Seed Keepers

[venaurafarm <venaurafarm@bellsouth.net>]

RAFI-USA is hiring a Project Coordinator
Job Posting
Project Coordinator, Reinvigorating Public Seeds and Breeds
Location: Pittsboro, NC
Closing Date: March 10, 2013
Start Date: April 1, 2013 or earlier based on availability

*Summary*

Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA) seeks an
experienced individual to coordinate initiatives that promote the
reinvigoration of public plant and animal breeding for public cultivar
and breeds development. With a specific focus on the Southern region of
the US, initiatives include building farmer/breeder collaborations aimed
at improved organic small grain and row crop varieties for southern
organic farming systems; developing protocols for on-farm variety
trials; and farmer recruitment for a seed improvement network. 


The Project Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Just
Foods Program Director, and will assist with broader program activities
as needed.  The position is based in the RAFI office in Pittsboro, NC,
but requires significant travel and a valid drivers license.

*Responsibilities*

·Facilitate cooperation between university breeders, farmers and civil
society partners in developing public plant varieties and animal breeds
adapted for southern organic production systems.

·Facilitate cooperation between diverse partners to participate in and
support breed development activities, including periodic conference
calls, meetings, field days and other events

·Develop Web and print materials and workshops, including the web site
and e-news

·Coordinate development of on-farm seed variety trial protocols,
resources and other educational materials

·Coordinate research and pilot development of farmer-led seed
improvement collaborations

·Coordinate research and development of innovative models for seed
ownership protections

·Work with partners to provide technical assistance to participating
farmers

·Collaborate with development staff on funding, including reporting on
project results, development of proposals and budgets and other
fundraising activities as needed

·Maintain project budgets

·Perform other administrative functions as needed

*Skills, Abilities & Experience*

  * 3-5 years experience working with organic farming community, and or
    traditional agricultural practices and advocacy
  * Experience with agricultural community organizing
  * Experience with seed research or industry, including classical plant
    breeding, seed handling or maintenance of germplasm collections.
  * Experience in managing diverse partnerships and partners
  * Understanding of issues related to food and seed sovereignty and
    farm-based economic development
  * Effective verbal and written communications skills including
    familiarity with writing for electronic media
  * Success in working collaboratively and building effective project
    teams
  * Familiarity with farm communities in NC and the Southern US
  * Familiarity with organic standards, certification and inspection
    systems
  * Familiarity with website development and up-to-date computer skills

*Compensation: *Competitive nonprofit salary plus generous benefits
package that includes health insurance, retirement plan and 27 days
annual leave.

*How to Apply - *Send a resume and cover letter via email to
seeds@rafiusa.org <mailto:seeds@rafiusa.org> by March 10, 2013.

*EOE: * RAFI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages
applications from women and people of color.

*The Organization:*

RAFI-USA is a nonprofit organization *that cultivates markets, policies
and communities that support thriving, socially-just, and
environmentally-sound family farms**. *Based in Pittsboro, NC, RAFI
works from the very local to the international level on behalf of family
farms and rural communities.  For more information, visit our website
at: www.rafiusa.org <http://www.rafiusa.org/>.