1. SASO MARTINOV
La Grange, IL 60525
224-704-5935
saso.martinov@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saso-martinov/
SUMMARY
Seasoned, internationally experienced, Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Specialist
and Manager working for the UN and World Bank funded Projects. Technical expertise in
agriculture and livestock development projects, enterprises growth, extension and advisory
services and experienced in networking and relationship management with diverse populations
– farmers, rural youth, women, local and central governments and donors. Versatile, analytical
and efficient professional with management experience ranging in size from small private to full-
scale multi-million dollar development projects. Former employers considered me to be
proficient, collaborative, analytical, self-motivated, and proactive and with excellent problem-
solving skills. Always strive to suggest improvements and tasks be done in a timely manner.
Proven leadership, work under pressure, organizational, skill to motivate, interpersonal skills,
ability to multi-task, specialized skills, report writing, and strong computer office skills. Master of
Science (MS) in crop farming, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
A lawful permanent resident of the United States.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Agricultural Productivity and Nutrition Improvement Project – APNIP 2018 – present
Kyrgyzstan
INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT
The World Bank multi-million dollar irrigation/agriculture development project in the Kyrgyz
Republic.
• Working closely with government representatives on developing guidelines for
Agricultural Development Plan preparation, including clear identification of problems and
development goals (increase production, decrease costs). Propose activities to address
problems and achieve development goals.
• Conduct meetings and field visits with the facilitation organizations and selected Water
User Associations (WUAs).
• Assist and train the facilitation organization in helping (WUAs) to prepare and implement
their Agricultural Development Plans.
• Format model Agriculture Development Plan: define sustainable activities, propose
implementation arrangements, monitor responsibilities and indicators.
VIP Logistics INC 2015 – 2018
Chicago, USA
DEPUTY OPERATION MANAGER
• Planning and managing goods, products shipping, price negotiation, and problems
resolution.
2. Elite Agro LLC, 2014 – 2015
The United Arabs Emirates and Serbia
FARM MANAGER
Facilitated two farms: UAE farm on 1,400 acres, various crops, desert environment crop
production, and Serbia farm on 4,500 acres, various crops, seed production, and animal farm.
• Led team of 120: agronomists, operators, and team members.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations, including land cultivation, planting, irrigation,
nutrition, and plant protection.
• In charge of the certified seed production of maize, soybean, oats, wheat, and barley.
• Improved communications with relevant partners, and service providers.
• Improved production technology, growth production, and quality standards.
• Staffed team through recruiting and training.
• Optimized staff workflow, set schedules, train staff and reduced overtime and increased
work efficiency by 20%.
• Strong planning, reporting to the board members, negotiation skills, strong work ethic.
• Attained all professional standards by leveraging relationships.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO 2009 – 2013
Kosovo/Montenegro
DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER AND CROSS-BORDER LIAISON OFFICER
A multi-million dollar agriculture and livestock development project for farmers in rural regions.
• Management team of international and national consultants.
• Developed goals, proposed activities and new technology, supervised and monitored
project activities, leased projects activities, managed multiple teams.
• Planning and budgeting of activities together with the Lead Technical Unit.
• Provided impartial project management and technical advice to the Project Team.
• Acted as an interface between the project and local and central government
• Rural Youth and Women Empowerment development program.
• Small bussines development program
• Responsible for developing and promoting certified seed production.
• Coordinate projects and team member’s activities.
• Interviewed, hired and trained project staff and administrative management.
• Excellent ability to meet deadlines through strong personal motivational and reporting
skills.
• Strong work ethic and high-level computer skills.
University of Montenegro, Biotechnical Faculty 2012 – 2013
Montenegro
VISITING LECTURER
Visiting lecturer on Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica, Montenegro, department for plant
production.
During the summer semester, academic year 2012-2013, provided theoretical and practical
lecturing on cereals production technology, and training for students on certified seeds
production and agriculture mechanization.
3. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – FAO 2003 – 2009
Serbia
NATIONAL TEAM LEADER
A multi-million dollar development project for livestock farmers in mountainous regions.
• Facilitated work of local and international project specialists, and project management.
• Generated programs for 150 farmers in mountainous regions; improved agriculture
production, land cultivation, planting and marketing systems, record keeping, shared
information with other farmers.
• Closely cooperated with local and central governments, institutes, extensions services,
and the donor.
• Rural Youth and Women Empowerment development programs.
• Agriculture marketing and show development programs.
• Responsible for extending and expanding the project activities to other countries.
.
PP Pobeda - Agriculture Company 1997 – 2003
Serbia
AGRONOMIST- CROP PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
• Supervised, facilitated and controlled the agriculture production system on 5,000 acres.
• Developed a farm plan including land cultivation, planting, inter-row cultivation, fertilizing,
weeds control, harvesting, processing, storage, and post-harvest management.
• Developed production strategies to ensure a high-quality product.
• Controlled and monitored storage facility: grain seed, fertilizers, pesticides.
• Led team of 25 company staff; operators, administrators.
• Working closely with the maintaining team for equipment maintenance.
• Planned and organized day-to-day fieldwork.
• Strong technical logistics, procurement.skills, and inventory management skills.
EDUCATION
Master of Science M.S., Crop Production, University of Belgrade, Serbia
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE 2018 – Present
Rotary International, Chicago USA
Provide technical and advisory support to the Demonstrative Agro-Ecological Training Farm
Project (CIMAS) in Ecuador, funded by the Ecuadorian and International Rotary Clubs, local
organization and private donors.
LANGUAGES
English, Serbo-Croatian, Macedonian, Bulgarian and Russian.
AWARDS
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Food Day Medal
October 2009
