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