Manager, Agriculture - Toamasina

Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet. 

POSITION SUMMARY

CI is seeking a highly qualified and motivated hands-on individual to advise on agronomic aspect of adaptation component of CI’s Sustainable Landscape in Eastern Madagascar Project as Agriculture Manager. The function of this position is to advise on the linkages between agricultural options, farm productivity, smallholder farmer livelihoods and improvement of resilience to climate change in landscapes of Eastern Madagascar.

The Agriculture Manager will be based in Toamasina and will work closely with the the adaptation and mitigation leads to provide agronomic expertise for purposes of community such as with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and fisheries (MINAEP), the Center for Applied Research for Rural Development (FOFIFA), Program/Projects and other entities to deliver high level technical support to CI’s projects.

S/he will also be responsible for providing inputs to regular progress update reports for CI internal use, as well as external donor requirement. To undertake this responsibility the Agriculture Manager will be supported by two Agriculture Field Agents, 345 local trainers and a multi-disciplinary team with competencies in economics, sciences, remote sensing, climate change adaptation, land use planning, and environmental policies within CI Madagascar.

The Agriculture Manager will be based in Toamasina, with frequent travel to project sites throughout CAZ and COFAV, under supervision of Field Director. S/he will coordinate with climate change Adaptation Lead.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical support in developing a strategy and to the identification, development, implementation and monitoring of sustainable production, climate smart agriculture management and its best practices (e.g. design of community proposals, training courses, farmer support centers, diffusion of lessons learned)
• Provide technical support to develop partnership with private sectors and to establish a link between agriculture activities and market. Encourage smallholder farmer to invest in agribusiness;
• Provide technical support and facilitate adhesion of smallholder farmers to climate smart agriculture/Conservation Agriculture activities, especially agroforestry combining cash crops and food crops, through conservation agreement,
• Contribute in developing workplan related to agriculture aspect of adaptation activities (annually, quarterly, monthly)
• Report to Senior Adaptation Manager and/or DCOP, and contribute to meet external stakeholder/donor requirement, including regular monthly project progress reports to CI’s internal project management team.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Readiness to work with local community, government and relevant partners.
• Ability to travel frequently through the corridor;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines under limited supervision.
• Ability to work an irregular schedule including weekends, travel extensively in the countryside and on short notice with a particular focus on CAZ.
• High adaptability to difficult conditions
• High stamina and capability to work in hardship (precarious working conditions)

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• This position requires a Master degree or degree in agriculture or other related background, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experiences on conservation agriculture and implementation of adaptation measures.
• Knowledge on specific agricultural practices in different regions of Madagascar
• Experience in the facilitation of access to market, including a focus on production.
• Excellent both written and oral communication skills in Malagasy and French.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, especially in agriculture technical area.

Preferred

• Good knowledge in English
• Confidence and ability to develop personal contacts with partners, private sector and government officials.
• Strong interest in environmental issues and eagerness to expand knowledge.
• Computer skills and experience in relevant software.
• Self-motivated, able to travel in the region, and be able to meet project deadlines often under difficult circumstances.
• Knowledge on restoration of degraded areas, forestry, agroforestry and silvopastoral systems;

Other

• Strong skills in teamwork.
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills.
• Good analytical and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Supporting the staff in the implementation of other activities outside of its main responsibilities if needed.

To apply please submit your resume and cover letter.

CI Values

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization.

Passion: We are inspired by nature and cherish the diversity of life in all of its forms. 

Respect: We respect and trust each other, and we embrace our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.

Integrity: We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.

Optimism: We are optimistic about the future of life on Earth and are confident that, with our partners, we will achieve unprecedented conservation results.

Courage: We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges.

Teamwork: We work together, recognizing that openness, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.