Technology Transfer Specialist

Job Overview

Reporting to the Senior Director, Agro Park Development the Technology Transfer Specialist will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and executing crop establishment plans for each of the Agro Parks towards optimizing production efficiency and competitiveness. This will involve the employment of appropriate technology in undertaking irrigation and water use management, plant nutrition, crop care, harvesting and post-harvesting management, and product traceability. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Works with relevant agencies in acquiring, adapting and transferring appropriate technologies to the farming communities in and around the Agro Parks; 
• Ensures that the capacity of Agro Park farmers to implement good agricultural practices developed, in order to achieve food safety standards, and to improve the productivity, sustainability and profitability of their enterprise; 
• Foster and ensure effective communication linkages between Agro Park farmers, RADA extension service providers, researchers, service providers, input suppliers and planners to achieve a sustainable development of the Agro Parks; 
• Prepares and submit progress reports and other special reports to Senior Director, of Agro Parks Development as requested describing production activities and accomplishment within the Agro Parks; 
• Builds strong linkages and teamwork with field staff and specialist colleagues; 
• Promotes and increase the uptake of other initiatives by the Agro Park Development Unit as they become available; 
• Supports existing farmer groups with resource information and guidance; 
• Take advantage of opportunities for collaboration whenever possible; 
• Works with local structures and organizations, to ensure a co-coordinated approach to farmer activity; 
• Develops cost of production data for individual crops grown in the respective Agro Park in conjunction with the planning and economic division within MOAF; 
• Collects, maintains and analyses agronomic and production data on each investor/farmer; 
• In conjunction with the Marketing Coordinator and RADA, identify crops to be grown on the Agro Parks and other AIC managed agricultural lands; 
• Liaises and works closely with the Cluster Co-ordinator on all initiatives;
• Liaises and works closely with the Marketing Coordinator on all initiatives. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Ensures good collaboration between farmers and the following institutions: Rural Development Authority, National irrigation Commission, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Bodles Research Station, CARDI, IICA, 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 presents information on a variety of agricultural topics (Plant breeding, soil and land management, nutrition, food safety, irrigation and water use management, post harvest management etc.) that are useful and meaningful to various farmers/investors; 
• Utilizes 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;
• Provides information on Agricultural Risk Management; 
• Establishes and monitor pilot farm activities in order to demonstrate improved techniques to farmers; 

Required Skills & Competence

• Good knowledge of agricultural finance and marketing arrangements
• Sound knowledge of Agronomy and the Jamaican agricultural sector
• Sound knowledge of relevant computer applications, including; Microsoft Office, research, and statistical software 
• Good knowledge of government procurement policies and regulations.

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, General Agriculture, Agri-business or related discipline. 
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience in marketing and agribusiness. 
• Knowledge of marketing systems/ supply chains and developing marketing linkages for agriculture. 

 
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.