Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality.

CRS has operated in Ghana for over 50 years (since 1958), delivering essential support and help to the needy in agriculture, water and sanitation, education, emergency response, health, HIV & AIDS, microfinance, and peace building. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement programs.

CRS Ghana programming in agriculture and rural livelihoods currently focuses on increasing household and community resiliency as well as equitable access to markets.

•   Job title:  Agriculture Field Agent (2)
•   Location:  Ejura Sekeyerdumase district in Ashanti Region (1), Atebubu District in Brong Ahafo Region (1)
•   Reports to:  Agriculture Program Manager

CRS Ghana has recently received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to implement the Community Action in Improving Farmer-Saved Seed Yam (CAY) Project in partnership with the Crops Research Institute (CRI). CAY aims to improve the quality of smallholder farmer saved seed yam and its productivity at the community level through positive selection, integrated crop management practices to control viruses and nematodes and capacity building for increased food security and poverty reduction in Ghana and Nigeria. In Ghana, the pilot will target communities in Ejura Sekyeredumase and Atebubu districts.

Job Summary

CRS Ghana is seeking two (2) Agriculture Field Agents to implement day-to-day field level activities of the CAY project. One will be based in Ejura Sekyeredumase district in the Ashanti Region and one will be based in Atebubu district in Brong Ahafo Region, with outreach to surrounding communities.

Key Responsibilities

•   Organization and sensitization of farmer-based organizations (FBOs).
•   Participation in the selection of pilot communities.
•   Carrying out a diagnostic survey using participatory learning and action (PLA) tools.
•   Training FBOs on methods and best practices to improve seed yam production.
•   Overseeing installation of community-level demonstration plots of seed yam production.
•   Facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms and meetings for farmers.
•   Regular monitoring of field-level activities, including identifying best practices for sharing, as well as lessons learned and proposing corrective actions.
•   Ensure high-quality implementation at all times that move activities toward meeting project objectives.
•   Ensure coordination of gender-mainstreaming with partners
•   Producing periodic reports on field-level activities, including reports on trainings, demonstration plots, social dynamics, behavior change in yam production practices, and gender issues and roles in yam production practices.
•   Data collection from field activities (trainings, demonstration plots, etc.).
•   Evaluation of CAY interventions at the community level.
•   Document best practices, lessons learned, and innovations from project implementation.
•   Produce success stories and human interest stories on project impact.
•   Develop/strengthen district-level linkages with related projects.
•   Support coordination of and participate in field visits from CAY partner staff.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, or other related field.
•   Minimum three years’ experience in agricultural or community development work at the field level.
•   Knowledge of Ghanaian agricultural landscape and key actors.
•   Previous experience working in seed yam production and/or yam value chains highly desired.
•   Knowledge in setting up and managing on-farm demonstration/trial plots.
•   Previous experience working on an NGO agriculture project at the field or community level.
•   Experience working with smallholder farmers and farmer-based organizations (FBOs).
•   Demonstrated personal accountability, integrity and drive to serve others.
•   Demonstrated commitment to improving gender equality and gender responsiveness in programming.
•   Proven experience in building and maintaining strong linkages between partner agencies, including government and research institutions.
•   Demonstrated strong writing ability.
•   Excellent English language communications skills required – both oral and written.
•   Proficiency in Twi and other local language of target districts.
•   Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well as part of a team.
•   Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
•   Ability and willingness to ride a motorbike and possession of a valid riding license.

Agency-Wide Competencies

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.

•   Serves with integrity
•   Models stewardship
•   Cultivates constructive relationships
•   Promotes learning

Key working relationships:

Internal

•   Agriculture Senior Project Officer
•   Agriculture Program Manager
•   Head of Programs

External:

•   The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA)
•   CRI and other CAY consortium members
•   Local and international field based NGOs and other agriculture stakeholders

Location: Ejura Sekeyerdumase district in Ashanti Region (1), Atebubu District in Brong Ahafo Region (1)

How To Apply For The Job

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates meeting position requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and letter of interest to:-

GH_jobs@global.crs.org

Application must be saved with this format:-  Application.CV. (Name). Agriculture Field Agent

Closing Date: 22 February, 2015