Socio-economics Technician – Rwanda

To implement socio-economic work in relation to Output 2.2 (“Markets and value chains for climate resilient agricultural & tree products”) within the framework of the project “Transforming Eastern Province through Adaptation”(TREPA), with special emphasis on the development of tree crop value chains.

Duties and responsibilities

1.       Support establishment of seed and nursery and other enterprises focused on wood products and tree crops: 

• Assessments of legal, organizational and business options for their integration in existing or emerging value chains.
  
• Consultations with communities and other local stakeholders.
  
• Needs assessments for capacity development.
  
• Capacity development linked with business organization.
  
• Development of business plans.
  

2.       Support development of seed and nursery and other enterprises focused on wood products and tree crops: 

• Assessments of options for improved business relations with midstream and downstream enterprises in value chains for wood products, tree fruits, nuts, and other tree crops.
  
• Needs assessments for capacity development.
  
• Development of training modules on climate-resilient agribusiness and delivery of related trainings.
  
• Development of investment plans.
  
• Development of labeling options.
  

3.       Improve enabling conditions for the development of tree crop value chains: 

• Assessments of options for rehabilitating existing and creating new rural resource centers (RRCs).
  
• Needs assessment for infrastructure enhancements.
  
• Supporting infrastructure enhancements (e.g., market infrastructure, RRCs, storage and cooling).
  
• Needs assessment for use of information and communication technologies (ICT) linked with climate resilience and farm level energy efficiency in value chains.
  
• Strengthening of existing and establishment of new ICT systems and decision support tools for climate resilience and farm level energy efficiency.
  
• Organization of business roundtables and support of trade fairs.
  
• Fostering linkages with financial service providers.
  

4.       Document, communicate and advocate progress in the development of value chains for tree crops for further scaling: 

• Technical reports for donor, government authorities and other stakeholders.
  
• Elaboration of knowledge products for RRCs and ICT systems.
  
• Elaboration of dissemination materials and other communication pieces.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s  Degree in agricultural or forest economics, agribusiness management,  business administration, or related field – Master’s degree (e.g., MBA)  desirable.
  
• At  least 5 years hands-on field experience in implementing value chain  development projects or components – experience in working with  cooperatives and farmer associations is essential.
  
• Team  player with proven record of working in interdisciplinary teams.
  
• Excellent  skills and rapport for stakeholder relationships and community  mobilization.
  
• Self-driven  and demonstrated capacity to implement workplans under limited supervision.
  
• Ability  to communicate effectively, work under pressure and within tight schedules  to meet ambitious project targets as per seasonal, market and  institutional requirements.
  
• Flexibility  and willingness to work for longer periods within rural setups of Eastern  Province, with emphasis on Rwamagana and Kayonza districts.
  
• Motorcycle  driver’s license, or willingness to obtain this license within the first  months of assignment, to visit the field sites by motorbike as principal  mode of transport.
  
• Proficiency  in written and spoken English and Kinyarwanda.
  

Education, knowledge and experience

•Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural or forest economics, agribusiness management, business administration, or related field – Master’s degree (e.g., MBA) desirable.
 •At least 5 years hands-on field experience in implementing value chain development projects or components – experience in working with cooperatives and farmer associations is essential.
 •Team player with proven record of working in interdisciplinary teams.
 •Excellent skills and rapport for stakeholder relationships and community mobilization.
 •Self-driven and demonstrated capacity to implement workplans under limited supervision.
 •Ability to communicate effectively, work under pressure and within tight schedules to meet ambitious project targets as per seasonal, market and institutional requirements.
 •Flexibility and willingness to work for longer periods within rural setups of Eastern Province, with emphasis on Rwamagana and Kayonza districts.
 •Motorcycle driver’s license, or willingness to obtain this license within the first months of assignment, to visit the field sites by motorbike as principal mode of transport.
 •Proficiency in written and spoken English and Kinyarwanda.

Terms and conditions

•This is a Locally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
 •The duty station will be in Rwamagana, Rwanda.
 •The initial appointment will be for 2 (two) years, inclusive of a six months probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.