Associate Program Officer – Inclusive Markets, Trade & Finance, Rwanda at Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA): (Deadline 17 November 2023)

Job Reference: APO/IMTF/RW/2023

About AGRA 

AGRA and its Work

AGRA is an African-led institution that actively supports the drive towards inclusive agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems. We do this by empowering the continent’s 33 million smallholder farming households to transform their agriculture from a struggle to survive to profitable businesses. The continent’s farmers regularly face challenges, and we aspire to provide uniquely African solutions that respond to their agricultural and environmental challenges, leading to increased harvests for reduced hunger and more income.

Working in alignment with the development priorities of our focus countries, we enable farmers to access improved and high-yielding seeds, gain knowledge on sustainable farming, and linkages to profitable markets.

In our work, we aspire to build the alliances, partnerships, and networks required to drive an inclusive agricultural transformation. We work with our partners to create an equitable youth-friendly environment that harnesses the youth dividend on the continent to drive growth and facilitate open employment opportunities for young women and men. We achieve our key objectives through a focus on the following four areas of intervention:

1. Policy and state capability – We support governments in creating an enabling environment for private sector involvement in agricultural transformation.
2. Seed systems – We trigger higher productivity by increasing the availability and access to improved seeds by farmers allowing them to increase their harvests for food security and better incomes.
3. Sustainable farming – We support farmers in building resilient farming systems for sustained high yields through interventions such as mechanization and irrigation.
4. Inclusive markets and trade – We work to increase the linkages between farmers, and other market actors for a positive, sustained cycle of commercialization and reinvestment.

AGRA’s 2030 Strategy

The continent has, in recent years, taken steps towards inclusive agricultural transformation resulting in notable improvements in food security, with clear progress across all AGRA’s focus countries. However, with over 20% of Africans still suffering from hunger, we need to accelerate our progress and mitigate against the growing external pressures of conflict and climate on our food systems.

AGRA 2022-2030 Strategic Framework (SF2030) demonstrates our long-term vision for how we intend to contribute to, and align with, global and continental priorities, applying a food systems lens towards the goals of zero hunger, improved nutrition, an end to poverty, and climate adaptation. We have split our Strategic Framework 2030 into two 5-year strategies so that we have a clear mid-way point to evaluate progress and re-route our strategic focus if necessary. Our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan sets out to catalyze the growth of sustainable food systems across Africa by influencing and leveraging partners to build a robust enabling environment where the private sector thrives, and smallholders are empowered to produce sufficient, healthy food.

AGRA’s Vision

To contribute to a food system-inspired inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa, to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and adapt to climate.

AGRA’s Mission

To catalyze the growth of sustainable food systems across Africa by influencing and leveraging partners to build a robust enabling environment where private sector thrives, and smallholder farmers are empowered to produce sufficient, healthy food.

AGRA’s Strategy

• Empowering and building the resilience of small holder farmers
• Supporting the development of inclusive markets and finance to strengthen agricultural systems.
• Strengthening state capability to sustain agricultural transformation.

Implementing Our New Strategy Through People

AGRA is at the threshold of a new chapter where we begin implementing our new strategy of catalyzing inclusive, resilient and sustainable agricultural transformation. At AGRA we believe Agriculture is the single greatest opportunity to deliver inclusive economic growth, jobs, and health to the African continent.

People are the heart of our organisation and remain the true drivers of our delivery and our impact.

We are excited about a new fit-for-purpose organizational structure that is largely driven by an ambition to enhance collaboration across teams and drive sustainable growth. We have therefore purposed more focus on delivery of country programs within the new strategy giving even greater attention to optimizing existing talent in addition to upscaling technical and operational resources.

We work with incredible people and partners who have roots in farming communities across the continent combined with an inclusive and diverse workforce from over 24 nationalities. Our values of (I-RISE; Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship and Equity) espouse our commitment to a call to action to go beyond ourselves as we arise and transform Africa’s Agriculture.

We are looking for people who are passionate about Africa, curious and collaborative to join our innovative, growing, and multidisciplinary team. Together, we can grow Africa’s food systems improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Want to join us?

The Opportunity

Associate Program Officer – Inclusive Markets, Trade & Finance, Rwanda Job Reference: APO/IMTF/RW/2023

Role Purpose

The Associate Program Officer – Inclusive Markets Trade & Finance will support in the development of Inclusive markets, trade and finance systems in the Country.

Role Summary

The Associate Program Officer – Inclusive Markets Trade & Finance will be responsible for the overall coordination, planning, provision of technical support and oversight of the country program in the implementation of Inclusive Markets, Trade and Finance related interventions and the successful delivery of this programmatic focus. This position reports to the Country Programs Lead.

Key Measures of Performance

• Quality of projects design, preparation, execution, and learning in collaboration with each grant investment team.
• Quality of implementing partners identified and supported to deliver on IMTF related grant investments and consultancies.
• Level of investment unlocked through AGRA investments from private sector and other partners involved in markets, trade and finance.
• Quality and up-to-date diagnostics, data, and evidence building for markets, financing, and trade related issues eg price of various commodities, change in market and trade related policies, agricultural finance policies, interest rate developments, food balance sheets.
• Monitoring and evaluation (quality and accuracy of data provided and reported) of country Market of advisory support to programs implementation around inclusive finance, markets, and trade.
• Knowledge development and sharing both internally and externally on Inclusive markets, trade and finance through development of papers, articles, webinars and social media content.
• Support made to the Food Trade Coalition, VALUE4HER, Generation Africa, SAFIN and AMEA work and IMTF’s other strategic partnerships and initiatives at country level.
• Support to other business line leads in proposal development and implementation, especially around the area of consortia development, market linkages, SME development and access to finance models.
• Support the development of structured markets eg school feeding programs, ware house receipt systems
• Participate and contribute from evidence generated, in market, trade and finance related policy discussions.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Purpose – Adapt

• Contributes to the development of analytical tools and methodologies that relate to market-led development.
• Implement and scale-up value chain approaches that increase the participation of smallholder farmers, with special attention to women and youth, in local, regional and global markets and trade.
• Support in the design and implementation of grant-making activities that address constraints to farmer knowledge, practices and behavior change, which apply new ideas to the extension of improved market access.
• Facilitate market and trade linkage between off-takers and smallholder farmers at the county and national level.
• Leads key initiatives and provides leadership in country SME development as per the strategy direction of IMTF.
• Identify and reports key trade and market trends and barriers which inform issues of national trade and market policies and initiatives in the Country.
• Lead mobilization for future IMTF work in the country.

Engagement – Persuade

• Support Country Director in messaging and engaging with relevant government ministries, departments, development partners and agencies on topics of Inclusive Markets and Trade for the development and growth of agricultural pathways.
• Conduct in-depth market research and analysis to identify opportunities for expanding Inclusive Markets and Trade.
• Support markets and trade policy and regulatory influencing agenda through gathering of evidence, lead engagements with key stakeholders and produce knowledge products or other forms of collateral.
• Contribute to Inclusive Markets, Trade and Finance Strategy development and further execution.
• Support the Food Trade Coalition work and IMTF’s other strategic initiatives at country level.
• Builds and supports multi-disciplinary networks of individuals and organizations that promote linking smallholder farmers to markets.

Delivery – Adapt the Project Cycle

• Responsible for optimizing annual program budgets and program performance management in a way that ensures value for money and demonstrates programmatic impact.
• Managing the project grants in compliance with AGRA, grant and Audit requirements.
• Assist in collecting and sharing data to the center of technical expertise for program’s Food Security Monitor and other knowledge management products.
• Assist country teams in development of grant proposals in the areas of markets shaping, policy, and resilience with respect to trade.
• Provide technical assistance to grantees and assist in monitoring progress of implementation of Inclusive Markets & Trade program in the country.
• Provide regular verbal and written updates and briefings on program operations, achievements, and problems to the Country Program Lead and other program staff.

Model the IRISE Values & Be a Culture Carrier

• Integrity: Uphold moral convictions and always doing the right thing.
• Respect: Value differences and embrace diversity and inclusion.
• Innovation: Strive for excellence and embracing continuous improvement, bold creativity, and change.
• Stewardship: Be responsible for actions undertaken and resources entrusted.
• Equity: Be governed by fairness in all undertakings.

Requirements

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or related disciplines with deep knowledge in inclusive finance, market access or other relevant areas of the agriculture value chain.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem solving, programming and decision-making skills.
• Excellent financial analysis skills: development of business cases, profit and loss calculations and ability to understand financial statements.
• Ability to process multiple tasks at once, and with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to move from program concept to on-the-ground reality in line with AGRA’s mission.
• Ability to develop sound project reports and knowledge products that can be understood by a wider stakeholder audience.
• Sound skills in proposal and terms of reference development and projects management, including consultancy services.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in agri-business and development efforts in Africa
• Experience in working with similar organizations or institutions is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in agricultural development, Inclusive markets, trade, finance and economic policy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop business cases for investments.
• Demonstrated experience in Value chain development and market systems approaches.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of Post harvest management issues in the cereals and pulse value chains.
• Understanding of agricultural finance barriers and solutions

Key Competencies

• Achieving Results Effectively: Anticipates constraints, identifies solutions and takes responsibility for addressing critical situations; Sets self and others stretching goals, over and above those required to meet organizational standards and targets; Takes the necessary actions to meet these goals; identifies and applies measures to track and quantify achievement; Aligns projects with organization’s mission and objectives and demonstrates a good understanding of the impact of team’s and own work on external and internal counterparts.

• Managing and Sharing Knowledge:  Disseminates and shares knowledge openly and actively contributes to knowledge/network communities for topics relevant to area of expertise; Builds networks for the effective communication and exchange of knowledge and ideas and puts others into contact with various sources of knowledge; Contributes to an environment that is conducive to innovation and learning.
• Accountability:  Maintains ethical behavior, admits mistakes and exhibits responsible behavior in the meeting of performance expectations; Actively seeks out solutions to achieve results; Holds self-accountable for achieving results as an individual as well as team members; Identifies and assists in addressing areas of weakness that may impact the department’s performance.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Takes a conscious effort to learn about different styles of conflict resolution; Has insight into and monitors own preferred conflict management style and its impact on others; Is proactive in managing conflict over differences when it arises rather than avoiding it; Actively creates the space for people to use different forms of conflict resolution; Listens actively for the frames of reference and does not prejudge; Seeks to understand and adapt to different styles when working with those who are different; Treats others as they wish to be treated; Shows readiness to change the way he/she does things to meet the needs of those from diverse backgrounds.
• Adaptability: Adapts personal approach to meet the needs of different or new situations; Seeks guidance in adapting behavior to the needs of a new or different situation.
• Stakeholder Focus/Partnerships:  Contacts stakeholders to follow up on services, solutions or products to ensure that their needs have been correctly and effectively met; Understands issues from the stakeholder’s perspective; Keeps stakeholders up-to-date with information and decisions that affect them; Monitors services provided to stakeholders and makes timely adjustments as required; Maintains ongoing communication with stakeholders; Regularly and systematically contacts stakeholders or prospective stakeholders to determine their needs; Uses understanding of stakeholder’s perspective to identify constraints and advocate on their behalf; Works with stakeholders to adapt services, products or solutions to meet their needs; Encourages co-workers and teams to achieve a high standard of service excellence; Anticipates areas where support or influence will be required and discusses situation/concerns with appropriate individuals; Proposes new, creative and sound alternatives to improve stakeholder service delivery; Engages effectively with all stakeholders.
• Teamwork: Establishes strong relationships with colleagues and partners; relates well to people at all levels; Is fully aware of the team purposes, respects and understands individual and collective responsibilities; Willingly puts in extra effort without being asked and adopts a ‘hands-on’ approach whenever necessary to achieve team objectives; Coordinates own work with that of the team to meet agreed priorities and deadlines.

Terms of Appointment

3 Years Fixed Term (Consideration for renewal will be made subject to AGRA’s needs, available funding and performance).

Location

Based in Kigali, Rwanda.

How to Apply

If you believe you are the right candidate for this position, kindly submit your application with a detailed CV (including your e-mail address and telephone contacts to recruit@agra.org noting to quote the job reference number in the subject of your email)

To be considered, applications must be received on or before Friday 17th November 2023.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

AGRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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