ThaiNGO

POSITION TITLE:     Horticulture Technical Specialist        

Location:               Bangkok, Thailand

PROJECT:       USDA Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN)

Reports to:          Technical Director

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

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide technical expertise. Support the five technical activities (Source, Support, Scale, Sell, Share) by contributing to horticulture technology workplans, ensuring completion of horticulture 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 horticulture innovations. Oversee the validation/testing/piloting process for horticulture innovations in coordination with MSU ensuring that accurate data and reports are produced for each innovation.

3. Develop and assist grants. Identify horticulture research and innovation needs, develop appropriate grants, advertise for applicants, select grantees, and oversee the completion of horticulture 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 horticulture 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 horticulture 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 horticulture agricultural development, research, and/or innovation; including extensive experience within Thailand agricultural sector required. Strongly recommended that candidate have experience in at least one of the following crops: durian, longan, mangosteen, or coconut.

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 “Horticulture 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.