Program Associate, USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities

TITLE: Program Associate, USDA Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities LOCATION: Remote, within the United States DEPARTMENT: The Wallace Center Wallace Center is a unit of Winrock International. Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. Winrock matches innovative approaches in agriculture, natural resources management, clean energy, and leadership development with the unique needs of its partners. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world. BACKGROUND: The Wallace Center at Winrock International works to bring together diverse people and ideas to co-create solutions that build healthy farms, equitable economies, and resilient food systems. We envision a future where all communities have the power to nourish themselves and regenerate ecosystems through just food and agricultural systems. We are committed to centering anti-racism, racial equity, and inclusion in our programs, operations, and culture. DESCRIPTION: The Wallace Center is recruiting a full-time Program Associate for its five-year U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities project. The “Growing Value for Producers Through Increased Access to Markets for Climate Smart Commodities” project will support the production and marketing of climate-smart commodities through a set of pilot projects that provide voluntary incentives to U.S. growers and producers to implement improved practices. This includes specific outreach and support for underserved growers and producers, including those on Tribal lands. Key partners include Riceland Foods and the Intertribal Agriculture Council. The Wallace Center is actively building strategies for centering racial and economic equity in our work and seeking candidates eager to forward that mission. The Center is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color. Essential responsibilities will include: · Working in close cooperation with the Project Lead and Program Manager as well as other with project staff and Winrock support units (Awards Management, Procurement, Human Resources, Information and Communications Technology, and Finance) to provide ongoing support in monitoring, tracking, and troubleshooting program implementation. Using Winrock’s Project Management tools to implement systems for managing project information, scheduling, partner contracts, subrecipient agreements, and communications. Assisting in developing or making contributions to technical reports, research reports, program updates, proposals, memos, work plans, best practices, success stories, and lessons learned. Monitoring project budgets and contributing to relevant planning. Monitoring consultant contracts and subawards, review expense reports, and coordinate payments through Winrock support units Conducting field visits to support project staff and activities. Managing logistics for events such as project presentations, team retreats, meetings and conferences, and other outreach efforts and representing Winrock at external events. Contributing to other team efforts as needed and completing other duties as assigned by supervisor. The Program Associate is a motivated candidate who is talented at multitasking in a fast-paced nonprofit environment. This individual should have the focus to handle many complex, evolving responsibilities with a high degree of autonomy, accountability, and attention to detail. This includes engaging in relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partners in the domestic agriculture sector. Experience with large U.S. agriculture and supply chain projects – particularly those that directly support underserved growers and producers – is preferred. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION BS/BA in agriculture, soil science, animal science, economics, environmental science/policy, rural development, or related field OR at least four years of professional/work experience. At least one year of professional, work, or lived experience in one or more of the following areas: Required Experience: Experience with federal government awards - ideally experience with USDA projects focused on U.S. agriculture systems Experience working with U.S. farmer groups – ideally those that meet the USDA definition of “underserved” – and product/service supplier organizations A demonstrated knowledge of climate-smart agriculture practices and equitable food systems – ideally how those practices and systems operate in tribal and other underserved communities SKILLS Comfortable working in a flexible, high-paced environment; able to work well in teams High-level cultural competency and ability to work with a broad range of partners and participants respectfully and productively. Ability to contribute to project operations and workflow to track and meet deadlines Strong level of understanding of budgets and Microsoft Excel as well as a basic understanding of financial skills Strong individual time management and organizational abilities for completing detailed administrative, communications, and other assigned tasks. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Demonstrated writing skills (English fluency) for published content designed for a variety of audiences and mediums, preparation, reporting and other assigned tasks. Willingness to travel domestically. SALARY/BENEFITS: The salary range is $54,000 - $60,000 and will be commensurate with experience and/or level of education. Winrock offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit a resume and cover letter by November 30th Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes, and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization