Relief International Seeks Seed Industry Adviser

Relief International has agricultural opportunities and jobs in Ghana to employ Seed Industry Adviser. Established in 1990, Relief International (RI) is a leading global change organization that transforms adversity into renewal for the world's most vulnerable populations.  RI bridges the gap between immediate humanitarian relief and long-term community development.  RI also comprises Enterprise Works/VITA (EWV) to expand its work to combat poverty by helping small producers and other entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that create jobs and increase productivity, market opportunities and incomes.  The merged organization is currently working in more than 30 countries to combat global poverty through humanitarian and economic development programs based on sustainable, enterprise-oriented solutions. JOB SUMMARY Company: Relief International Industry: NGO Category: Agriculture Location: Tamale Job Status: Full-time Salary: GH¢  Education: Master's Experience: 7 years Job Expires: 23 Dec, 2012 Job Description Program Summary: RI/EW is currently seeking advisors and experts for key positions in the upcoming 5-year USAID Ghana Agricultural Technology Transfer Project (ATT) Project.  The overall goal of the ATT Project is to provide technical assistance and capacity building for increasing the availability of agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana to focusing on improved seed technologies, including biotechnology; managing soil fertility; agriculture sector communications and knowledge management tools; strengthening capacity for agricultural research for technology development and transfer; and to strengthen public and private sectors to disseminate such technologies.  The project will focus on maize, rice, and soya and will be closely integrated with other USAID Ghana Feed the Future (FtF) and Government of Ghana's projects and programs in the seed and soil fertility sectors. Essential Responsibilities and Duties: The Seed Industry Advisor will help strengthen the capacity to develop and access new seed varieties and improve the performance of the formal public and private seed sector to consistently produce high quality seeds for Ghanaian producers.  The Seed Advisor will support and test innovative business models for seed companies; promote linkages in the seed industry; strengthen agro dealers' technical, businesses, and outreach capacity and skills; and foster the transition of Ghana's seed sector towards a private sector led industry.  Support for knowledge and communications systems and technologies that disseminate information on varieties, quantities, prices and locations of seeds will be necessary. Candidates should have a strong technical background of seed production and market experience. The Seed Advisor will work closely with a variety of stakeholders, institutions, and researchers across both public and private sectors in Ghana. Required Skills or Experience Qualifications & Requirements: RI/EW seeks a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results through teamwork for this anticipated program. Master's degree in an agriculture relevant field: Minimum of seven years professional experience in building private sector-led seed industries in developing countries, preferably with some time in Africa, in order to increase the number of improved varieties available for smallholder farmers. Demonstrated success in using value chain approaches and best practices for increasing the competitiveness of a commercial sector. Experience in building capacity of both public and private sector actors in seed industries in carrying out regulatory requirements for seed sector development, including inspection, certification, quality assurance and testing of new varieties. Solid background and knowledge of USAID Rules and Regulations; Excellent interpersonal, communication, public speaking, and strategic planning skills required; Strong English writing skills required; Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, tasks efficiently; Excellent time management skills and resourcefulness with strong attention to detail; How To Apply Interested applicants should  submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, 3 professional supervisory references (whom we may contact after a second interview) with the date of availability to:  hrdevelopment@ri.org. OR  Click on the below link: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=RI&cws=4&rid=285  Search for Other Jobs Here