Gardens for Health International

Job Description

Position: Agriculture Associate

About the Organization

Gardens for Health International bridges the disconnect between food, agriculture, and nutrition. For over a decade, Gardens for Health International (GHI) has implemented nutrition-sensitive agriculture programs to combat childhood malnutrition in Rwanda. We equip families and communities with the knowledge, resources and support they need to meet their nutritional needs. GHI’s core program works in collaboration with government-run health centers to identify and support rural families struggling with malnutrition. In addition to this core program, GHI collaborates with a variety of governmental and non-governmental partners to bring our expertise to new settings and new populations, such as primary schools and refugee camps. We are an impact-driven organization with a deep commitment to ensuring that every program we design meets and responds to the unique needs of the communities we serve. Our team is flexible, innovative, and passionate about sparking lasting change.

About the Role

The Agriculture Associate will be in charge of the overseeing of the agriculture related partnerships on the farm. He/She will ensure the farm is growing crops according to the farm strategy and GHI vision, that the farm is well-maintained and healthy, and that all farm tasks related to the program are completed on time.

He/She will also participate in the farm tours along with the Ag team to organization, visitors and donors. He/She will also build capacity of farm technicians on the permaculture and conservation agriculture principles and practices. He/She will be assisting to the development of different reports to farm project partners and represent the farm to external partners.

Overview of the Role

Position: Agriculture Associate

Place of Work: Ndera, Gasabo with travel to the field as required

Staff reporting to this position: None

Reports to: Agriculture Coordinator

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Works alongside with farm technicians to implement the planned activities at the farm
  • Record all farm data including farm produce into Commcare
  • Lead homemade pesticide preparation, ensure its quality and research on types of pests which can be managed by such pesticide
  • Lead manure production from the farm and check quality depends on the techniques applied.
  • Lead seeds’ saving and advise farm team accordingly to ensure the quality of seeds
  • Preparation of crop plan and lead its’ implementation on seasonal basis
  • Lead farm related trials, records keeping and reporting
  • Collaborate with the farm livestock technician to monitor and manage livestock farming activities 
  • Conducts agricultural trainings for fellow farm technicians on permaculture principles practices
  • Monitoring the on-going farm activities and preparing farm expense requests and monthly budgets
  • Work with the farm technicians to hire part-time workers and distributes assignments and payment to them
  • Work closely with the farm technicians ensuring that all equipment, machinery and facilities are kept to an optimum level.

Broader role at GHI

  • Conducts farm tours for visitors and educates permanent staff and fellows about the farm
  • Provide support to the Ag Team in various ways, including curriculum development and external trainings as needed.

Qualifications and experience:

  • Bachelors’ degree in Agriculture, Crop Production or other related fields.
  • At least one year of experience preferably in Organic farming, Conservation agriculture, and Climate smart agriculture.
  • Having technical expertise in livestock husbandry will be an added value.
  • Fluency in spoken and written English and Kinyarwanda.
  • Ability to multitask, priorities, and manage time efficiently
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Accurate attention to details
  • Goal-oriented, organized team player
  • Ability to work well with management and staff at all levels
  • Passion for Gardens for Health’s vision and values, with a commitment to serving the organization mission

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gardens for Health International is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage and welcome all interested potential applicants, regardless of background or prior experience volunteering with Gardens for Health International, to apply.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

Gardens for Health International has zero – tolerance policy for exploitative and abusive relationships. Gardens for Health International will ensure the fulfillment of our moral obligation to protect minor children and other vulnerable members of society from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and other forms of violence.

Child Safeguarding:  

Level 3: the post holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

Health and Safety:

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with GHI Health and Safety policies and procedures.