CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: ACDI/VOCA
Country: Kenya
Closing date: 26 Feb 2015

Founded in 1993, Agribusiness Systems International (ASI) provides tailored services to firms, investors, and entities that support the agribusiness sector to create increasingly competitive and dynamic industries. An affiliate of ACDI/VOCA, ASI draws from that organization’s 50 years of experience expanding economic opportunities in 146 developing and transitional nations. ASI supports ACDI/VOCA’s mission by helping farmers and agribusinesses develop the skills necessary to operate competitively in a market-driven global economy.

Team Leader, Kenya

We are currently seeking a Team Leader for the AgResults Kenya On-Farm Storage Pilot, a multi-year project, anticipated to run until approximately December 2018 that aims to address post-harvest losses by facilitating the development, marketing and distribution of on-farm storage solutions to smallholder farmers. The pilot aims to increase the economic welfare of smallholders through improved access to enhanced storage solutions that minimize crop losses and enable smallholders to store maize longer, help catalyze a sustainable long-term market for grain storage solutions in Kenya, and test an innovative approach to engaging the private sector to serve smallholder needs, with potential future applicability to the delivery of other goods and services to smallholders.

The role of ASI as Pilot Manager and the Team Leader as the Key Personnel is to facilitate the pilot in close collaboration with the Secretariat, serve as primary point of contact for the storage device companies (referred to as Implementers) for the Pilot, and facilitate an Advisory Council that provides guidance to the Pilot. It will be important for the Team Leader to avoid playing the role traditionally played of a technical advisor when implementing a push mechanism program, as the AgResults pilot is a pull mechanism that requires a hands-off, neutral facilitator role of the Team Leader.

The Team Leader will be responsible for quality delivery of all work in the facilitation of the AgResults Kenya On-Farm Storage Pilot.

Responsibilities:

• Assume overall responsibility for the implementation of AgResults Kenya On-Farm Storage Pilot.
• Implement and monitor the program work plan, meeting expectations of quality work standards and ensuring program deliverables are met on a timely basis.
• Ensure proper financial management by ensuring expenses are in compliance with ASI policies and Client requirements.
• Oversee administration and compliance of the program, which includes procurement, liaising with regional office to draw down on administration and logistical support staff as needed and confirming all activities are in compliance with donor regulations and ASI policies and procedures.
• Draft, write and submit all program reports and deliverables
• Supervise any consultants or contracted services (including ACDI/VOCA employees) working for the program.
• Identify potential problems and opportunities, and recommend appropriate solutions and responses to the Secretariat before taking action.
• Oversee program support and ancillary activities.
• Ensure effective stakeholder engagement, public outreach and communications.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of ten years of experience working in agribusiness and with understanding of smallholder farmers particular needs and concerns.
• Bachelor’s degree required in agriculture, international development, economics or other related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Excellent project management, time management, verbal and written communication, and problem solving abilities.
• Demonstrated effectiveness interacting with agro-industry stakeholders, including government, private sector and research organizations.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral, written and reading comprehension abilities.
• Fluency in English required.

How to apply:

Please apply by sending a detailed CV to ASIKenya@joinav.org. Please indicate the job in which you are applying for in the subject line of your email.