IFDC Policy Advisor cum Chief of Party Job Vacancy in Kigali, Rwanda

Tracking Code: 20120092

Job Description

IFDC is seeking a Policy Advisor with expertise in
fertilizer market development to lead a small team under a USAID funded
fertilizer market privatization project in Rwanda. Period of assignment is two
years with immediate posting to Kigali, Rwanda. This project is in progress and
all logistics and staffing are in place and fully operational.

Background:

In September 2010 the United Agency for
International Development Mission in Rwanda (USAID-R) awarded IFDC Grant No.
AID-696-G-10-00001 to implement the “Privatization of Fertilizer Import and Distribution
System (PReFER)” in Rwanda. Following a series of pro-active policy measures by
the MINAGRI during 2011-2013, the PReFER project approach is now being adjusted
to enable the project to provide improved support to the MINAGRI and the
private sector.

Effective immediately, the PReFER project will make
the following adjustments to take advantage of opportunities to improve support
to the MINAGRI and further fertilizer market development:

Policy Advisor cum COP will be embedded in the
MINAGRI to provide improved policy related support and increase
transparency of market development.
Fertilizer Market Advisor intensifies capacity
building at the importer/wholesaler/dealer levels to strengthen private
sector performance in servicing the needs of farmers and improve business
acumen for long term sustainability. Strengthens relationships between
suppliers of credit and entities involved in fertilizer market.
PReFER proactively establishes linkages with
relevant development projects that impact farmer demand for fertilizers to
achieve resource leveraging and synergies.

Both advisors are to work in coordination to
address issues that pertain to the government and the private sector and
farmers respectively. The advisors will be supported by a technical team
of specialists on agribusiness and value chain development and in finance.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

The Policy Advisor cum Chief of Party (COP) will
lead the PReFER project team. In that capacity, the COP will be the primary
point of contact with MINAGRI and USAID on project-related matters. Key
responsibilities include the following:

Provide policy related support to the MINAGR,
including identification of policies that constrain private sector
investment and performance in the fertilizer market, evaluation of the
impact of policies on fertilizer market performance, makes recommendations
to MINAGRI on policy reforms/actions that will further contribute to
privatization.
Advise MINAGRI on subsidy policy
implementation in the context of privatization of the fertilizer market to
make the subsidy work effectively to help achieve the privatization
agenda.
Coordinate with Fertilizer Market Advisor to
assure that fertilizer market development activities are consistent with
expectations of MINAGRI and compliment the policy related reforms to
stimulate private sector investment
Assures that collaborative relationships and
project linkages are well defined and contribute to fertilizer market
development and support the overall privatization process to extent
feasible. In collaboration with Fertilizer Market Advisor, provide
improved information flows to MINAGRI on fertilizer market conditions
Manages the PReFER project to achieve a
harmonious relationship with MINAGRI and USAID and achieve success in
accomplishing project objectives and timely submission of deliverables in
accordance with USAID grant agreement.
Maintains high staff morale and assures
quality staff performance in all PReFER Activities

Required Skills

This is a senior project leadership position for
IFDC. Position reports to Country Director of Rwanda.

Extensive knowledge about agriculture and
fertilizer input policies including fertilizer policy analysis and
formulation
Good understanding of agriculture value chain
development
Solid working knowledge of USAID procedures
related to project management
Good financial and personnel management skills
and demonstrated ability to manage a project within budget.
Team worker / team builder, proven ability to
inspire. A go-getter who gets things done.
Excellent communication skills

Required Experience

Masters degree in agriculture economics,
economics, or related discipline.
Minimum of 15 years of experience, in
agriculture sector development with emphasis on policy analyses,
formulation, evaluation and/or implementation as related to privatization
of agriculture input markets.
Experience in development and management of
Public-Private-Partnerships