Job Description

The successful candidate will advocate for grain farmers' sustainability and profitability by leading research initiatives and managing training programs. This role includes coordinating research, developing policies, and ensuring industry, academic, and research institutions focus on key areas like crop improvement, plant health, climate resilience, biosecurity, data analytics, and human capital development.Minimum Requirements:

• A Masters degree in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Education, Vocational Training, Economics, or a related field. A PhD in any one of these fields will be a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in agricultural research, education, vocational training, or a related field.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
• Proven ability to develop and implement training programs.

Main Accountabilities:General:

• Advocacy and Leadership: Champion the interests of grain farmers by advocating for research and training programs that enhance sustainability and profitability.
• Communicate the importance of research and innovation in agriculture to stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with government agencies, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and research organizations to align efforts with the company's and academys strategic objectives.
• Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of researchers, educators, and policy analysts.
• Funding and Grants: Identify and secure funding opportunities to support research and training initiatives.

Academy:

• Establishment and Development: Lead the establishment of the Academy, including developing its vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Program Design: Develop and implement training programs for artisans, technicians, and farmworkers, focusing on practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.
• Partnership Building: Build and maintain partnerships with industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government agencies.
• Curriculum Development: Oversee the creation of curricula that are aligned with industry standards and best practices.
• Quality Assurance: Implement quality assurance processes to maintain high standards of training and education.
• Resource Management: Manage the academys resources, including staff, facilities, and budget.
• Student Support: Develop support services for students, including career guidance, mentorship, and job placement assistance.
• Community Engagement: Promote the academy within the community and industry to attract students and build a positive reputation.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish systems to assess the impact and effectiveness of training programs.

Research:

• Research Coordination: Oversee and coordinate research activities in areas such as crop improvement, plant health, climate resilience, biosecurity, data and analytics, and human capital development.
• Evaluate research outputs for quality and impact.
• Advocacy: Advocate for public and private research institutions to align their research focus with priorities identified by the company's members.
• Knowledge Transfer: Promote the sharing of research outcomes with producers through accessible and informative strategies.
• Data Analysis: Analyze data and industry trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Report Writing: Prepare comprehensive reports to funders, and communicate research findings and recommendations.

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