Horticulture Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

In collaboration with the Technical Advisor,

Manage the provision of technical assistance and training  (Training of Trainers, or ToT) to partner staff members as they provide technical assistance to greenhouse producers across Lebanon in production, harvest and post-harvest handling, seedling production, irrigation, IPM approved elements, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), etc.
Train producers and partners on hydroponic and soil-based production including introduction of new varieties, production systems, growing techniques and other through demo trials on farms and the demonstration plots with grantees and partner organizations.
Instruct Agricultural Engineers and hydroponics greenhouse producers (both hydroponic and soil-based) on IPM and the proper use of USAID-approved pesticides and fungicides.

supervse the Agriculture Engineers field work, including daily reports, weekly scheduling, crop monitoring, troubleshooting, ongoing crop production issues, harvest coordination with buyers, etc.
Plan for upcoming seasons by contributing to and eventually leading planning sessions with partner organizations:crop selection,grantee selection,defining the responsibilities of Ag. Engineers
Provide daily interpretation for Technical Advisor on ToT and assistance to grantees.
Collaborate with the Technical Advisor in the construction and instillation of soil and/or soilless production systems within the demonstration greenhouses.
Assist in drafting and adapting the Farmer Handbooks for agriculture basics and Hydroponic Practical Handbook for trainers and producers.
Facilitate training and technical assistance to be carried out by expert volunteers and consultants to partner staff members and greenhouse producers, including contributions to Scopes of Work (SOWs), required expertise, scheduling, and logistical and interpretation support.
Coordinate with BDS Manager to facilitate transfer of record-keeping and related technical assistance and access to credit for fruit and vegetable producers.
Coordinate with Marketing Manager to facilitate transfer of market information and technical assistance, such as product and packaging specifications, harvest timing, etc.
Coordinate with Capacity Building Manager in reaching out to the producers, identifying lead farmers, clusters and groups of farmers to work with, facilitate the provision of overall technical assistance as well as gathering information for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
Support the M&E Manager and the Grants Manager to monitor and document/report on the progress of selected fruit and vegetable producers.
Support the Procurement Manager to provide procurement specifications, identify vendors, obtain quotes, etc.
Prepare weekly and quarterly reports detailing implementation progress and challenges for Technical Advisor and COP.

                                                           
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
 

Degree in Agriculture and/or Agribusiness; Advanced degree in Horticulture
Solid background with proven qualifications and practical experience (1-3 years) in working on agricultural production projects using a value chain approach
Familiarity with export market for flowers (cut flowers and pot plants) and post-harvest requirements for cooling, packaging and transportation of flowers
Good knowledge of safety requirement and regulations for working with hazardous material
Excellent presentation skills proven by previous work presenting analytical results
Good communication skills and team building skills
Strong knowledge in using Microsoft office including word, PowerPoint, excel and other computer programs

Excellent Arabic and English language skills