Farmer Training Coordinator

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.

A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC’s New Roots Food and Agriculture Program is implemented by providing training and technical assistance to gardeners and small-scale farmers. This position focuses on applying established agricultural and educational practices to help participants build foundational farm business skills. The coordinator will also engage with community partners to strengthen support networks that enhance farmer sustainability. This role operates under the guidance of senior program staff and follows established procedures, with flexibility in hours and scope depending on the candidate’s qualification and availability.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Implementation

• Provide one-on-one technical assistance to small-scale beginning farmers on topics such as crop production, food safety, harvest and post-harvest handling, marketing, and small business development.

• Coordinate and deliver field-based and classroom training sessions using established curriculum and original content, incorporating best practices in ESL and adult education.

• Support farmers in developing marketing strategies that align with their business goals and respond to trends in the Central Virginia food system.

• Lead in developing and implementing standard operating procedures for the sales of New Roots produce to local retail and wholesale markets.

• Collaborate with New Roots staff to manage day-to-day operations of incubator farm sites.

• Participate in outreach and recruitment efforts to engage aspiring and beginning farmers across Central Virginia.

• Help create inclusive and welcoming spaces at farm, garden, and market sites for refugees and immigrant communities.

• Supervise assigned New Roots interns and volunteers in accordance with IRC People Manager Standards, with guidance from senior staff.

Planning and Partnerships

• Support development of evidence-based programs that enhance famer self-sufficiency.

• Contribute to strategic planning activities and program development activities for New Roots initiatives.

• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with community stakeholders including nonprofit partners, USDA service providers, farmers markets, customers, and landowners, to support program goals.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Collect and maintain accurate program and participant data accordance with IRC protocols.

• Assist in analyzing farm and participant data to identify trends, outcomes, and areas for program improvement.

• Support reporting and evaluation efforts by summarizing findings and contributing to internal learning.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements:

Education:
Bachelor's degree in agriculture, Food Systems, Environmental Education, Public Health, Community or International Development, or related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in sustainable agriculture or a related field, including hands-on farm operations, marketing, small business development, or food safety compliance.

Demonstrated Skills &

Competencies:

• Solid understanding of sustainable agriculture and small business development principles.

• Familiarity with the Central Virginia food system, including connections with local farmers markets, food service providers, distributors, chefs and food…