The John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to promote sustainable improvements in food security and agricultural processing, production, and marketing by leveraging the expertise of U.S. volunteers.

 ACDI/VOCA seeks a specialist in Greenhouse Vegetable Production for a Volunteer Assignment in Georgia. The selected Volunteer will collaborate with the host to review their current greenhouse vegetable systems and provide theoretical and practical training on tomato, cucumber, and lettuce production. The assignment’s target audience is farmers and extension professionals.

***As part of the Farmer-to-Farmer Consortium, this assignment is made possible through USAID funding. In accordance to USAID guidelines, any candidates submitted for consideration under this project must have a valid US passport or Green Card.***

This is a 2-week assignment, scheduled for Spring (April/May) 2024. 

Provisions for the Volunteer:

• All international and local travel
• All lodging
• A per diem to cover meals and incidentals
• Travel Visa (if applicable)
• Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance
• In-country support from field office staff
• Local cell phone to use during assignment (if needed)

The Volunteer will visit the farmers’ greenhouses, interview both farmers and extension professionals, and conduct multiple workshops in the field. The workshops should include vegetable production basics and address local issues and problems that limit the current yields and profitability. Develop and implement KPI systems and staff evaluation mechanisms.

While in-country, the Volunteer will:

• Evaluate the possible strengths and weaknesses the host may have in greenhouse vegetable cucumber, tomato, and lettuce production
• Demonstrate soil preparation and nutrient management techniques 
• Identify options to improve greenhouse production practices
• Recommend best management practices for drip irrigation and fertigation (ratios and formulas)
• Recommend action plans for pest and disease monitoring, sampling, and control
• Recommend best practices for harvest and post-harvest management: picking, sorting, packing, storing, and shipping 

• University degree in Horticulture, Greenhouse Management, or a related field
• At least 5 years relevant work experience
• Practical experience growing tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce in a greenhouse
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills
• Previous international experience a plus
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel and apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Etc.