Job Postings

Contract Posting

for Researcher/Facilitator to implement the

COABC Small-Scale Certification Research Project

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Organizational Overview

The Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (COABC) is an umbrella association representing organic certifying agencies in the province.  COABC is empowered by the British Columbia Organic Agricultural Products Regulation under the British Columbia Food Choice and Disclosure Act to implement an organic certification accreditation province-wide.  COABC was incorporated under the Society's Act in March of 1993.

The certification accreditation program is an industry and government partnership program which is industry - driven and industry - regulated, with government providing oversight authority.  The main objectives of the program are to provide consumer confidence in the organic product certification, to assist producers to increase market share, and to support regional development of organic food production, processing and marketing.

 

Project Overview

Small Scale producers have traditionally been very important in the organic movement but in recent years their number under certification has declined.  This project aims to address this issue in an inclusive manner.  Consultations will be held seeking input from a wide range of stakeholders.

The project will explore, through discussions and consultations, barriers to certification and possible solutions that could be implemented in the BC framework.

The project aims to;

1)identify opportunities for certification of organic practices at all levels and types of production,

 2)explore innovative solutions that will overcome historical barriers to certification,

 3)include broad consultations so that identified solutions suit the needs of all organic producers

 4)to explore new and innovative models for certification that could fit within the current BC framework.

This project is funded by the Investment Agriculture Foundation and COABC.

  

Contract

COABC currently seeks an energetic contractor who is an experienced researcher and a  skilled facilitator.  The contractor must possess  strong communication skills along with flexibility and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.  The contractor reports directly to the COABC Administrator and will implement the project with input and guidance from the Administrator and the Project Advisory committee.  Activities include research, consultation facilitation, communications, and reporting.

 

Timeframe:

The Project will run from June 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013.

 

Responsibilities:

Project deliverables include:

• province wide consultations  conducted via phone interviews, webinars and in-person meetings
• an interim report satisfying the funders requirements
•  articles for BC Organic Grower magazine as necessary
• press releases as required
• extensive final report detailing the current situation in the BC organic sector,  the barriers to certification, the indentified needs to encourage participation in certification and the potential strategies to move forward.

Contractor will also be responsible for :

• Developing and implementing a communications plan
• Identifying and engaging potential partners
• Identifying and pursing potential sources of additional funding
• Reporting to the project Advisory Committee regularly

 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Excellent research and communication skills
• Ability to lead and facilitate consultations  that encourage participation
• Ability to organize and facilitate multi-stakeholder meetings in inclusive manner
• Ability to remain open to diverse opinions and create a collaborative atmosphere
• Ability to remain composed and neutral in the midst of diverse opinions and view points
• Ability to analyse data and formulate useful solutions from results
• Ability to be flexible, work independently and self-motivated
• Ability to organize, multi-task, set priorities, meet deadlines
• Knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the organic sector
• Knowledge of and experience with organic certification

Desired:

• Minimum three years experience working with an advisory committee in a non-profit setting
• Minimum three years experience working with agricultural stakeholders

 

Other requirements:

• Willingness to travel within the province
• Use of private vehicle

 

Compensation:

The contract is considered part time averaging 20 hours per week.  The compensation is $30.00 per hour.

 

Deadline for submissions:

All applications must be submitted electronically by May 28, 2012 at noon in PDF format to:

Jen Gamble, COABC Administrator

admin@certifiedorganic.bc.ca

 

Thank you to all applicants in advance.  Please be advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.