JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Full time Agribusiness Programming & Training Assistant (PTA/Ag)

OPENING DATE: January 12, 2015

CLOSING DATE: January 23, 2015

JOB PROFILE

Under the supervision of the Agribusiness Program Manager (PM/Ag), the position serves as technical support to Peace Corps volunteers working in agriculture programs. The position is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon but requires frequent and extended travel to remote locations within Cameroon. Candidates should demonstrate their expertise in program implementation and/or management as well as a proven ability to work effectively with government personnel, private sector, implementing partners and other development organizations.

Required Qualifications:

Applicant must be a Cameroon citizen, must not have been employed in intelligence-related activities, and must be able to submit application that clearly documents how s/he meets each of the following qualifications:

• Education – Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural development, agricultural economics, agronomy or agribusiness, or a related field. Experience with strong knowledge of English Language, Agriculture Science or Information Technology.
• Prior Work Experience - The incumbent should have at least three years of experience in program management, strategy development, and/or value chain development within the agriculture sector.
• Language Proficiency - Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French (equivalent to Level 3). Ability to understand, explain and communicate technical material as well as Peace Corps policies and procedures in both languages.
• Skills and abilities – Demonstrated ability to: work independently with limited supervision; work as a team member in high pressure multi-cultural environment; efficiently organize and manage files. Ability to: provide technical advice in support of volunteer activities; plan and organize program activities; plan and implement technical training using participatory methodologies for adult education; communicate effectively in writing and speaking (both in English and in French); counsel American volunteers and assist them in assessing and resolving problems that arise; effectively apply Microsoft applications(Word/Excel/PowerPoint); present self in a professional manner displaying confidence and knowledge of areas of responsibility.

Basic Function of the position: – Programming, Volunteer Support, Training, and Management/Administration.

Programming & Volunteer Support:

• Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of training programs, pre-service trainings and inservice trainings.
• Determine and communicate technical training objectives to new Volunteers to meet their pre-service training needs.
• Visits training site and provides project orientation to new Volunteers and solicits their input into posting decisions.
• Co-ordinates and assists Volunteers in developing and conducting in-service technical training, conducting needs assessments and determining training objectives.
• Conduct site visits to monitor Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) work & provide technical and personal support
• Participate in the post selection process, visits potential posts, arrange housing at new posts.
• Develop PCV site & assignment in line with the Agribusiness Project Plan Framework

• Under the supervision of the Training Officer with guidance of the Ag-business Program Manager, the PTA will fully participate in trainings by: conducting Pre-Training Research to prepare task analyses, identifying training resources
• Review and update the Program Design and training plans from past cycles.
• Deliver technical training
• Co-supervise visiting short-term technical consultants and Volunteer Training Assistants
• Assess trainee progress toward meeting technical training objectives and achieving suitability for volunteer service
• Participate as a team member with Agribusiness Technical Trainers to plan and conduct sessions.
• Collaborate with the language training staff to determine the technical content of the competency-based language curriculum
• Participate as needed in design and delivery of In-Service Training, and Community Based Training events
• Co-prepare and submit to the Training Officer tri-weekly progress reports and the end of training report on the technical component
• Participate in the design and delivery of technical training activities (Training Design Workshop, Training Of Trainers)
• Offer support and serve as a technical advisor for trainees

Safety & Security:

• Responsible for developing systems for Volunteer placement and ensuring that these procedures are followed.
• Responsible for developing and applying criteria for Volunteer placement, such as minimum standards for housing and access to transportation, communication and basic necessities (water and food).
• Ensures that Volunteers are placed in suitable communities and are provided adequate housing that meets the minimum standards for habitability, safety and security.
• Monitors Volunteer’ compliance with Peace Corps policies, especially related to safety and security, and takes corrective actions as necessary

Others:

• Ensure the filing of posts & PCVs’ documents to be used in different forms
• Assist with Steering Committee
• Assist with the logistics of conferences (IST, COS, mid service… etc.)
• Visit second year’ Volunteers
• Assist with site identification and preparation
• Serve as Duty Officer
• Participate in program intake interviews
• Participate in PSR
• Participate in P& T strategic planning meetings and IPBS
• File PCVs’ travel (vacation, work related…etc.) in VIDA
• Facilitate the update and production of technical materials (program toolkit, CD room, tech. manual… etc.)
• Assist the Lead technical trainer at PST
• Assist in the development and reinforcement of partnership
• Check, update and inform Ag-business Program Manager and Volunteers on the resources available in the IRC and other sources.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1. A cover letter addressing your qualifications (reflecting the required qualifications cited above);
2. Current resume or curriculum vitae;
3. Three references capable of attesting to your work performance (at least one reference must be a supervisor). 

Indicate “Agribusiness Programming & Training Assistant” in the subject line.

Hard copy applications may be mailed to:

Director of Programming and Training, Peace Corps B.P 215 Yaoundé

No telephone calls or personal visits. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by telephone. All documents, including your telephone number must be received by January 23, 2015.