Innovations Manager,Career opportunity in Uganda, at One Acre Fund - 2015

Job Description:

The Agricultural Innovations Manager will take charge of One Acre Fund’s efforts to develop, evaluate, and prove new agricultural practices, products, and seed varieties for our farmers. As head of the department, the Manager will work under a Program Associate to build a strong Innovations Department that produces efficient, relevant, high-impact farming solutions.

The primary objective of the Innovations Department is to find new ways for small-scale farmers to improve their livelihoods through involvement with One Acre Fund’s programs. The Manager will oversee the design and implementation of One Acre Fund’s experimental farms and farmer trials.

She/he would take the lead on researching possible approaches to solve agricultural problems or improve yields, and then work in a team to design experiments to address these problems and opportunities.

She/he would also oversee implementation of the experimental designs, manage data collection, and eventually collaborate on analyzing the results and adjusting the Organization’s core farming strategies and products. This position entails extensive research about agricultural practices and products, as well as staying informed about new risks or problems that face Ugandan farmers.

Responsibilities:

• Identify new crops , inputs, and management practices for OAF farmers

• Oversee agricultural research trials

• Work with the Innovations team to design trials and prepare products

• Liaise with major suppliers of inputs and agric research organizations

• Create and refine trainings for Field Officers and farmers

• Improve the innovations department staff and policies

• Oversee the Department’s human resources—hiring associates, overseeing workers, etc

• Develop team members’ skills and leadership capabilities

• Manage budgets, control fraud, and provide expense reports

Compensation:

• Competitive, based on experience

• Reimbursements for work-related travel and airtime

• Basic housing stipend for living in Kamuli

Desired Characteristics

• Must be willing to live in Kamuli, Uganda

• Must be capable of spending long days in the field

• Demonstrated experience in agricultural innovations

• Clear leadership experience

• Excellent communication—conversational, email, and written

• Integrity with funds

• Dedication to improving the livelihoods of Ugandan farmers

Qualifications:

• University Degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, crop science, or similar degree

• 2+ years of experience in agricultural research or experimentation

• 2+ years of experience managing farms or agricultural projects

• Demonstrated efficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and email

• Experience with small-scale farming preferred

• Work or volunteer experience with NGOs preferred

• Statistical experience preferred

• Fluent in English, proficiency in Luganda/Lusoga preferred

Mode of application:

If you meet the qualifications, send a cover letter, education documents, your CV, and your salary expectations to office.kamuli@oneacrefund.org

no later than 30 November 2014.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; early submissions receive priority.