Our client is an established international supplier of organic and Fairtrade processed food. They have developed sustainable food chains in South America and Africa and they are looking for a Head of Agronomy and Sourcing for their processing business in Burkina Faso counting over 50 permanent staff and up to 500 seasonal workers and generating a turnover of around 3 to 4 mln Euro per year, .

The Head of Agronomy and Sourcing position is part of the Management Committee headed by the Managing Director and composed of three director’s positions:
1. Agronomy and Sourcing
2. Finance and Administration
3. Processing

The purpose of the job is to become strong in sourcing raw material and semi-finished products through direct, fair and transparent relations with producers and processors.

The position has the overall responsibility of raw material or semi-finished product procurement as well as for the agronomic department managing certifications (HACCP, NOP, EU-Organic, FLO etc.) and the development of new agricultural supply chains. The company aims for a lean management of agricultural product sourcing, certification and expansion processes with the necessary commercial, management and administrative activities

Leading a team of 15 people, driving the mission & vision of the company of which direct producer relationship and fair business practices le role responsibilities include:

For procurement:
• Manage the purchasing of raw materials and semi-finished products
• Establish the relevant contracts and supply chain flows in line with the quality requirements
• Develop the relevant network to fully understanding the market prices
• Propose and establish the relevant procurement strategies
• Compile necessary information
• Achieve full transparency in procurement from producers to processing

For Agronomy:
• Manage the internal control system and several different certificates on field as well as industry level
• Develop new supply areas / products together with producers and cooperatives
• Manage, advise and support the team of field staff and agronomists
• Develop new strategies to ensure certified supply of raw material / semi-finished products
• Increase the number of certified producers and cooperatives
• Find innovative means of collaboration with producers (mobile applications etc.)
• Train producers and suppliers on good agricultural practices, certification, quality standards, hygiene, good governance
• Ensure good execution of activities aiming to increase loyalty of producers and suppliers
• Ensure full traceability of all products sourced
• Compile necessary documentation

Requirements:
• Bachelor / Master in relevant fields
• 10+ years working experience
• 5+ years’ experience of handling Agricultural or other similar commodities / Procurement
• Understanding of procurement, Agronomy and producer management
• Previous (West) Africa experience
• Candidate with a long-term aspiration to live in Burkina Faso Familiar and enjoying dealing with local farmers, cooperatives, informal businesses, authorities, , stakeholders
• French & English (written and spoken)

Offered:
• Local contract, long term position,
• Both local and international candidates are encouraged to apply
• Start date Oct 2017

Are you interested in becoming a Head of Agronomy and Sourcing in Burkina Faso? Apply now at the top or bottom of our page.