Agroecological Technical Field Advisor in Antigua at ECHO INC.

ABOUT ECHO
ECHO is a global Christian agricultural networking, training, and resourcing organization. Our mission is to strengthen the capacity of a diverse global network to defeat hunger and improve lives through sustainable food and agroecosystem strategies. ECHO has a significant network of over 20,000 individuals and organizations built over 45 years working in more than 190 countries. These partners serve as the primary multiplier for ECHO tested options, strategies, and research.

WHY JOIN ECHO
At ECHO, you will join a global Christian network committed to defeating hunger and restoring hope through sustainable agriculture. Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to equipping leaders around the world with practical tools that create lasting impact. If you are passionate about faith-integrated service and sustainable solutions, you will find meaningful purpose in this role.

SUMMARY:
The Agroecological Technical Advisor, with expertise in ecological production systems, plays a key role in advancing ECHO’s mission in Central America and the Caribbean by providing technical training, field-based accompaniment, and capacity strengthening for smallholder farmers, organizations, and rural development partners.

This position contributes to strengthening ECHO’s regional initiatives through the implementation of agricultural training programs, technical support for the establishment and expansion of seed reservoirs, and the development and dissemination of validated technical resources (e.g. technical publications, extension bulletins, technical videos, consultations) through ECHOcommunity and other knowledge-sharing platforms. The role also supports the growth and consolidation of ECHO’s regional network, promoting sustainable agricultural solutions that help combat hunger, malnutrition, and poverty across the region.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist the Director of the Central America and Caribbean Impact Center in implementing the regional strategy for strengthening agri-food capacities within an agroecological framework.

• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives, strengthening them based on the priorities identified by network members during the 2025 national gatherings and the Symposium on Seed Systems, in alignment with ECHO’s training methodologies.
• Coordinate with local partners to co-organize training events throughout the region when appropriate.
• Coordinate technical and logistical aspects of regional training events in collaboration with internal teams and local partners.
• Collect and evaluate participant feedback to improve training content, delivery, promotion, and overall impact.
• Support the development of educational and extension materials in collaboration with network members, including guides on food and medicinal plants and traditional recipes. Identify relevant, verified materials within the network to be shared on ECHOcommunity.
• Provide budgetary, organizational, and logistical support to regional training programs and related facilities, including courses, forums, workshops, conferences, and annual symposia.

1. Seed Reservoir Implementation and Management

• Provide consistent technical assistance and guidance for the establishment and management of the central seed reservoir of the CAC Impact Center and seed reservoirs on partner farms and sites. This includes supporting the development of partnership agreements (e.g., Memorandums of Understanding [MOUs] and Letters of Agreement [LOAs]) with partners to establish model community seed reservoir spaces using ecological and traditional approaches across different countries and biogeographical zones.

1. Network Engagement

• Engage members of ECHO’s regional network through email, WhatsApp, social media platforms, and ECHOcommunity’s online forum, providing virtual and in-person technical assistance on regionally appropriate ecological production practices.
• Support the identification, validation, and dissemination of techniques, approaches, and seeds that have proven effective in promoting sustainable food production, as well as appropriate agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers.
• Support the co-creation of techniques, approaches, and seeds that bridge smallholder knowledge and the scientific enterprise.
• Coordinate with the Communications Lead to identify and select relevant educational, informational, and training materials to share with network members through social media channels.

1. Research Guidance

• Support the development of a regional participatory research agenda in collaboration with universities, research institutions, and other academic partners, connecting research priorities with farmers’ knowledge, experiences, and practical needs.

1. Other Duties

• Submit monthly reports and participate in other Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform this position.

• Must subscribe to the ECHO Statement of Faith and possess character traits consistent with ECHO’s core values.
• Fluency in Spanish and advanced proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of native/indigenous languages and/or Haitian Creole will be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated skills in effective teaching and training, particularly using active/participatory learning methodologies and results-oriented models.
• Excellent writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, strategic thinking, excellent planning skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work under pressure when required.
• Willingness to travel within and outside the region.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, rural communities, NGOs, extension systems, or international development organizations is highly valued

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Studies in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Community Development, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in agroecology, ecological production systems, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience planning and implementing training events.
• Experience in agricultural research is desirable.
• Experience in seed multiplication, management, and distribution is desirable, especially with nutritious local herbs.
• Experience in public speaking and public relations is desirable.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Close coordination with the Regional Impact Center Director.
• Collaboration with the CAC Regional Impact Center (RIC) team and ongoing interaction with ECHO global staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions within an office environment.

Work occurs in both office and outdoor farm environments; may include varying levels of noise and activity. Must be able to work constructively under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands, talk and hear. Fine motor skills such as typing, the use of a computer mouse and telephone handset are required. Ability to conduct field activities and site visits and work outdoors for extended periods. Ability to frequently lift/move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds, using appropriate safety precautions.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is a full-time position. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility depending on training events and travel schedules. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on job demands.

TRAVEL:
Travel is primarily within Guatemala and the Central America and Caribbean region, with occasional international travel as needed.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT:
ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner.

As a Christian faith-based organization, ECHO may give employment preference to individuals who affirm our Statement of Faith and align with our mission and values. We welcome applicants who are committed to working in a spirit of integrity, collaboration, and mutual respect.

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