Business (Operations) Officer at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA): (Deadline 31 March 2025)

Business (Operations) Officer at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA): (Deadline 31 March 2025)

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language undergraduate institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

In an experiential learning environment, students develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA experience the six Enterprises including Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Food Processing, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Fruit Crops, Irrigation and Mechanization.

The curriculum is designed to incorporate threads of Innovation, Conservation, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship. Communication, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship are woven throughout the curriculum.

All RICA graduates will be innovative problem solvers able to operate farms and ranches, start agribusinesses, assume management roles in cooperatives, NGOs, and other agricultural enterprises, serve their communities as extension agents and technical and policy experts, or assume positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda.

POSITION: Business (Operations) Officer

 DURATION : Full time

 Job Summary

The Business Operations Officer is a dynamic role designed to provide cross-functional support to the Finance, Sales, and Procurement & Logistics units. This position requires an adaptable professional capable of rotating between various operational functions and working collaboratively to ensure that each unit’s goals are met efficiently. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining high standards of organizational effectiveness and compliance

 RESPONSIBILITIES

 1. Finance Support

• Financial Record Keeping: Assist in maintaining accurate financial records, including invoices, expense reports, and reconciliations.
• Data Entry & Analysis: Enter financial data into accounting systems and generate routine financial reports.
• End-Month Closing Tasks: Support the finance team in executing end-month closing activities, including preparing reconciliations, reviewing financial statements, and ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded.
• Compliance & Audits: Collaborate with the finance team to support internal and external audits and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.

2. Sales Support

• Sales Operations Management: Collaborate with enterprise leads and technologists to streamline administrative tasks, enhance communication, and ensure efficient sales processes.
• Market Analysis and Strategy: Conduct market research, analyze pricing trends, identify opportunities, and recommend strategies to improve sales performance.
• Customer Engagement and Sales Oversight: Drive RICA product sales, foster customer relationships, resolve issues, and maintain accurate sales and inventory records to maximize profitability.
• Strategic and Operational Support: Support production planning, inventory control, and financial reporting while aligning sales strategies with market trends and organizational goals.

3. Procurement & Logistics Support

• Documentation & Compliance: Prepare and maintain procurement documentation, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Vendor Coordination: Assist in managing vendor relationships, including requests for quotes, order placements, and contract renewals.
• Logistics Scheduling: Coordinate shipping and delivery schedules, track shipments, and update relevant stakeholders on order status.
• Inventory Control: Support inventory management processes, including stock counts, re-order level tracking, and reporting.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Project Coordination: Participate in cross-departmental projects, providing administrative support, data analysis, and status updates as needed.
• Process Improvement: Identify and recommend opportunities to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance delivery service across departments.
• Administrative Support: Manage shared resources (e.g. office supplies, communication platforms), coordinate meetings, and help maintain knowledge sharing platforms.
• Customer Service: Collaborate closely with departmental managers and team members to ensure alignment of objectives and timely issue resolution.

RUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of combined experience in finance, sales, or procurement & logistics roles. a.
• Familiarity with SAP Business by Design Finance, Sales, or Procurement work centers

 SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Ability to analyze data, generate actionable insights, and present findings clearly.

Soft Skills:

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities with the capacity to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new processes in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across multiple teams, fostering a positive and cooperative working environment.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrates resourcefulness and critical thinking when tackling new or complex tasks.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy in data handling, record-keeping, and financial reporting.
• Customer Focus: Understands the importance of client satisfaction and consistently works to exceed stakeholder expectations.
• Ethical Conduct: High level of integrity, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with company policies and legal standards.

 HOW TO APPLY

• Fill the information required, upload and submit the documents in English to the link provided below.
• Cover Letter summarizing intent and suitability for the position.
• Kindly merge your Resume,CV ,Degree Certificate, and any other relevant documents into a single PDF file before uploading.

Application Link: https://rica.bamboohr.com/careers/123

Application review will begin March 31^st ,2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

 Website: https://www.rica.rw/

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY