General

MINAGRI Expert in Agriculture Investment Job Vacancy in Kigali, Rwanda

Othuke Andrew Akpeli11 years ago6 years ago011 mins

Ministry
of Agriculture and Animal Resources

Recruitment
of an Expert in Agriculture Investment

1.
Introduction

The
Government of Rwanda (GoR) represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and
Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has received funding to support the Strategic
Capacity Building Initiative (SCBI) for the priority sector of agriculture.
The SCBI is supervised by the National Capacity Building Secretariat and
is designed to fill strategic gaps to support the fulfillment of the key
goals of the 5 year Agriculture Sector Strategy (PSTA III).
In
order to facilitate implementation the GoR intends to use part of these
funds for the recruitment of an Expert in Agriculture Investment.
We
are therefore inviting applications from eligible candidates to provide
evidence that they are qualified and experienced to perform the tasks
outlined in the job description below.

2.
Background to Recruitment

The
GoR sees agricultural development as a key catalyst to engender long-term
sustainable growth and remove thousands out of poverty. While crop
production continues to increase through productivity, giving higher
yields, sustainability and revenue generation depend on the success of the
entire value-chain. Rigorous planning by public and private sector actors
based on clear economic analysis will be necessary at each stage of the
value-chain, from procurement of vital inputs to value addition and
marketing activities. Over recent years, improved planning and analytical
capacity at the central-level in MINAGRI has strengthened the sector.
However, further capacity development at the level of the delivery agency
responsible for implementing sector priorities, in particular increasing
private investment and agricultural exports, is needed to further build on
foundational improvements.
A
dedicated staff-will conduct the daily implementation activities of the
unit and will deliver on its work plan with support from a team of Focal
Points from relevant institutions with a strong focus on coordinating the
implementation of physical infrastructure, energy, water and road
connections, linked to investments. The Agriculture Delivery Unit within
MINAGRI will facilitate operationalization and trouble shooting for
investors to accelerate investment in the agriculture sector in priority
areas. The initial team, working in close coordination with the Rwanda
Development Board Agriculture Department, will deliver on its work-plan
utilizing appointed Technical Focal Points from relevant ministries and
agencies for support. Activities of the unit will fall into two principle
work streams to facilitate the operationalization of agriculture
investments:

Implementation:
support to implementation of field operations, such as site selection,
sourcing, transportation and infrastructure;
Coordination
with external agencies: including the Rwanda Development Board, the
Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Trade, and District officials
as well as others.

It
is in this regard that the Ministry would like to recruit an Expert in
Agriculture Investment to support its newly established Agriculture Delivery
Unit.

3.
Job Description

Take
the lead in providing support in the activities of Agriculture Delivery
Unit in MINAGRI Central.
Act
as a lead advisor and coach 10 the Director and staff of the Agriculture
Delivery to build their capacity to deliver on agriculture investment and
export growth targets.
Continue
to build systems to improve and embed cross-government coordination in the
Agriculture sector, primarily between MINAGRI, the Rwanda Development
Board and the Ministry of Infrastructure but also including all other
relevant – agencies.
Develop
a capacity-building work-plan with ambitious and achievable targets for
improvements in capacity, responding to the gaps identified in the initial
review, and the needs of the individuals in the unit and the institution
more broadly.
Support
the development of comprehensive planning for agriculture investment and
agree performance targets and appropriate budgets in collaboration with
the MINAGRI planning unit and Ministry of Finance.
Prepare
and complete required reporting to MINAGRI senior management.

4.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Master’s
degree in Business Administration, Economics or Agriculture with minimum
work experience of 15 years in international agribusiness operations,
export, investment promotion and marketing in the agriculture sector
Familiarity
with issues related to the development of agriculture in Sub-Saharan
Africa, including the challenges in addressing food security and poverty
alleviation through private investment
Must
demonstrate adept financial skills and experience in project design and
feasibility studies, analysis and use of market data
Extensive
Project Management experience in the agriculture sector
Excellent
understanding of the nature of public sector support to private investors
and demonstrated ability to manage those relationships
A
strong understanding of the drivers and challenges to agriculture
investors in Rwanda and in sub-Saharan Africa more broadly
Delivery
focused, pragmatic, able to multi-task and get things done in a fast paced
environment; strong written and oral communication skills
Experience
in the development of training materials, focused work planning and
coaching& mentoring junior staff
Should
be able to work in multicultural setting, with a good team spirit
Must
be computer literate
Proficiency
in English, French a plus
Prior
work experience in sub-Saharan Africa, experience of undertaking similar
assignments in developing countries.

5.
Work duration:

The
length of the assignment will be 1 year starting in March 2014. It may be
renewable subject to performance.

6.
Reporting obligations

The
expert will complete an inception report and annual work plan in the first
month of work followed by monthly reporting in accordance with SCBI
reporting templates to the MINAGRI SCBI Coordinator. The expert will also
be expected to participate in any SCBI-wider workshops as they arise
The
expert will report to the Director General and Permanent Secretary of
MINAGRI, to undertake the specified activities.
The
expert should write a report every quarter on progress against agreed
targets in the work-plan, and submit the report to the Director General
and Permanent Secretary of MINAGRI for discussion at a quarterly meeting.
The
expert’s performance in capacity building will also be directly assessed
by a MINAGRI official who will write a short quarterly report on the
consultant’s coaching progress.
At
the end of the contract period, the expert should produce a final report
to be submitted with the request for the last installment payment.

7.
Remuneration

Expert
will be offered a highly attractive package commensurate with experience.

8.
Location

The
consultant will be based in Kigali/Rwanda, working at “MINAGRI
central”, with potential frequent travel upcountry

9.
Mode of Application

Interested
qualified candidates should submit their CV letter of motivation and
certified copies of their relevant certificates to the address below or
email it to : ruzindazaernest@yahoo.fr, with a copy to s_bambara@yahoo.fr,
kamalfredo@yahoo.fr
and christina.piocosta-lahue@tb-agi.org.
Title
of email should read Agriculture Investment Expert and should
arrive not later than 15:00 hrs on the 24th February 2014
Only
shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.