Post-Harvest Coordinator

Responsibilities

The Post-Harvest Coordinator supports YEP farmers by providing hands-on technical assistance throughout pre-harvest and post-harvest stages of the agricultural cycle. S/he assists farmers in applying improved practices to enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the quality and value of agricultural products.

S/he supports the implementation of post-harvest activities in line with project standards, identifies technical challenges, and works closely with the program team to ensure effective and continuous service delivery, demonstrating professionalism and commitment to serving farming communities.

S/he performs all responsibilities in close coordination with the Livelihoods Program Manager, with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to serving the YEP community. 

Job Duties: 

1.Pre-Harvest Activities

• Assessment & Planning:
  Conduct pre-harvest field assessments to evaluate crop status, farming practices, risks, and readiness for harvesting.
• Training Delivery:
  Develop and deliver practical training sessions for YEP farmers on:
• Harvest timing and maturity indicators for key crops
• Safe and effective harvesting techniques
• Pre-harvest hygiene and field sanitation
• Basic pest and disease management prior to harvest
• Farmer Field Practice:
  Facilitate on-site demonstrations and practice sessions to reinforce learning and ensure farmers can apply techniques correctly.
• Regular Field Visits:
  Conduct monthly field visits during the pre-harvest period to provide on-the-ground guidance, monitor crop readiness, and address farmers technical needs in real time.

2. Post-Harvest Support

Post-Harvest Training:
Provide structured training on:

• Sorting, grading, and cleaning of produce
• Drying, packaging, and basic storage techniques
• Post-harvest loss prevention strategies
• Safe transportation and handling

Workshops & Demonstrations:
Organize small-scale workshops and practical demonstrations to promote the adoption of improved post-harvest practices.

Food Processing Sessions:
Lead hands-on sessions on basic food processing techniques suitable for local crops, including:

• Drying fruits and vegetables
• Tomato paste/sauce production
• Pickling, jams, or other value-added products

Quality Standards & Market Linkages:

• Support farmers in understanding local market requirements and improving the quality of their products to increase marketability and income including hygiene practices.
• Conduct basic quality control checks with farmers before distributing their harvests to markets, ensuring products meet agreed quality, hygiene, and market standards to reduce rejection and improve sales outcomes.

Regular Post-Harvest Follow-up:
Continue monthly visits to monitor the implementation of post-harvest techniques, troubleshoot issues, and provide tailored support based on farmer progress.

3. Collaboration & Coordination

• Work closely with the Livelihoods team to align activities with broader program goals.
• Coordinate with the MEAL team for monitoring progress and collecting feedback from farmers.

4. Community Engagement and Reporting

• Conduct regular follow-up visits to farmers.
• Support data collection, attendance tracking, and basic reporting on pre and post-harvest activities.
• Coordinate with project staff and community leaders to ensure smooth implementation.

Skills Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be willing to abide by Samaritans Purses code of conduct and understand the principals of Samaritans Purses statement of faith, as well as be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Skills:

• Excellent communication and facilitation (teaching) skills.
• Strong organizational and reporting skills
• Attention to detail, anticipation and follow up are core values of the job function while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality regarding contracts and salaries.
• Possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills within a fast-paced environment.
• Must be a self-starter and internally driven to success and hard work.
• Possesses strong cross-cultural communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must be a humble team player.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable, taking on additional responsibilities as needed. 
• Knowledge of computer systems and its applications such as Outlook, Word, and Excel including formulas/formatting.
• He/she must have analytical and report writing skills.
• High level of integrity and stewardship.
• Committed to the SP values and ethics.
• Above average mathematic skills.

Education / Experience Needed

• Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Agronomy, or a related field (Masters preferred)
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in post-harvest handling, food processing, or agricultural extension
• Strong technical knowledge of pre- and post-harvest processes for fruits and vegetables
• Experience delivering hands-on training and working directly with smallholder farmers

LANGUAGE 

• Fluency in Kurdish and Arabic is required.
• Proficiency in English is desired.

To apply for this position, please click Here.