USC Canada/Seeds of Diversity Canada Job Posting: Program Development Manager
Posted: August 31, 2011
Categories: Volunteer. Job and Writing Opportunities
USC CANADA/SEEDS OF DIVERSITY CANADA: PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (PDM) FOR THE BAUTA INITIATIVE ON CANADIAN SEED SECURITY
USC Canada, in collaboration with Seeds of Diversity Canada, is seeking an innovative and strategic organizer to develop and manage a pilot phase of a new Canadian seed diversity and security initiative. A deep knowledge of small-scale organic seed and food production in Canada is a must, as is a minimum of ten years experience in program development and coordination. Experience as a workshop facilitator and trainer is a strong asset. Also required are strong English language writing skills, and oral proficiency in both English and French. Based in Ottawa, this is a full-time 15-month contract position that will require extensive travel in Canada. (Should this pilot phase prove successful, the PDM will be short-listed for a position within a more comprehensive 36-month program.)
Specific responsibilities include:
Under the supervision of the Executive Director of USC Canada, and in close collaboration with key seed and food actors across the country:
Provide strategic leadership, coordination and creative input into the development of a Canadian seed diversity and seed security program; Conduct applied research on: existing organizations within the Canadian food system with a special interest in biodiverse and heirloom seeds; on production facilities for seed multiplication and bolstering seed supply systems ; on market opportunities and regulations for biodiverse and heirloom seeds, particularly for heritage grains;
Organize and liaise with national and regional committees formed to offer programmatic advice; Design and implement national and regional ‘training for trainers’ programs in various locations in Canada in 2012 on seed production, saving and bulking-up;
Administer a program budget as well as an assessment of the pilot phase;
Liaise with seed-related public institutions (government; universities; botanical gardens) across the country;
Oversee a contractual arrangement with the designer/ manager of a farmer-friendly virtual seed extension service and collaborate on content;
Initiate relationships with organizations willing to collaborate on regional seed programming, and identify regional coordinators to carry out the programming in: Ontario; Quebec; Atlantic Canada; The Prairies; and Western Canada.
Qualifications:
A minimum of 10 years experience in program development and management; educational training, or equivalent experience, in a field related to the food system and small scale farming (from production to consumption). Excellent networking and program development and coordination skills. Strong English- language writing skills and oral proficiency in both English and French.
Write to USC Canada in confidence by September 20, 2011. Please include both a detailed curriculum vitae — with the names of three easily reachable references – and a two page (max) written statement on the opportunities and challenges of building seed security in Canada. Search Committee: Bauta Initiative on Canadian Seed Security
USC Canada, 705 – 56 Sparks St Ottawa, ON, K1P 5B1
Learn more about USC Canada and Seeds of Diversity Canada.