Please see the following website for full job posting and application information: https://jobs.uark.edu/postings/33353?utm_source=IFAI+master&utm_campaign=572c6200e8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_03_19_03_23_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5ef7bb8408-572c6200e8-402183393

About the University

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations. Ten colleges and schools serve more than 27,600 students with 200+ academic programs. U of A students earn nationally competitive awards at an impressive rate and represent all 50 states and 120 countries.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life. Arkansas is a natural wonder of forests, mountains and lakes framed by picturesque rivers and streams. Some of the best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking trails are a short drive from campus.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

About the College/Department

The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas Office of the Vice Chancellor for Economic Development encompasses multi¬disciplinary research, service, and education opportunities. The Initiative is the first of its kind nationally, with the following goals and objectives:

To increase student enrollment in the land grant universities in food and agricultural related disciplines by supporting existing students and creating early pipeline programs for youth; to create new academic and executive education programs in food and agriculture, including law, policy, and tribal governance; to directly support Indian country by providing strategic planning and technical assistance, including research and publications in the following subject areas: Tribal Governance Infrastructure to Enhance Business and Economic Development Opportunities Financial Markets and Asset Management, including Banking, Risk Management, and Stewardship of Land and Natural Resources Health and Nutrition Policy for Tribal Community Wellness Intellectual Property Rights and Protection of Traditional Knowledge.

For more information, visit the IFAI website or contact: Colby D. Duren
Director, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
(479) 575-4699
cduren@uark.edu

Summary of Job Duties

The Program Officer is responsible for participating in the comprehensive development, execution, and maintenance of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s (IFAI) core work: developing strategies and solutions to empower Tribal governments and Native food producers in food and agriculture food system development. This includes policy, business, and/or legal analysis aimed at furthering Tribal governance, strategic planning, technical assistance, and economic development in food and agriculture. Duties fulfilled by the Program Officer include, but are not limited to: researching, drafting, planning, and editing of IFAI materials; providing outreach and technical assistance to Tribal government and Native producers on policy and business; and increasing the visibility and profile of IFAI’s major national initiatives by working directly with Tribal governments, intertribal organizations, and additional IFAI partners. This position will involve frequent long-distance travel by air or vehicle on behalf of IFAI. The Program Officer should have the ability to be flexible and work remotely in the field to maximize IFAI’s impact for Indian Country by providing direct engagement and support to empowerment of the Tribes, Tribal producers, and Tribal communities. The Program Officer position reports to and is evaluated by the IFAI Director and works in collaboration with colleagues throughout the campus.

Minimum Qualifications: Please ensure that all relevant application materials include details addressing the minimum qualifications. Applicants not meeting the minimum qualifications will be disqualified from consideration.

• A graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
• Prior experience providing outreach, technical assistance, and/or training for Native American populations; and
• Experience interfacing or working with American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian governments on policy, business, economic develop and/or legal issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• A terminal degree in policy, business, law, agriculture, or a related field;
• Prior work supporting Tribal governments, Native American organizations, and Inter-Tribal organizations;
• Willingness to work as part of a complex team of professionals on issues to support Tribal governments, farmers, and ranchers in food and agriculture development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge, understanding, experience, and ability to utilize critical thinking developing solutions on law, policy, and/or business/economic development issues impacting Native populations;
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to identify and evaluate problems, as well as devise effective solutions with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage workload;
• The ability to be flexible and work remotely in the field to maximize IFAI’s impact for Indian Country;
• Demonstrated skills to work collaboratively with colleagues, attorneys, other professionals in a professional environment;
• Ability to speak effectively one-on-one, in small groups or in large groups;
• Demonstrated ability to handle and interface with the public on complex business, law, and policy matters to seek answers and solutions;
• Working knowledge of MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.