SNV Netherlands Development is a not-for-profit international development organization that has built a long-term local presence in 38 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin-America. SNV Ghana implements projects to improve individual lives and contributes to solving global challenges in the areas of Agriculture, Energy, and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene. SNV’s implementation approach focuses on developing innovative solutions to alleviate poverty through sustainable and locally-led development.

Among SNV’s Agriculture Projects is the Horti-Fresh programme. This is a 4-year sector programme (2018-2021) funded by the Dutch Embassy in Accra. The aim of the programme is “A sustainable and internationally competitive vegetable and fruit sector that contributes to inclusive economic growth, food and nutrition security”. The programme will contribute to three major areas that have been identified and that are in line with Ghana’s development policy: a competitive and innovative high-value fruit and vegetable sector; an inclusive and sustainable fruit and vegetable sector and a conducive business climate that facilitates the development of the fruit and vegetable sector.

The programme has a fruit as well as a vegetable component, the latter known as GhanaVeg. The project’s structure combines an overall private sector-led sector development approach, through the establishment of a Business Platform, as well as strong business-led initiatives through Innovation Funds, Agronomic Services Fund and commercial loans. The West Africa HortiFresh is being implemented by a consortium of Wageningen UR (CDI www.wur.eu/cdi), SNV (www.snv.org), Advance Consulting, SENSE and Resilience.

The programme currently seeking applicants for a full-time position Fruit Agronomist. Position is based in Accra

Position Summary

Horti-Fresh is currently seeking candidates for a full-time position of Fruit Agronomist. The Fruit Agronomist is responsible for providing hands-on support to fruit farmers, exporters and processors, input dealers and service providers; coordinating the agronomy modules, conducting research for business plans and Training of Trainers, as well as the organization of demonstrations, field days and variety trials.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, key responsibilities of Fruit Agronomist will include:

• Provide hands-on advice to partner companies and the fruit cluster (sub-) projects, including smallholders who are involved in company supply chains, outgrower schemes, etc.
• Prepare, support and execute Training of Trainers as assisted by Wageningen Research.
• Explore with Universities and Agricultural Colleges the inclusion of the Agronomy Modules in their Curricula.
• Follow-up with trainers on disseminating the knowledge to their farmer groups and outgrower schemes, through setting up demonstration sites, field days and trainings.
• Coordinate a number of trials with NGOs and research institutes; ensuring that trials are implemented according to protocols with highest standards of crop management.
• Contribute to the documentation of the program’s achievements in terms of: reports, publications, brochures and/or guidelines.
• In collaboration with partner companies and clusters, promote inclusion of smallholders, especially women and youth.
• Gather data for the development of new business models, business plans, and financial products

Qualification Required & Experience

• Candidate must have relevant experience in farmer training (development, training, evaluation, setting up field demonstrations and trials. They need excellent writing, communication and facilitation skills
• Minimum seven years’ of experience working in agricultural advisory services, preferably in the West African fruit sector, both with companies and with smallholders;
• At least three year experience in project management, organizing events, workshops and/or trainings;
• Master’s degree in one of the following: plant sciences, agronomy or horticulture;
• Excellent English, while a good working knowledge of French will be an advantage.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Application Guidelines: Please read these carefully. Failure to comply will adversely affect your application.

Interested applicants are kindly requested to send their applications in English in the form of a one-page letter and current CV outlining experience, qualifications and three reference contacts by email to SNV HR at:

jobsghana@snv.org

Closing Date: 15 March, 2018

• Only those applicants whose work experience and education meet the mandatory requisites below will be considered for the position.
• Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.