2 Job Positions at Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre (CPCIC) Deadline: 9, 10 December 2023.

Job Profile: IT support officer

1. Background introduction

The CPCIC, established under the Nation Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), aims to provide technical assistance and business advisory services related to climate change resilience, circular economy, and cleaner production practices for the private sector. As a project partner in Circular Food systems for Rwanda, the CPCIC focuses on promoting circular business models in SMEs. The project aims to facilitate a shift to sustainable food systems, minimizing waste, utilizing materials efficiently, and promoting regenerative production practices through enabling a policy environment and integrating circularity in agri food SMEs in Rwanda.

In this regard, CPCIC is looking for a dynamic and qualified person to support the team in matter related to information technology tools of the organization.

The IT support officer is responsible for the company’s IT infrastructure both physical and digital assets, and undertakes administrative IT helpdesk tasks to support colleagues.

The role includes actively managing network infrastructure, managing user accounts and user profiles, ensuring the proper functioning of computer systems, providing technical support for the company website and enforcing security and compliance measures, and delivering efficient IT support to employees. This person handles the IT helpdesk function within the organization including:

• Support personnel, and act as focal point when end-users face hardware, software, or system issues
• Administer desktop computers, printers, IP telephony, servers and related equipment (monitor, hard drive, keyboard, etc..), software deployment, security updates and patches.
• Keep inventory of all equipment, software, and licenses
• Monitor and work on responding quickly to incoming requests related to IT issues
• Maintain user PC, including upgrades and needed configurations
• Monitor the LAN or WAN infrastructure in the office.
• Make sure the PC’s/ Laptop’s function properly, take measures to avoid downtime and monitor to keep things smoothly
• Taking care of all the networking issues and troubleshoot it as soon as possible
• Maintaining and creating a document management system to protect and restore the data.
• Maintain licensing compliance and asset tracking databases of hardware and software.
• Serve as local data recovery expert of failed hard drives and PC based systems.
• Assist users in configuring approved wireless devices

2. Required Qualifications

Education

• At least an Advanced diploma or Bachelor Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
• Demonstrated knowledge of multi-media and graphic design is required
• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of computer hardware, software, and networking.
• Familiarity with web development and mobile app support, including debugging and issue resolution.
• Knowledge of web development languages and frameworks (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python) is preferred.
• Familiarity with mobile app platforms (e.g., Android, iOS)
• Understanding of IT security principles and best practices.

Terms of employment

This is a fixed one-year contract renewable based on performance and availability of fund, only for nationals and based in Kigali, Rwanda.

The IT Support Officer report to the Operational and finance Manager in CPCIC.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply for the role by sending an application letter, curriculum vitae including two professional references, copies of Degrees and other relevant qualification documents, and a copy of national identification card in one PDF Format document to info_cpcic@nirda.gov.rw before 9^th December, 2023.

Job Profile:  Market Linkages business support Specialist

1. Background introduction

The CPCIC, established under the Nation Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), aims to provide technical assistance and business advisory services related to climate change resilience, circular economy, and cleaner production practices for the private sector. As a project partner in Circular Food systems for Rwanda, the CPCIC focuses on promoting circular business models in SMEs. The project aims to facilitate a shift to sustainable food systems, minimizing waste, utilizing materials efficiently, and promoting regenerative production practices.

The CPCIC is currently seeking a qualified individual to support market linkage activities. The role involves connecting SMEs in the agri-food sector, benefiting from the technical assistance facility, to enhance their competitiveness and growth after adopting circular business models. This includes establishing connections with key value chain partners such as other businesses, impact investors, financial institutions, and markets both in Rwanda and abroad.
The role will involve management of technical assistance related to:

• Build and strengthen good relationship with different actors and stakeholder active in the agri-food sector, business development, climate investment, and value chains development based on their need and expectations to support circularity in business in Rwanda
• Conduct market assessment study for identified opportunities enabling adoption of circular practices and market access
• Offer guidance to SMEs in each cohort on requirements for quality standards, product packaging, and other factors influencing market access.
• Strength the capacity of SMEs supported by the technical assistance facility under CIRF project to develop attractive pitches/ Business proposal for investment opportunities and facilitate negotiations and transactions between different actors where needed.
• Organize and facilitate business networking event in support of supported SMEs for linkages with identified key market players and potential business support platforms on a cohort basis (open house event, trade fair, exhibitions…
• Facilitate the supported SMEs to stay up to date with new development in the business ecosystem and convene them through an alumni
• Stay informed about relevant regulations and policies affecting market dynamics
• Participate, engage and regularly report to CPCIC management and project partners on the progress of market linkage activities.

2. Required Qualifications

Education

• A Master degree in agricultural economics, food technology, agribusiness, marketing, project management with (three) years of experience in the field of agribusiness sector

Or

• A Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural economics, food technology, agribusiness, marketing, or a related field is required, plus two (2) years of related experience, and at least five (5) years’ experience in fields related to agribusiness sector development
• Proficiency of English and Kinyarwanda is a requirement (also possibly French as an asset)

Required skills

• Understanding of the agricultural and business landscape in Rwanda
• Ability to conduct market research and analysis including Skills in identifying market trends, opportunities, and potential challenges
• Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating projects related to market linkages including skills in setting and achieving project goals within specified timelines.
• Knowledge of best practices in improving the competitiveness of businesses, negotiation and Facilitation Ability between different players in the supply chain to ensure favourable terms for all parties involved.
• Extensive professional experience relevant to the agri- food sector (business advisory services, SME development, value chain development) in supporting SMEs in agri food sector to develop new market opportunities in Rwanda and/or in the region.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, producers, government officials, and NGOs with high level of respect for confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision but also participate in team work to accomplish assignment
• Strong ability to coordinate, prioritize workload, flexibility and ability to work under pressure.

Desirable requirements

• Experience with market-led approaches to PSD (MSD, M4P, ecosystems approach, etc.);
• Awareness of innovative technologies and approaches to improve market linkages for more efficient business practices.
• Sensitivity to cultural nuances and an ability to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Terms of employment

This is a fixed one-year contract, only for nationals and based in Kigali, Rwanda and may requires frequent travel outside of Kigali.

The position report to the project coordinator and CPCIC management

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply for the role by sending an application letter, curriculum vitae including two professional references, copies of Degrees and other relevant qualification documents, and a copy of national identification card to info_cpcic@nirda.gov.rw before 10^th December, 2023.