Terms of Reference
Project Assistant
Positions
Background and
Context
It is headquartered
in Nairobi, and its mandate covers sub-Saharan Africa.
Since its
inception in 2003, AATF projects portfolio has grown to six (6) active
projects, namely, Striga control, Cowpea improvement, Banana improvement, Rice
improvement, Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) and Aflatoxin control.
These are at
various phases of implementation.
Most AATF
projects will deliver technologies in the form of improved seed.
In particular,
the WEMA project is now in commercialization phase, which promotion and sales
being key to enable its products reach the farmers.
The WEMA project
aims to avail drought tolerant maize hybrids to small holder farmers in Africa.
In pursuant of
this effort, AATF would like to engage four(4) qualified and experienced staff
to facilitate the promotion and sales of the maize hybrids emanating from its
projectsto farmers.
The Project
assistants will be based in regions where field activities are on-going,
namely, Easter, Western and South rift regions of Kenya.
2. Description
and Objective of the Assignment
The position is
for a nationally recruited staff and bears the responsibility for ensuring that
partner seed companies produce and supply improved seed to target farmers in
the volumes and as per set quality standards in a cost-effective manner.
The positions
will be based at Machakos, Embu, Narok, and Kisumu Counties.
The positions are
for six months contract, and may be renewed subject to performance, field
support needs and availability of funds.
Reporting to the
AATF Seed Systems Manager, the incumbents will oversee field work in his/her
assigned region of operations.
2.1 Key duties
and responsibilities
·
Oversee all field work in respective region of operations,
including monitoring activities to ensure timely delivery of milestones.
·
Assist in formulation and implementation of detailed field
workplans, including clearly defined milestones and timelines.
·
Facilitate collection and analysis of field information and data
as per the work plan, including, seed distribution and commercial sales data at
the agro-dealer, seed company and farmer levels.
·
Prepare and submit quality field reports when required, clearly
detailing the project status in appropriate format.
·
Ensure timely engagement of seed companies, media, extension
service, farmers and provision of technical support.
·
Ensure timely payments of seed proceeds from seed companies or
agro-dealers as may be needed to the Foundation.
2.2 Desired
Candidate Profile
·
At least a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural or related sciences
from a recognized University. Holders’ of a reputable Diploma degree with
substantial relevant experience will also be considered.
·
At least 2 years’ experience and in field work involving crop
production and management skill.
·
Ability to work with public and private sector partners.
·
Proven project monitoring and evaluation skills
·
Maintain confidentiality of all information that comes by virtue
of appointment and in the course of assigned duties.
·
Be conversant crop production techniques and awareness creation
methodologies
·
Results and detail-orientation and the ability to work with a
sense of urgency in a multicultural and diverse environment.
·
Team player with capability to work with people in such a manner
as to build high morale and group commitment to objectives.
·
Proven communication skills including the ability to clearly
document and present information through oral or written English.
3. Submission of
Applications
Qualified
candidates are invited to submit their applications with detailed Curriculum
Vitae (CV) to the AATF Human Resource Associate aatf-hr@aatf-africa.org on or
before 8th December, 2013.
Your CV should
include details of your qualifications, experience, current position, telephone
contact, email address, names and addresses of three referees.
Only short listed
candidates will be contacted.
More information
about AATF is available at www.aatf-africa.org
