Wednesday 20 January 2010

Demonstration Plots Project Director – Kenya Job: Land O’Lakes International Development Division (IDD)

Land O’Lakes International Development Division (IDD) is seeking a Demonstration Plots Project Director to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

This position will be responsible for overall coordination and implementation of a Land O’ Lakes pilot project to establish up to five (5) Demonstration Plots in Kenya during 2010.

The purpose of establishing these “demonstration plots” will be test the Land O’Lakes approach to increasing demand for agricultural inputs, such as seed, crop protection products and fertilizer, while providing agronomic services to growers who adopt the new technology.

The immediate objectives of this pilot program are to:
• increase demand for improved seed, fertilizer and other new technology through a demonstration effect;
• assist commercial input companies to develop financial self-sustainable models for the provision of technology transfer to farmers (i.e., agronomy services); and,
• demonstrate, through field trials, the best new technology to use for each agro-climatic zone in which the demo plots are established.
The position will be for between 9 and 12 months in duration and will be based in Land O’Lakes’ Nairobi office, with frequent travel within Kenya, especially in the Central and Rift Valley provinces.

Applicants should have
• at least a Bachelor’s or preferably a Master’s Degree in Agronomy or a related field;
• a strong network of contacts in Kenya’s commercial agricultural inputs supply sector;
• a minimum of 3 years and preferably 5 years of experience in project management, including experience in managing demonstration plots or field trials for donor-funded projects or commercial entities in Kenya or elsewhere in Africa;
• ability to speak and write clear and fluent English;
• strong verbal and written communication skills;
• ability to work with people of varying cultures;
• demonstrated ability to work on a team and provide leadership for others in group efforts, to take initiative, to be detail oriented, flexible and able to focus and guide others in accomplishing time-sensitive work objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in commercial agricultural input sales will be an added advantage.
To apply, please go to http://apply.idd.landolakes.com and register in our database.

Once you register, you will be able to apply for this position on line.

Final candidates will be contacted for interview. No phone calls, please.

For more information about Land O’Lakes International Development, please visit our web site at: www.idd.landolakes.com.

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