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POSITION TITLE:     Cassava Technical Specialist             

Location:               Bangkok, Thailand

PROJECT:       USDA Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN)

Reports to:          Technical Director

POSITION SUMMARY: The Cassava Technical Specialist will be responsible for the implementation of the technical strategy for the identification, validation, and scaling of climate-smart innovations in cassava production and processing for the USDA Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN) project based in Bangkok, Thailand (2022-2027).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide technical expertise. Support the five technical activities (Source, Support, Scale, Sell, Share) by contributing to cassava technology workplans, ensuring completion of cassava technology workplans, and making necessary adjustments as needed. Ensure timely, high-quality implementation and reporting, gathering and drafting inputs for bi-annual reports.

2. Coordinate SOURCING and validation of innovations. Collaborate with Michigan State University (MSU), evidence panels and other identified stakeholders to confirm the market and technical validation of cassava innovations. Oversee the validation/testing/piloting process for cassava innovations in coordination with MSU ensuring that accurate data and reports are produced for each innovation.

3. Develop and assist grants. Identify cassava research and innovation needs, develop appropriate grants, advertise for applicants, select grantees, and oversee the completion of cassava research and innovation activities by grantees.

4. Develop service SUPPORT bundles. Work with staff and consultant specialists to develop support packages for climate-smart innovations that include extension, data, and access to finance.

5. Implement SCALE plans. Lead development of cassava technology adoption plans to scale successful innovations. Ensure that women, youth, and marginalized communities are integrated in all activities where feasible.

6. Coordinate SELL and SHARE activities. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with cassava private sector actors, relevant ministries, development projects, and regional bodies. Represent RAIN in meetings with USDA, other donors, projects, ministries, and stakeholders as needed.

7. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience. At least 5 years of experience in cassava agricultural development, research, and/or innovation; including extensive experience within Thailand agricultural sector required.

2. Education. Minimum of a Master’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, international development, or equivalent experience in a related field.

3. Outreach. Familiarity with managing partnerships and engaging other organizations or ministries.

4. Reporting. Experience in compiling information and crafting events into a compelling narrative.

5. Software. Competent computer software skills in MS Excel and Word.

6. Language. Fluency in English and Thai required.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Applicants should apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to job.rain@winrock.org by March 21, 2023. Please include “Cassava Technical Specialist” in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Winrock would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are shortlisted will be contacted.