ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Winrock International is a recognized leader in U.S. and international development with a focus on social, agricultural and environmental issues. Inspired by its namesake Winthrop Rockefeller, Winrock combines scientific and technical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation to deliver market-based solutions that improve lives around the world. Winrock’s mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources across the globe.

JOB SUMMARY

The Technical Director will lead the technical strategy and implementation for the USDA Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN) project, which will be based in Bangkok, Thailand (2022-2027). The project will source, validate, and disseminate climate-smart innovations in rice, cassava, and fruit in Thailand.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide technical oversight. Supervise the five technical activities (Source, Support, Scale, Sell, Share) by creating work plans, ensuring completion of work plans, 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 innovations’ market and technical validation. Oversee the validation/testing/piloting process for innovations in coordination with MSU, ensuring that accurate data and reports are produced for each innovation.

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

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

5. Implement SCALE plans. Lead development of plans with technical specialists 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 private sector actors, relevant ministries, development projects, and regional bodies. As needed, represent RAIN in meetings with USDA, other donors, projects, ministries, and stakeholders.

7. Manage team. Directly manage six technical experts (business development specialists, field technical and engagement specialists, project assistant); oversee the employees’ hiring, training, development, and supervision per the Winrock personnel manual.

8. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience. At least 10 years of experience in agricultural development, research, and/or innovation, including extensive experience within Thailand’s agricultural sector, is required.

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

3. Supervision. Experience hiring, coaching, and supervising staff.

4. Project Management skills: Understand the Project Management Cycle

5. Leadership and communication skills

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

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

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

9. Language. Fluency in English and Thai is required.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants should apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to job.rain@winrock.org by August 19, 2024. Please include “Technical Director” in the subject line of the email. Winrock would like to thank all applicants for their interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

How to Apply
Step 1: Please re-read this job description from the beginning to the end.
Step 2: Click the APPLY FOR JOB button at the end of this job advert.
Step 3: After going to parent website, please read instructions carefully and ensure you apply as soon as possible.

Good luck!