Place of Work: 

The Philippines

BACKGROUND

East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT) is a non-profit corporate foundation with unique ties to East-West Seed, a vegetable seed company dedicated to smallholder farmers and the local markets they supply. East-West Seed has consistently ranked high in the Access to Seeds Index. Its founder, Simon Groot, was recognized by the 2019 World Food Prize for his role in transforming vegetable markets, creating income development opportunities for millions of smallholder farmers, and improving nutrition for countless lower-income consumers. Recognizing that farmers need access to quality seeds and knowledge on how to grow crops, the company has long supported intensive training programs for farmers. To ensure that these pre-commercial activities are most effectively geared toward benefiting smallholder farmers, training activities are managed through EWS-KT.

EWS-KT improves the vegetable production and business skills of smallholder farmers by providing training in sustainable and profitable horticultural techniques and farm business planning. In this way, we aim to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and increase the supply of safe-to-eat vegetables, while simultaneously catalyzing the development of innovative agricultural input markets. By leveraging a market-driven approach, we help to position vegetable production as an attractive and viable business opportunity for local communities.

EWS-KT directly supports smallholder farmers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ghana, India, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Uganda. For more information, visit www.ews-kt.com.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall Responsibilities:

The role of the Knowledge Transfer (KT) Manager for the Philippines is expected to be approximately 60%-70% focused on ensuring future funding streams:

• Network and build solid and lasting relationships with government agencies, local and international organizations, and the private sector to develop long-term partnerships and promote vegetable production as a valuable source of income for small-scale farmers 
• Manage a pipeline of partners, including identifying, prospecting, outreach, assessment, alignment, negotiations, and close 
• Work with the Director of EWS-KT and the Strategic Partnerships Manager to develop partnerships and a funding strategy, and lead the team to deliver operationalization of the strategy 
• Map and engage stakeholders to further develop and strengthen the profile of EWS-KT
• Explore and identify potential funding leads and opportunities
• Develop and pitch concept notes, proposals, and budgets
• Ensure legal compliance when entering into partnership agreements
• Maintain relationships and oversee reporting to donors and partners
• Coordinate with the Communications team to showcase project partnerships and updates via website and social media 
• Act as the point of contact for EWS-KT in the Philippines and represent EWS-KT in various external forums

The remaining 30%-40% of time will focus on project management and operations:

• Strategically oversee and steer KT activities and approaches
• In close coordination with the Assistant Manager for Field Operations, develop work plans and support project management and successful project implementation. 
• Lead the support team (finance; technical/training; monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL); digital; human resources) and oversee the entire field team in delivering knowledge to smallholder farmers on profitable vegetable production
• Oversee the coordination of support from the global EWS-KT Knowledge Transfer Support team
• Oversee the development programs that strengthen the capacity of the KT team and plan for the succession of strategic roles
• Ensure the smooth functioning of EWS-KT in the Philippines and make sure that operations adhere to EWS-KT and partner policies and regulations
• Maintain and further strengthen alignment with East-West Seed Philippines to ensure that KT activities are focused on areas where the company seeks future growth and where the company can maximize the synergies created with KT
• Regularly visit the project areas to maintain an overview of all project activities
• Other related duties and tasks that may arise from time to time 

Work Relationships:

The KT Manager will report to the Director of EWS-KT and will work closely with the EWS-KT Strategic Partnerships Manager (especially for international funding and project proposals). The KT Manager will also work closely with the Assistant Manager for Field Operations, who will support the KT Manager in operational matters. This position will coordinate closely with the EWS-KT Knowledge Transfer Support team to ensure their support in technical aspects of production, project management, human resources, finances, data analytics, digital communications, MEL, etc.

This position will maintain a strong dotted reporting line to the General Manager of East-West Seed Philippines and will liaise and plan with key positions in East-West Seed Philippines to ensure alignment and regular updates of activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

At least 10 years of professional working experience that includes: 

• Solid experience managing partnerships with national and local government agencies
• Experience working in or managing partnerships and alliances with international and local organizations 
• Proven success in the management of ag-based development projects 
• High resourcefulness, with the capacity and experience to develop proposals and budgets 
• Excellent ability to engage in multi-stakeholder management
• Minimum of MSc in international development, agriculture, economics, business administration, or related field
• Solid leadership and project management skills, including organizational skills and ability to manage concurrent tasks efficiently 
• Experience in rural development through market-based approaches
• Understanding of agricultural or vegetable markets
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Tagalog

APPLICATION INFORMATION

EWS-KT is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, color, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.

To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position to [email protected]

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only applicants who are shortlisted for further discussions will be contacted.