Farmer Engagement Manager

Organization
Lizard Earth Limited
Location
Kenema, Eastern Province, Sierra Leone
Job Type
Full-time position: 2 years, commencing immediately (or by arrangement); with the option of extension
Deadline for Applications
04/18/2022
How to Apply
Please send your Cover Letter, CV and your Salary Expectations to Ms. Jana Kuchheuser.
Where to Apply
jobs@lizard-earth.com
Tags
Full-time
WHO WE ARE
Lizard Earth is an ethical cocoa grower and aggregator from Eastern Sierra Leone, driven by the agency of innovating the future of cocoa and chocolate. Together with our host communities, we cultivate Agroforestry Cocoa Gardens under a responsible production- and governance model which provides income opportunities for community members, contributes to environmental conservation and offers an inclusive land use option. We aim at shaping a new, non-conventional partnership with our communities by letting them participate in the success of our business and supporting talented smallholders to develop into successful agri-entrepreneurs. Over the past three years, we have built a cocoa smallholder network of 1,600 organic-certified farmers whom we offer essential, year-round farm-level services, often in collaboration with partners and support initiatives, ranging from trainings and technical extension work, over the provision of tools and farm inputs, to access to finance. It is our mission to put Sierra Leone on the map as a country of origin of ethical, certified premium cocoa.With the objective of supporting the further growth of our business, we are recruiting a Farmer Engagement Manager.WHY WE NEED YOU
You develop and drive the implementation of Lizard Earth’s Sourcing & Farmer Engagement Strategy in close consultation with the Managing Director. Our Farmer Support and Community Development Officers, ICS Manager, Export Facilitator, Warehouse Manager and Sourcing Coordinators all report directly to you.WHAT YOU WILL DO
Your focus is directed towards (1.) Developing Lizard Earth’s certification program (Social Sustainability/Prod. Standards); (2.) Managing and growing Lizard Earth’s sourcing operations; (3.) Coordinating our partnerships with FBOs and providing targeted technical support; (4.) Coordinating third-party funded development projects and managing relations with funding partners and donors; (5.) Planning and backstopping implementation of Lizard Earth’s micro-community projects; (6.) Supporting the development of technical concepts, guidelines & procedures, and providing technical advice to management.

YOUR EDUCATION
You hold a university degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Agriculture, Int. Development, Sustainability Studies, Geography/Anthropology, Psychology (or any related field), and – as an asset – a credential in Project Management. You must have full working proficiency in English (C1).

YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (ESSENTIAL)
You have (1.) a minimum of 4 years experience in (Group) Certification (i.e. developing, managing or auditing an ICS); and (2.) a minimum of 6 years experience in Project Management (ideally in the context of int. development).

YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (AS AN ASSET)
You have experience in (1.) Cocoa production and/or processing (e.g. fermentation practices, quality assurance, good agricultural practices); (2.) the Work with smallholder farmers (e.g. agricultural commodity sourcing & trading, management of an out-grower scheme, delivery of farm advisory services); (3.) Traceability; (4.) the Facilitation of (farmer) trainings and capacity development; (4.) Organizational development (of Farmer Based Organizations); and (5.) Donor relationship management (proposal writing and reporting).

YOUR KNOWLEDGE
You have (1.) an advanced understanding of the Global Cocoa and Chocolate Industry; (2.) strong interest in inclusive agri-business models and out-grower schemes; (3.) expertise in Value Chain Development; (4.) strong research and drafting skills; and (5.) sound skills in databank management.

YOUR COMPETENCIES
You should be able to (1.) Think Strategically: Consider the ‘bigger picture’ for setting priorities; link visions to daily work; (2.) Think Analytically: Identify key issues and patterns in complex situations; plan independently; (3.) Build Networks: Build relationships with important actors and use them to achieve strategic goals; (4.) Manage Resources: Make decisions aimed at improving processes and performance; (5.) Provide Leadership & Manage Teams: Foster a collaborative environment and drive a team in one direction; (6.) Develop Talent: Create learning opportunities and foster an environment that encourages professional and personal growth; (7.) Act Diplomatically: Understand other people and display cross-cultural sensitivity; (8.) Focus on Achievements: Identify opportunities, calculate risks, be bold & take responsibility to deliver results within given deadlines; (9.) Align with the Organization: Show dedication to the mission of Lizard Earth.

Additional Information

WHAT WE OFFER
As Farmer Engagement Manager you will shape the future growth of Lizard Earth in a young and impact-driven team. We offer you a competitive salary which will reflect your experience, international health insurance, one international flight to your country of residence per year, and free housing in Kenema. You will have 21 days of paid leave annually. Given the nature of your role, it is expected that you spend considerable time with our farmers and team in the field.

INTERESTED?
We are looking forward to your application. In the event that you have questions or would like to obtain further details, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We strongly encourage you to apply, regardless of your gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and identity.