The University of Florida (http://www.ufl.edu) is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 50,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (http://ifas.ufl.edu) includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (http://cals.ufl.edu), the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station (http://research.ifas.ufl.edu), the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (http://extension.ifas.ufl.edu), the College of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu), the Florida Sea Grant program (http://www.flseagrant.org/ ), and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. IFAS employs over 2500 people, which includes approximately 900 faculty and 1200 support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Senior Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

The Director of Research (DOR) will be responsible for leading and managing the research for development component of the USAID-funded Support to Agricultural Research and Development Program (SARDP) in Haiti. As an employee of the University of Florida, the DOR will report to the Director of IFAS Global, and work closely with the SARDP Chief of Party (COP) from the SARDP office in Port-au-Prince. Based in Haiti, the DOR will focus on strengthening the capability of the public and private sector to engage in agricultural research for development to increase the availability and implementation of improved production technologies and systems, including more effective agricultural extension and advisory services. More specific responsibilities and activities include:

• Provide scientific and management leadership for planning, implementing, and monitoring an integrated research and extension portfolio that is aligned not only with the goals of the U.S. Feed the Future program in Haiti but also the research and extension policy of the Haiti Ministry of Agriculture (MARNDR).
• Represent and articulate the rationale, role, innovation, and impact of the SARDP in Haiti within a broad and inclusive Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) framework.
• Develop and maintain effective and harmonious relations with the COP, national partners in MARNDR, farmer and community-based associations, universities, NGO groups, regional and international agricultural research institutions working in Haiti, and the private sector.
• Assist in the design and implementation of a national mini-grant program that may lead to the development of a vibrant and effective research for development community in Haiti.
• Supervise a research and extension staff that will be based at different rural technology centers (CRDDs), and help develop options for making CRDDs sustainable enterprises.
• Develop, with extension specialists, materials that can translate research results into information accessible to farmers.
• Develop and oversee budgets, policies, and procedures for research and extension activities.
• Write reports and help develop communication materials that document implementation of the SARDP.

The preferred candidate will have most, if not all, of the following characteristics:

• A Master’s degree (PhD preferred; foreign equivalent acceptable) is required in a field relevant to agricultural research for development and at least 5 years of experience in Haiti.
• Demonstrated experience and skills as an agricultural scientist and administrator of agricultural research, including familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative approaches to social science research.
• Demonstrated supervisory and management experience with USAID projects.
• Proven ability to establish, nurture, and work effectively with multi-cultural and gender-sensitive multidisciplinary research teams.
• Proven ability to build and improve organization culture, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Experience and intimate knowledge of Haiti and the challenges to development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French. Knowledge of Haitian Creole is highly desirable.

Title: Director of Research for Support to Agricultural Research and Development Program (SARDP) in Haiti

Location: University of Florida
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
UF/IFAS Global
Gainesville, Fl (position will be based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti)

Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

Review Date: For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit required materials by November 10, 2015. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is hired.

This position is open and will be filled as soon as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.