Job Background/Summary:
CRS Haiti has developed a project funded by Food for Peace/OFDA in the Grande Anse and Sud departments in response to Hurricane Matthew. As part of a multi-sector response to Hurricane Matthew, CRS has developed a USAID-funded Emergency Food Security Project. The 6 month project takes a two-pronged strategy that will address both immediate food security needs among the most vulnerable populations in the Grande Anse and Sud Departments, as well as the medium-term need to invest in agriculture in the affected communities.
In the short-term, CRS will provide 31,815 households immediate cash support for food in the form of two, $60 unconditional cash transfers. In order to address medium term food security, CRS Haiti is implementing a seed/input voucher program in same area that offers access to quality seeds and agricultural inputs to 18,006 farmers during the spring planting season

PRIMARY RESPONSABILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Emergency Food Security Agronomist is responsible for the seed/input voucher and PICS component of the project. He provides technical and managerial support provides project management to guarantee the coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting for these components. He coordinates with the Seed Specialist and the Purdue PICS program manager. He supervises a field team including the PICS officer, and 8 field agents.

1. Project Management and Implementation

• Oversees implementation of seed voucher programming, including identification of vendors and beneficiaries, establishment of seed committees, voucher distribution, and voucher collection.
• In conjunction with Community Engagement Manager, develops community engagement and training plan
• Oversees identification, contracting, and training of vendors
• Working through local committees, oversees identification and sensitization of beneficiaries
• Working with Seed Specialist plan establishment and training of seed committees.
• Monitor work of seed committees
• Organize events to present findings of Seed Specialist
• Oversees distribution of vouchers.
• Monitor use of vouchers to insure that the process goes smoothly
• Together with PICS officer develops plans for PICS trials at farmer level
• Ensures development of PICS training plan and execution of training program
• Develops monthly and weekly project work plans in accordance with the overall project strategy to assure highest outcomes for every activity.
• Participates in CRS meetings and workshops on strategic planning, programming, and agency-wide initiatives as requested by supervisor;

2. Monitoring and Evaluation
• Monitors project development; identify deviation from approved project plans and implements corrective measures when necessary to ensure meeting the project objectives.
• Monitors projects through on-site visits to assess and validate the implementation of the approved project plan and identify possible problem areas and implement solutions.
• Together with MEAL officer oversees implementation of relevant MEAL tools.
• Participates in regular reviews of MEAL results in order to improve programming

3. Communication, Collaboration, Representation:
• Ensures transparent and proactive communication with project participants as well as community leaders. Ensures their strong involvement in all steps of the project.
• Takes part in regular team meetings, staff meetings, and program (technical) meetings with other implementing NGOs/Government agencies and institutions.
• Ensures systems are in place for the proper documentation of meetings and timely circulation of resulting information/outcomes.
• Handles relations at the communal level with Ministry of Agriculture, MAST, and other relevant government bodies
• Prepares program activity reports on a regular basis.

4. Management/Administration/Finance:

• Manages 8 field staff, and collaborates with partners and communities, in implementing projects.
• Supervises project activities, coaches staff to promote teamwork and develop staff competency.
• Prepares employee job descriptions, performance plans and performance appraisals for supervisees.
• Insures stewardship of CRS resources

PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:
• Strong ability to work under pressure
• Strong ability to coordinate and motivate effectively as part of a team
• Strong analytical, organizational, and logistical skills
• Capacity to think quickly, make efficient decisions and implement strategy and activities with a minimum of support
• Ability to lead a team with a high level of respect and acceptance of dynamics within challenging communities
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in French and Creole (English highly preferred)
• Experience in cash, food, or voucher distributions a plus
• Experience in project management, including MEAL
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point),
• Availability to work outside of regular work schedule (before 8am and after 4pm and/or weekend)

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics or related field or equivalent;
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing agricultural or livelihoods project.
• Supervisory experience
• Training experience
• Demonstrated ability to create strong relationship with community and partners
• Excellent oral and written communication in French and Creole. Knowledge of English is an asset.

The concerned candidates are asked to send their complete application (cover letter, CV, copy diplomas) confirming the subject " Emergency Food Security Agronomist "

CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our engagement to protecting children and vulnerable adults from exploitation and abuse