when required, clearly detailing the project status in appropriate format.
Ensure timely engagement of seed companies, media, extension service, farmers and provision of technical support.
Ensure timely payments of seed proceeds from seed companies or agro-dealers as may be needed to the Foundation.
Desired Candidate Profile
At least a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural or related sciences from a recognized University. Holders’ of a reputable Diploma degree with substantial relevant experience will also be considered.
At least 2 years’ experience and in field work involving crop production and management skill.
Ability to work with public and private sector partners.
Proven project monitoring and evaluation skills
Maintain confidentiality of all information that comes by virtue of appointment and in the course of assigned duties.
Be conversant crop production techniques and awareness creation methodologies
Results and detail-orientation and the ability to work with a sense of urgency in a multicultural and diverse environment.
Team player with capability to work with people in such a manner as to build high morale and group commitment to objectives.
Proven communication skills including the ability to clearly document and present information through oral or written English.
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications with detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the AATF Human Resource Associate aatf-hr@aatf-africa.org on or before8th December, 2013.
Your CV should include details of your qualifications, experience, current position, telephone contact, email address, names and addresses of three referees.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
More information about AATF is available at www.aatf-africa.org
