STTA: Culinary Herbs Production

Background

The USAID Agriculture Program is a five-year activity that aims to accelerate growth of agricultural sub-sectors that demonstrate strong potential to create jobs and increase micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) revenues. The USAID Agriculture Program plans to deliver firm-level investment and tailor-made technical assistance to entrepreneurial, market-driven enterprises, production clusters and supporting associations and service/information/extension providers to foster inclusive and sustainable market systems development.

The USAID Agriculture Program provides competitive cost-shared grants and technical assistance to address identified gaps in targeted value chains (VCs) that will result in the improved productivity and productive capacity of MSMEs, strengthened value chain linkages, increased access to markets, and improved capacity of MSMEs, cooperatives, associations and service/information/extension providers.

A comprehensive sector selection and value chain analysis conducted by the USAID Agriculture Program in early PY1, as well as subsequent series of meetings and roundtable discussions held with primary producers revealed that the lack of knowledge of modern production technologies remains to be key impediment to achieving higher yields and quality produce within the selected VCs. Therefore, finding a lack of understanding, as well as implementation of modern production technologies, to be a primary factor, the Program planned to allocate resources and engage local and/or international consultants who will introduce farmers and agribusinesses to improved production practices, including new technologies for primary production, ports-harvest handling and storage.

Meanwhile, in order to support growth of productivity of crops deemed priorities for both local and export markets, the USAID Agriculture Program has identified farmers and lead agribusinesses in strategic locations who are willing to establish knowledge plots, showcase new varieties and agricultural best-practices, and share their experiences with other farmers in the community. By organizing field days at these locations, a large number of farmers will obtain new knowledge and essential technical and practical information. Trainings will be delivered as a series of one-to-two day field-based education sessions, incorporating both, theoretical and practical aspects of primary production, post-harvest handling and storage.

In line with abovementioned, the USAID Agriculture Program plans to utilize expertise of international consultants, to provide targeted beneficiaries – greenhouse as well as open field producers of culinary herbs, post-harvest handling operators and consolidators with tailored consultancies, thereby helping them improve operations and adopt best practices.

Objective: 

The purpose of this assignment is to provide technical support to culinary herbs growers, consolidators and post-harvest handling operators, to increase efficiency of their operations, thereby strengthening linkages among VC actors and supporting growth of horticulture sector in Georgia. 

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

Under this scope of work, the Consultant shall work closely with the USAID Agriculture Program’s value chain specialist and technical assistance team to perform the following tasks: 

·         Deliver 2-days field-based group training at the selected farm to highlight modern technologies and practices for both, greenhouse and open-field production of culinary herbs. Through highlighting major theoretical and practical technical aspects, the training should at least cover the following topics:

o   Soil preparation and nutrient management

o   Water management

o   Greenhouse operation management

o   Pest management (disease control, quality inputs, etc.)

o   Diverse species and varieties of culinary herbs in light of local/international market demand

o   Harvesting and post-harvest operations

·         Provide individual consultancies to up to 20 culinary herbs growers to increase their awareness of modern production technologies, as well as harvesting, post-harvest handling and storage practices; It is anticipated that traditional species of culinary herbs, including parsley, dill, coriander, mint, etc. will also be highlighted in the course of these consultancies;

·         Provide ToT course for selected group of culinary herbs growers, to support effective dissemination of crop-specific knowledge and creation of a better knowledge base at a farmer level;

·         Develop a production guide that will feature step-by-step production recommendations, from planting through to storage, as well as descriptions of specific species and varieties deemed well-suited to local growing conditions and better aligned to both local and international buyer preferences. The Program will further disseminate the guide through ARDA’s state extension centers, FSCs, and sector associations;

·         Develop Report highlighting implemented activities, findings and recommendations. 

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in agronomy;
• Minimum 5 years of practical working experience related to culinary herbs production;
• Proven experience in conducting trainings and providing consultancies;
• Knowledge of English will be an advantage;
• Strong communication and reporting skills.

Deliverables:

• Delivery of 2-day field-based training for broader audience of culinary herbs producers;
• Delivery of ToT course for selected group of culinary herbs growers;
• Production guide on modern technologies and practices for culinary herbs production;
• Final report highlighting implemented activities, findings and recommendations;

Period of Performance:

This assignment is planned to take place starting from early February to the end of September, 2020. The assignment will be carried out through at least 2 field visits and off-site follow-up work. Total LOE for this assignment will not exceed 30 days.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Background:

The USAID Agriculture Program is a five-year activity that aims to accelerate growth of agricultural sub-sectors that demonstrate strong potential to create jobs and increase micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) revenues. The USAID Agriculture Program plans to deliver firm-level investment and tailor-made technical assistance to entrepreneurial, market-driven enterprises, production clusters and supporting associations and service/information/extension providers to foster inclusive and sustainable market systems development.

The USAID Agriculture Program provides competitive cost-shared grants and technical assistance to address identified gaps in targeted value chains (VCs) that will result in the improved productivity and productive capacity of MSMEs, strengthened value chain linkages, increased access to markets, and improved capacity of MSMEs, cooperatives, associations and service/information/extension providers.

A comprehensive sector selection and value chain analysis conducted by the USAID Agriculture Program in early PY1, as well as subsequent series of meetings and roundtable discussions held with primary producers revealed that the lack of knowledge of modern production technologies remains to be key impediment to achieving higher yields and quality produce within the selected VCs. Therefore, finding a lack of understanding, as well as implementation of modern production technologies, to be a primary factor, the Program planned to allocate resources and engage local and/or international consultants who will introduce farmers and agribusinesses to improved production practices.

Meanwhile, in order to support growth of productivity of crops deemed priorities for both local and export markets, the USAID Agriculture Program has identified farmers and lead agribusinesses in strategic locations who are willing to establish knowledge plots, showcase new varieties and agricultural best-practices, and share their experiences with other farmers in the community. By organizing field days at these locations, a large number of farmers will obtain new knowledge and essential technical and practical information. Trainings will be delivered as a series of one-to-two day field-based education sessions, incorporating both, theoretical and practical aspects of crop production.

In line with above mentioned, the USAID Agriculture Program plans to utilize expertise of international consultants, to provide targeted beneficiaries – lettuce producers, with tailored consultancies, thereby helping them improve operations and adopt best practices. 

Objective:

The purpose of this assignment is to disseminate knowledge of modern lettuce production technologies and practices among the wider circle of primary producers, to help them achieve increased yields and improved crop quality, thereby strengthening primary production part of culinary herbs VC.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

Under this scope of work, the Consultant shall work closely with the USAID Agriculture Program’s value chain specialist and technical assistance team to perform the following tasks: 

·         Deliver 2-days field-based group training at the selected farm to highlight modern technologies and practices for both greenhouse and open-field production of lettuce. Through highlighting major theoretical and practical technical aspects, the training should at least cover the following topics:

o   Soil preparation

o   Water management

o   Greenhouse operation management

o   Pest management (disease control, quality inputs, etc.)

o   Lettuce cultivars and varieties in light of local/international market demand

o   Harvesting and post-harvest operations

·         Provide individual consultancies to up to 20 lettuce growers to increase their awareness of modern production technologies, as well as harvesting and post-harvest handling practices;

·         Provide ToT course for selected group of lettuce growers, to support effective dissemination of knowledge;

·         Develop an informational guide that will feature step-by-step production recommendations, from planting through to harvest, as well as descriptions of specific cultivars deemed well-suited to local growing conditions and better aligned to both local and international buyer preferences. The Program will further disseminate the guide through ARDA’s state extension centers, FSCs, and sector associations;

·         Develop Report highlighting implemented activities, findings and recommendations. 

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in agronomy;
• Minimum 5 years of practical working experience related to culinary herbs production;
• Proven experience in conducting trainings and providing consultancies;
• Knowledge of English will be an advantage;
• Strong communication and reporting skills.

Deliverables:

• Delivery of 2-day field-based training for broader audience of lettuce producers;
• Delivery of ToT course for selected group of lettuce growers;
• Informational guide on modern technologies and practices for lettuce production;
• Final report highlighting implemented activities, findings and recommendations;

Period of Performance:

This assignment is planned to take place starting from January 20 to September 30, 2020. The assignment will be carried out through at least 2 field visits and off-site follow-up work. Total LOE for this assignment will not exceed 30 days.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Please be advised that employment is contingent on permanent and legal entitlement to work in the U.S.  Position is not eligible for U.S. work sponsorship.

Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Position Summary

CNFA is currently seeking applications from qualified candidates for a Deputy Chief of Party/Program Director position to support a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress (FFPr) program West Africa region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria). The program aims to improve agricultural production and expand trade of agricultural products in developing countries through the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities.

The Deputy Chief of Party/Program Director will directly supervise the Production and Trade Facilitation Director, the Integrated Data Management Director, the Policy Reforms Director and the MEL Director.

Key Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working in agriculture value chain (i.e. trade, production, market linkages) is required.
• Experience of working within the food or agricultural private sector, in Public Private Partnerships, is strongly preferred;
• Experience providing technical oversight and leadership to facilitate expanded trade and competitiveness of agricultural value chains preferred;
• Experience overseeing value chain development or market systems development approach to improve a sectors market access and development;
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain positive, collaborative, and productive relationships with government and other local partners is required;
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating technical and support team’s efforts toward effective and timely implementation of program activities.
• Supervise monitoring and evaluation framework and data collection and analysis systems to ensure accurate reporting on all project indicators.
• A Master’s degree in agriculture, management, international development, or a related field of study or equivalent work experience required. 
• Successful experience managing Food for Progress programs is strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated experience working in Ag value chain production and marketing (i.e. trade, production, market linkages) or related sector is required. Preference is made for the Cashew Value Chain.
• Experience of working within the food or agricultural private sector, in Public Private Partnerships, is strongly preferred;
• Experience providing technical oversight and leadership to facilitate expanded trade and competitiveness of agricultural value chains preferred;
• Experience overseeing value chain development or market systems development approach to improve a sectors market access and development;
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain positive, collaborative, and productive relationships with government and other local partners is required;
• Demonstrated experience serving as ambassador for home office, establishing and nurturing strong relationships with donor representatives and expanding business required;
• While the position is for a local expert, experience working in other West Africa countries such as Benin, Ghana and Nigeria is preferred;
• 10 years in Value Chain development, and a minimum of 5 years in a project management position, managing activities, team, budget, and results;
• English fluency required; knowledge of French strongly preferred. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Project background:

CNFA is currently seeking applications from qualified candidates for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress (FFPr) program West Africa region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria). The FFPr program aims to improve agricultural production and expand trade of agricultural products in developing countries through the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities. The anticipated project will be a five-year project which aims to build the competitiveness of the West African cashew industry resulting in increased direct trade with the region. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design monitoring and evaluation framework and data collection and analysis systems to ensure accurate reporting on all project indicators
• Track and analyze project indicators and capture best practices and lessons learned to incorporate into project activities
• Coordinate and lead baseline evaluation for all indicators
• Lead and support the project evaluations, as needed
• Coordinate with other M&E teams on donor-funded projects to share results, best practices and lessons learned
• Perform other duties as needed

Key Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in international development, statistics, economics, or another related field required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience managing the monitoring and evaluation component of a USDA or other donor-funded project required.
• A Minimum of 2+ years of staff management and supervision experience preferred.
• Familiarity with USG M&E processes required; familiarity with USDA’s M&E policy, results framework, and indicators preferred.
• Fluency in English required, proficiency in French language preferred.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Project background:

CNFA is currently seeking applications from qualified candidates for Director of Finance & Administration supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress (FFPr) program in West Africa region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria). The FFPr program aims to improve agricultural production and expand trade of agricultural products in developing countries through the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities. The anticipated project will be a five-year project which aims to build the competitiveness of the West African cashew industry resulting in increased direct trade with the region. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide sound financial and administrative oversight to the project
• Supervise finance and administrative teams, including accounting, procurement, and other admin functions, as assigned
• Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports in coordination with senior project staff
• Ensure that project operations are in compliance with all USDA and CNFA policies and 0procedures
• Create, maintain, and implement financial reporting, tracking systems and controlling procedures
• Oversee processing of approvals for procurements, consultant agreements, and vendor invoices
• Support the development, execution, and management of subcontractor and consultant agreements
• Perform other duties as required

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or related field required, Master’s degree preferred
• At least eight (8) years of working experience including managing financial and contractual aspects of large international development projects, preferably USDA-funded projects required
• At least five (5) years managing and supervising financial, administration and procurement staff required
• Strong knowledge and familiarity with US Government Cost Accounting Standards, and a good knowledge of Federal rules and regulations.  USDA experience preferred.
• Fluency in English required, and knowledge of a French preferred.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

BACKGROUND

The USAID-funded Private Sector Activity (PSA) is a five-year project that will utilize a partnership and co-investment approach to support a more resilient economy and improved business enabling environment in Azerbaijan. PSA aims to improve the competitiveness of the private sector with a special focus on agriculture and will reduce administrative barriers that hinder the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises in Azerbaijan. Specifically, the objectives of PSA are to: 1) Develop a more diversified non-oil economy through initiatives that assist SMEs and farmers, 2) Improve the business environment for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, and 3) Support Azerbaijan’s economic reforms.

OVERVIEW

The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)/Business Development Manager will lead agribusiness development activities under Objective 1 and supervise the Business Development Unit. The DCOP/Business Development Manager will report to the Chief of Party (COP).

GENERAL RESPONSIBLITIES

• Lead development and oversee implementation of PSA activities under Objective 1: Business Development;
• Provide leadership in setting strategic direction for PSA in selection of high potential value chains (VC) and development of action plans for these VCs;
• Provide technical guidance to, and capacity building of, program staff and implementing partners, with an emphasis on agricultural production and processing, ensuring that the program’s technical approach, methodologies and activities are technically sound, feasible and contribute to the success of the program;
• Assume responsibility for facilitating the establishment and expansion of U.S. market linkages, and identifying and securing U.S. investments in Azerbaijan;
• Collaborate with agribusinesses, associations, and MSMEs to help them improve management practices and increase sales, including exports;
• Support COP in reporting and in workplan design;
• Serve as acting Chief of Party in the absence of the COP.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible management experience in the successful implementation of international economic development activities, including USAID projects;
• Demonstrated professional success in managing development assistance projects of a comparable size and scope in developing countries;
• Working experience in agricultural production or processing, preferably related to horticulture;
• Working experience in agriculture development projects;
• Working experience in projects utilizing a partnership and co-investment approach is highly desirable;
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID rules and regulations is required, experience with other large donor programs is desirable;
• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, preferably in agronomy or another field directly  related to agricultural production or processing;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required; Azerbaijani or Turkish and/or Russian language is preferred;
• Experience in Azerbaijan or in the region is strongly preferred.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Project Background:

CNFA is currently seeking applications from qualified candidates for a Cashew Technical Expert position to support a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress (FFPr) program West Africa region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria). The program aims to improve agricultural production and expand trade of agricultural products in developing countries through the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities. 

Key Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in agriculture, management, international development, or a related field of study or equivalent work experience required. 
• At least five (5) years of experience serving as senior technical professional on a US-donor funded value chain initiative is required;
• Successful experience managing Food for Progress programs is strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated experience working in cashew nut production and marketing (i.e. trade, production, market linkages) or related sector is required.
• Experience of working within the food or agricultural private sector, in Public Private Partnerships, is strongly preferred;
• Experience providing technical oversight and leadership to facilitate expanded trade and competitiveness of agricultural value chains preferred;
• Experience overseeing value chain development or market systems development approach to improve a sectors market access and development;
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain positive, collaborative, and productive relationships with government and other local partners is required;
• Demonstrated experience serving as ambassador for home office, establishing and nurturing strong relationships with donor representatives and expanding business required;
• Experience working in West Africa, particularly in Ivory Coast, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria is preferred.
• English fluency required, knowledge of French strongly preferred. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. CNFA takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted