Agricultural Capacity Building Specialist, Afghanistan

Since 1963 and in 145 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 97 projects in 38 countries and revenues of $140 million.

Agricultural Capacity Building Specialist, Afghanistan

We are seeking an Agricultural Capacity Building Specialist for a current USAID-funded project in Afghanistan that provides agricultural incentives and economic alternatives in the poppy-prone regions of Afghanistan. Activities target instability/insurgency locales to increase job creation, strengthen Afghan leadership and promote economic growth in the northern region of Afghanistan. This 1-2 year position is based in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province, and is scheduled to start in February 2012.

Responsibilities: • Manage activities that strengthen the private sector’s ability to provide high-quality agricultural inputs, goods and value-added services to farmers (e.g., pest spraying). • Supervise training activities implemented by ACDI/VOCA and by international and local partners. • Support the program of pesticide-dealer training to strengthen standards for pesticide storage, handling, sale and use. • Coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock to ensure project trainings are aligned with the government’s vision for the delivery of extension services as well as with project objectives. • Oversee the project’s capacity-building activities in the public sector. • Assist and act for the Regional Director in the management of the project as needed.

Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in relevant technical field required, master’s degree strongly preferred. • Minimum of 10 years’ overseas experience in international development is required. • Prior USAID experience in and familiarity with USAID procedures and policies is strongly preferred. • Proven track record of building relationships with both private and community organizations and governmental organizations is required. • Established track record of achieving results in difficult working environments is required. • Fluency in English is required and understanding of Pashto is preferred.

How to apply:

Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E5556E361D43515B7E59192F77561F6D01627B4D. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.