The Agriculture Science/ Agri Business Fellow is responsible for assisting in developing and implementing programs that will improve farmer livelihoods, ensures a supply of high quality peanuts to MFK's processing facility, and improve MFK's ability to process raw peanuts into high quality roasted peanuts at an optimal efficiency.
Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develop and implement programs aimed to improve the quantity and quality of peanuts in MFK's supply chain, while improving farmer livelihoods. This includes:
- Working closely with faculty and students through the USAID's Peanut Collaborative Research Support Program to develop and implement relevant research projects (e.g. experimental plots, experimental uses for peanut waste, etc.)
- Collaborating with NGO's, agribusinesses, and entities involved in agricultural development initiatives in northern and northeastern Haiti
- Work with farmers individually or through trainings to introduce improved production methods (e.g. fungicides, small tractors, irrigation, etc.)
- Ensure that improved seed from "International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics" is multiplied and distributed to farmers
- Work with MFK's quality department to ensure that peanut processing meets all international safety standards
- Monitor and improve the efficiency of peanut processing division
- Develop funding proposals to assure continued financial sustainability of agricultural projects.
- Work Collaboratively with MFK's agronomist, agricultural technician, agriculture development coordinator, peanut processing officer, and peanut processing team in completing program tasks
- Other tasks and duties as assigned by the Agriculture department manager or Country Director
Selection Criteria
- Bachelors degree required, Masters preferred, in an agricultural science (e.g. Crop and Soil Science, Plant Science, etc.), or agricultural, or development economics, or related field. Entrepreneurial experience or education is definitely a plus
- Proven experience in successfully managing, influencing and leading others
- Good problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and demonstrated leadership capability
- Proven capability in meeting objectives and schedules
- Willingness to do what it takes to produce results in an underresourced environment
- Willingness to work in a significantly changing environment where uncertainty and new obstacles are typical
- Ability to speak French or Haitian Creole a plus. If not, will commit to learn Creole
Compensation
A monthly stipend of $300 to cover food and necessities
Housing in an apt complex with other MFK ex-pats, cell phone and access to computer
Health and Medical evacuation insurance
4 weeks vacation, (3 of the weeks to be taken at factory closing mid Dec. to Jan.7, 2013). Haitian holidays apply, not US holidays
2 round trip tickets from home to Haiti per 12 months.
Sharing of 2 vehicles with other employees and volunteers
