Consultant—Agriculture, Guatemala

Counterpart International is a global development organization that empowers people and communities to implement innovative and enduring solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. For nearly 50 years, Counterpart has been forging partnerships with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, food security and nutrition, and building effective governance and institutions.

For more information visit www.Counterpart.org

Purpose and Background:

Counterpart International is preparing to initiate a multimillion dollar agriculture project in Guatemala’s Western Highlands region. This program will focus on improving extension services, increasing access to financial services and strengthening farmer groups. This consultancy will contribute to a successful project start up by ensuring that Counterpart’s planned approach is closely aligned with the US Government’s existing funded activities and the government of Guatemala’s current strategy toward agricultural extension.

Consultant Qualifications

Counterpart International seeks a consultant with a solid technical background in agriculture—specifically agricultural extension—and a familiarity working in Guatemala. Proficiency in Spanish and an ability to work independently is a must. A high degree of comfort with the US government’s feed the future initiative and a strong understanding of the related Guatemalan government institutions and how to engage their support are strongly preferred.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have at least five years of professional work experience in Guatemala’s agricultural sector, strong knowledge of both agricultural economics and technologies, a sound understanding of the Western Highlands context, and experience with agricultural extension and international development program design and management.

Activities and Deliverables

Activities under this consultancy are anticipated to include:

• Conducting research and meetings to become familiarized with the current state of agricultural extension and credit programs in Guatemala and the government of Guatemala’s plans for the future;
• Existing USAID Feed the Future and USDA Food for Progress implementing organizations and programs;
• The US government’s strategic interests in Guatemala;
• Delivering recommendations for revising Counterpart’s planned approach to be most effective and complementary to existing activities;

Counterpart is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply