JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. is a leader in improving the health of individuals and communities by providing high-quality technical and managerial assistance to public health programs worldwide. JSI has implemented projects in 104 countries, and currently operates from eight U.S. and 81 international offices for the past 30 years.

Job Description

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) has received funding from the United States Agency for International Development to implement the Strengthening Partnerships, Results and Innovations in Nutrition Globally (SPRING) Project to work in northern Ghana. SPRING’s work is designed to support USAID/Ghana and it’s other partners to accelerate progress towards reaching a measureable reduction in malnutrition in the Feed the Future Zone of Influence, with particular emphasis on the highest burden districts in Northern Region and Upper East Region.

Job Summary
The Agriculture Advisor is responsible for overseeing SPRING’s technical and programmatic approach and implementation of aflatoxin control, especially as aflatoxins affect the health and nutritional status of young children and pregnant and lactating women. This position will provide technical leadership, capacity building for quality agriculture program, and programmatic operational support.

Reporting Relationship
The Agriculture Advisor reports to the Deputy Country Manager based in Tamale, Ghana.

Background
A crucial area of investment in the SPRING program is Aflatoxin management in staple crops. Chronic exposure to aflatoxin, a fungal byproduct commonly found in maize and groundnuts, has been linked to liver cancer and suppressed immune system function. Non-experimental evidence suggests exposure to the toxin could also negatively impact children's development.

The project will track levels of aflatoxin through controlled sampling in partnership with USAID Feed the Future partners and will work directly on cost-effective responses to aflatoxin control for household consumption. SPRING’s direct implementation support will focus on improved storage and handling for maize and groundnuts at the household and community level.

At the same time, SPRING will be a catalyst for reducing aflatoxin levels in groundnuts by exploring and facilitating opportunities for increased premiums for groundnuts grown, harvested and stored by smallholders using better (aflatoxin-mitigating) practices.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Technical Leadership

•   Design and development of the aflatoxin control thematic area through engagement with development actors and district partners
•   Design and implementation of sampling framework at household, community, and commercial level to ascertain levels of toxin within target districts
•   Facilitate analysis of the groundnut and maize value chain for aflatoxin control
•   Design and facilitation of specific training throughout the value chain to limit aflatoxin exposure.
•   Monitor agriculture interventions and budget expenditure in line with annual workplans
•   Develop and cultivate contacts with processors and aggregators for aflatoxin free products
•   Develop research protocols within the program and form partnership with other actors to maximize research and practice opportunities
•   In consultation with the SPRING/Ghana country management and other technical staff, define SPRING Ghana nutrition strategy that addresses stunting and anemia
•   In consultation with the Deputy Country Manager, represent SPRING Ghana in technical coordination meetings and forums within the districts, region and country, as needed
•   Play an active role in joint development of aflatoxin guidelines and program standards/tools by:
1) Developing and sustaining partner relationships, including academic institutions and technical institutions working in nutrition
2) Developing critical networks to support Aflatoxin actions and research agendas in Ghana and the target regions
•   Closely collaborate with social and behavior change communication (SBCC) team in planning, implementing and monitoring of actions in community mobilization and advocacy efforts
•   Provide technical leadership at the district level, with Ministry of Food and Agriculture engagement, to assist the districts in developing an approach to guide the implementation of aflatoxin interventions, especially related to improved, affordable and sustainable home and community storage technologies and practices
•   Work closely with Strategic Information team to monitor performance against set indicators and document best practices

Capacity Building for Quality Agricultural Program

•   Ensure application and utilization of evidence-based program standards/tools
•   Work with Strategic Information team to develop a systematic approach to document processes, including costing and scaling up of aflatoxin interventions
•   Ensure that technical approaches for scaling services build on in-country capacity to ensure sustainability of services

Program Operations Support

•   Provide timely reports, documents and proposals as requested
•   Review and refine documents/outputs produced by consultants and other SPRING/Ghana staff
•   Work with other technical team members to identify opportunities for further strengthening of District Teams and community services to increase uptake of environmental enteropothy services by target households, groups and communities
•   Work with the Country Manager and SPRING’s agriculture/nutrition  and Strategic Information teams to design and support the implementation of learning and relevant research agenda for SPRING/Ghana
•   Contribute to the development of technical resource materials, including guidelines, training manuals, curricula and job aids, as necessary

Human Resources Management

•   Participate in the identification, recruitment and management of consultants for research, design of documents and other relevant tasks, as necessary

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A master’s degree in Agriculture. Specialization in post-harvest storage and handling of food grain crops is preferred
•   Excellent management and organizational skills
•   Proven quantitative and/or qualitative research skills preferred
•   At least 8 years of relevant experience
•   Excellent English written and oral communication skills, and the ability to write for a range of audiences and purposes, including superior presentation skills
•   Demonstrated ability to initiate and manage significant technical activities, including designing activities, mobilizing resources, identifying and managing partners, and reporting
•   Strong initiative and self-motivation required, with a commitment to teamwork and effectiveness within a dynamic multi-disciplinary project
•   Ability to effectively work independently outside of conventional office environments.
•   Ability to work effectively in a team consisting of people with different technical backgrounds and with varying levels of technical training
•   Ability to translate technical information into practical guidance and tools and effectively communicate these using print, electronic, and presentation media
•   Proven track record that demonstrates leadership skills, project management, budget and resource management experience, and client relationship management capability
•   Experience working across multiple sub agreements and partners; ability to work well with people at all levels

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

JSI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individual are welcome to apply. Please send your cover letter and CV to jobs@spring-nutrition.org or the JSI address listed below.

•   If you submit via e-mail, please write the title of the job you are applying to in the subject line.
•   JSI will only contact short-listed applicants.
•   Please no phone calls.

SPRING Representative
JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.
House# F134/5
Third Soula Street
Labone
Accra, Ghana

Closing Date: 22 May, 2014

www.jsi.com
http://www.spring-nutrition.org