Specialist for Organic Program Development

IFOAM – Organics International is calling for a full time

Specialist for Organic Program Development

in its Capacity Development department.

Sustainability in agriculture is an unsolved challenge despite growing evidence of the need for a paradigm shift towards new production systems that put ecological resources, rural societies, cultural expressions, public social welfare and the economic viability of smallholder family farming in the foreground. Organic Agriculture offers solutions that can contribute to sustainable development in rural areas.

IFOAM – Organics International believes that agriculture - done differently – can be part of the solution. Organic agriculture – a dynamic and continuously developing farming system based on the science of agro-ecology – is a forerunner of truly sustainable agriculture and offers practical solutions to address major global challenges.

It has about 800 affiliates in nearly 120 countries and also acts as a Global Action Network with numerous allies. Its values are based on the four principles of health, ecology, fairness and care.

IFOAM – Organics International leads change – organically. The three departments work on:

a)     Enhancing knowledge, skills and attitudes of producers and value chain actors (Capacity Development department);

b)     Stimulating demand for sustainable products by raising awareness; and

c)     Advocacy for a policy environment that is conducive to truly sustainable production and consumption.

The Capacity Development department is contributing to a situation where know-how and systems are improved and spread in order for operators to farm, process and market in a truly sustainable way. Our projects seek to strengthen stakeholders and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable households in need of innovation and adaptation, challenged by food insecurity, biodiversity loss, climate change, the depletion of natural resources and economic shocks.

Holistic, people-centered approaches with a focus on enhanced food systems (sustainable production and consumption) leading to a more balanced diet – particularly for women and children – and market-oriented value chain facilitation form the backbone of our work towards poverty alleviation.

The Specialist for Organic Program Development is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of projects predominantly in the global South and participates in the overall program development. He/she reports to the Program Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE

We are looking for an experienced specialist with at least 10 years of relevant experience and with proven skills in programs strategy development, project acquisition, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in low-income countries among others in Africa. The position requires the following key competencies:

• Sound knowledge of Organic Agriculture and its challenges globally, particularly in low-income countries, combined with a high level of commitment to and passion for true sustainability in agriculture;
• Knowledge of recent trends in development cooperation and experience in rural development, including agriculture, processing, market access, organic sector building and natural resource management for poverty alleviation and diversified nutrition; 
 

• Sharp and smart strategy and impact chain development for convincing project concepts, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Strong ability to recognize and integrate opportunities that can offer effective outcomes on both shoestring budgets and complex, well-funded activities; 

• First-hand experience (including in Africa) in planning and implementing of international projects in a complex environment, cooperating with partner organizations, private businesses and public bodies; 

• Exceptional fundraising capabilities, which includes networking, proposal development and a drive to deliver on commitments; 

• Excellent social and intercultural communication skills. Ability to build capacity with participatory approaches and to gain trust and respect of allies and partners; 

• Fluency in spoken and written English, French and German. Knowledge of additional languages (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin or Russian) is an added-value; 

• Willingness to contribute to a culture of open dialogue and constructive, mutual feedback as part of a diverse team; 

• Sound organizational skills including the management of budget, staff, consortium partner relationships, volunteers and assets. Professional, hands-on and outcome-oriented working style, capable of achieving fast progress in complex and parallel multi- stakeholder processes; 

• Excellent self-management skills including time, deadlines and task management, priority setting and self-motivation.


Details of the position: 
This challenging, full-time position will be based at our head office in Bonn, Germany in an attractive geographical and institutional setting and provide the opportunity for international travel. The salary is competitive, in line with similar international non-profit organizations and commensurate with experience, skills and performance.

Application Instructions: 
Please submit a full CV, letter of motivation, salary expectations and the contact details of two references, all in one PDF document to Thomas Cierpka, Deputy Director, jobs@ifoam.bio latest by April 30, 2017. 
Strategic and content related questions can be addressed to Barbara Zilly, Program Manager of IFOAM – Organics International.