Field Technician Socio-economics – Rwanda at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR): (Deadline 4 March 2025)

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

To implement socio-economic work in relation to Output 2.2 (“Markets and value chains for climate resilient agricultural & tree products”) within the framework of the project “Transforming Eastern Province through Adaptation”(TREPA), with special emphasis on the development of the fodder value chain.

Duties and responsibilities

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

• Assessments of legal, organizational and business options for their integration in existing or emerging value chains
• Consultations with communities and other local stakeholders
• Needs assessments for capacity development
• Capacity development linked with business organization
• Development of business plans.

2.Support development of livestock feed, restoration , seed and nursery enterprises:

• Assessments of options for improved business relations with midstream and downstream enterprises in value chains for wood, fodder and bee products
• Needs assessments for capacity development
• Development of training modules on climate-resilient agribusiness and delivery of related trainings
• Development of investment plans
• Development of brands (e.g., Akagera brand).

3.Improve enabling conditions for the development of value chains for tree-based fodder and tree seedlings:

• Assessments of options for rehabilitating existing and creating new rural resource centers (RRCs)
• Needs assessment for infrastructure enhancements
• Supporting infrastructure enhancements (e.g., market infrastructure, RRCs, storage and cooling)
• Needs assessment for use of information and communication technologies (ICT) linked with climate resilience and farm level energy efficiency in value chains
• Strengthening of existing and establishment of new ICT systems and decision support tools for climate resilience and farm level energy efficiency
• Organization of business roundtables
• Fostering linkages with financial service providers.

4.Document, communicate and advocate progress in the development of value chains for tree-based fodder and tree seedlings for further scaling:

• Technical reports for donor, government authorities and other stakeholders
• Elaboration of knowledge products for RRCs and ICT systems
• Elaboration of dissemination materials and other communication pieces.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural 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 project or components – experience in working with cooperatives and farmer associations is essential.
• Motorcycle driver’s license, or willingness to obtain this license within the first months of assignment, to visit the field sites by motorbike as principal mode of transport.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Kinyarwanda.

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural 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 project or components – experience in working with cooperatives and farmer associations is essential.
• Motorcycle driver’s license, or willingness to obtain this license within the first months of assignment, to visit the field sites by motorbike as principal mode of transport
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Kinyarwanda.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
• The duty station will be in Ngoma, Eastern Province, Rwanda.
• The initial appointment will be for 2 (two) years, inclusive of a six months probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.

Application process

The application deadline is 04 Mar 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.