MARKET LINKAGES BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST at Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre (CPCIC) Deadline: 10 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.