Cluster Coordinator

Key Responsibilities Areas

• Identifies supply chain relationships and what products sell best in which channels, packaging requirements and other market trends 
• Conducts sector assessments, analyze volume and revenue forecasts, and identify market drivers and constraints 
• Guides farmers in the best use of their resources through investigation and diagnosis of problems identified by them through extension support
• Facilitates linkages between farmers, input suppliers and markets
• Advises farmers on aspects of business management 
• Facilitate communications between farmers and the public/private sector for improved understanding and collaboration 
• Helps farmers form their own organizations in order to achieve economies of scale, create efficiencies in buying inputs and marketing produce 
• Brings farmers and commercial agents together 
• Provides information enabling farmers to make informed decisions
• Facilitates communications between farmers and the public/private sector for improved understanding and collaboration 
• Negotiates with and mediate between banks and financial institutions
• Provides information on government assistance schemes and help with applications 
• Provides competitive analysis and develop strategic recommendations
• Assist with the preparation and submission of project proposals in seeking grant funding 
• Identifies and respond to problems and opportunities enabling farmers to expand their options and increase their profitability 
• Supports farmers and engage with researchers and other stakeholders to foster innovation along the value chains 
• Facilitates interaction among other stakeholders within the value chain in facilitating farmers benefiting from opportunities that may exist
• Mobilizes farmers to work together to tackle problems and seize opportunities by themselves 
• Prepares progress reports for submission to the Director of Agro Park Development 
• Liaises and works closely with the Manager, Market Coordination on all initiatives
• Liaises and works closely with the Technology Transfer Specialis Use technology to maximize service 
• Ensures good collaboration between farmers and the following institutions: -
  • Rural Development Authority
  • National irrigation Commission
  • Jamaica Agricultural Society
  • Jamaica 4H Clubs and Youth Groups
• Facilitates value chain development and value addition of commodities and by products 
• Delivers innovative and relevant agricultural production communication and extension programs 
• Links farmers with funding agencies, agents resource organizations and projects
• Actively participates in agricultural shows and exhibition highlighting new technology and techniques 
• Monitors all aspects of agricultural activities within the Agro Parks keeping the Director of Agro Parks Development updated 
• Conducts disease surveillance under the guidance of the RADA, Research and Development protection Specialist 
• Assists in the identification of research and development priorities for the livestock sector 
• Collects, adapts, interprets, and present information on a variety of agricultural topics that are useful and meaningful to various farmers/investors 
• Utilize a variety of methods to distribute to farmers educational materials and deliver technical information through farmer groups, workshops and farm visits while recognizing diverse audiences (youth, entry level and experienced producers) 
• Co-ordinates the implementation of training programmes to attain agreed targets within the Agro Parks 
• Organizes and implement field days activities, speaking to farmer groups. Other 
• Performs other related functions assigned by the Senior Director, Agro-Park Development from time to time. 

Required Skills & Competence

• Proficient in conducting financial and economic analyses of private and public projects 
• Sound knowledge of business, marketing or economics 
• Excellent analytical skills
• Good judgment and decision-making skills 
• Self-motivated with excellent attention to detail 
• Ability to problem-solve and multi-task 
• Sound knowledge of relevant computer applications, including; Microsoft Office, research and statistical software 
• Excellent time management skills 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government / Knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures 
• Excellent planning and organizational skills 
• Excellent business negotiation skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills excellent public speaking and presentation skills 
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills 
• Good knowledge of agricultural finance and marketing arrangements
• Sound knowledge of Rural Development and the Jamaican agricultural sector
• Excellent time management skills 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor Science Degree in Social Sciences, Agricultural, Rural Development Agri-business or related discipline. 
• A minimum of 5 years work experience in Rural Development and Agribusiness.
• Knowledge of Group dynamics 
• A Post Graduate certification in Agronomy would be an asset 
• Candidates must own and operate a reliable motor vehicle 

Special Conditions Associated with the job

• Frequent visits to Agro Parks/Farms 
• Required to work beyond normal working hours to meet deadlines 

 
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.