Field Technician Socio-economics – TREPA Project Rwanda at CIFOR – Center for International Forestry Research: (Deadline 31 December 2022)

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Field Technician will implement socio-economic work in relation to Markets and value chains for climate resilient agricultural & tree products within the framework of the TREPA project. The role holder will report directly to the TREPA Field Project Manager and to the relevant Output leader(s).

Duties and responsibilities

1.Support establishment of seed, nursery, wood production, livestock feed and restoration enterprises:

·Assessments of legal, organizational, and business options for their integration in existing or emerging value chains.

·Work in consultation with communities and other local stakeholders.

·Needs assessments for capacity development.

·Capacity development linked with business organizations.

·Development of business plans.

2.Improvement of enabling conditions for the development of value chains for wood, fodder, and bee products by:

·Assessing options for rehabilitating existing and creating new rural resource centers (RRCs).

·Needs assessment for infrastructure enhancements, use of information and communication technology linked with climate resilience and farm level energy efficiency in value chains and strengthening of existing and establishment of new ICT systems and decision support tools for climate resilience and farm level energy efficiency.

·Supporting infrastructure enhancements (e.g., market infrastructure, RRCs, storage and cooling).

·Organization of business roundtables and support of trade fairs.

·Fostering linkages with financial service providers (link with Output 2.3).

3.Document, communicate and advocate progress in the development of value chains for wood, fodder, and bee products by providing technical reports for donors, government authorities and other stakeholders and elaboration of knowledge productions for RRCs and ICT systems and elaboration of dissemination materials and other communication pieces.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements

·Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture 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.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture 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.

Personal attributes and competencies

• 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 Bugesera, Rwamagana, Kirehe, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Ngoma and Nyagatare districts

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited position. The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, with a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.

Application process

The application deadline is 31 Dec-2022
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.