Senior Director - Center for Agriculture and Food Security

Ministry Function:

The Senior Director - Center for Agriculture & Food Security (CAFS) supports the ministry of Convoy of Hope (COH) by leading the planning and implementation of CAFS with the vision to resource, train and engage global compassion workers with innovative and practical solutions on food and nutrient security.  Additionally, this position fosters academic advancement and credibility by positioning COH as a thought leader in the sphere of relief and development.

Ministerial Responsibilities:

1. On the field, as both a representative of Convoy of Hope and the partner ministries, provides regular devotional and prayer for Convoy of Hope workers and spiritual counseling.
2. Provides spiritual counseling to Convoy of Hope staff and volunteers.
3. Performs sacerdotal functions as requested by Convoy of Hope staff, volunteers, or others - both at the Convoy of Hope offices and on the field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with all stakeholders to plan and implement a world-class Center for Agriculture & Food Security.
2. Align with Program Specialists and Partner Relations to optimize internal and external interfaces.
3. Provide progress and KPI reporting of CAFS project and operational status.
4. Evaluation & Research – Oversee agriculture research projects: conduct and direct secondary research; link internal and external research finding to offer agriculture program consultation and cultivate relationship with academic institutions, including peer-reviewed publications.
5. Serves as a COH agriculture expert, providing consultation, education, and curriculum development as assigned.
6. Research and develop new and innovative agriculture technologies.
7. Develop and deliver appropriate trainings for students, stakeholders, and volunteers in a manner than can lead to formal degree ad professional certification.
8. Work with Development team when appropriate to share vision with others in order to give them the opportunity to join in as partners.
9. Engage in Hope Education Network projects as assigned.
10. Support M&E function in an advisory capacity as necessary.
11. As a member of the Global Program Team, supports other areas as assigned. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ordained, commissioned or license minister with church ministry experience required.
2. Post-graduate university degree (Master’s/Ph.D.) in international development or relevant field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required. 
3. The ability to hold adjunct or full professorship at university preferred.   
4. 5 years of work experience required; experience in international development and/or research preferred; research background preferred.
5. Strong analytical and research skills; attention to detail and accuracy; statistical research capabilities (e.g. expertise in SPSS, Stata, R) a plus.
6. Experience conducting research in developing countries.
7. Experience in leading staff and providing general administrative oversight required.
8. Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
9. Knowledge of various technical sectors of development such as nutrition, food security, public health, WASH, micro-enterprise, and agriculture.
10. Experience working effectively across teams and handling complex multi-stakeholder relationships.
11. Experience in effectively managing multiple priorities simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
12. Ability and willingness to travel 25-35% of the time (domestic and international).
13. Fluency in African languages, French or Spanish preferred.
14. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain tact in difficult situations.
15. Advanced computer knowledge and experience with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
16. Attends and actively participates in COH At Home Week meetings and activities as a required responsibility to the organization and fellow team members.
17. Serve as an advocate for the ministry, striving to nurture, broaden and develop financial and other resource opportunities to support and expand organizational and program ministry.
18. Ability to positively represent the ministry of Convoy of Hope, including its mission statement and core values, to all outside constituencies.
19. As a Christian organization, Convoy of Hope believes it is critical that each staff member embraces the organization's religious purposes for which it exists and not only agrees with its Statement of Faith but demonstrates it in their lives on an ongoing basis.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

This position may have direct supervisory responsibilities.