PROGRAM OFFICER AGRIBUSINESS – ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT at Kilimo Trust: (Deadline: 14   December 2023)

Job Title: Program Officer Agribusiness -Enterprise Development (01) Position

Job Grade: KT4

Unit of Service: Kilimo Trust Rwanda Office

Reports To: Country Team Leader – Rwanda

Duty Station: Rwanda

Employment Category: Contract

Purpose of the Job

• To provide technical guidance and oversight on the development of agribusiness enterprises.
• To design, implement, and manage initiatives aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of agribusiness enterprises.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, government agencies, and industry partners, to drive innovation and enhance the overall agribusiness ecosystem.

Responsibilities:

Enterprise Development:

• Identify and assess opportunities for agribusiness enterprise development.
• Promote the establishment of micro and small-scale businesses with potential to create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, mostly for youth and women.
• Support Enterprises to design bankable business plans, ensuring viability and sustainability.
• Foster equitable integration of supported Agro-enterprises into market-oriented systems.
• Support entrepreneurs in the design and implementation of tailored growth plans/strategies for their enterprises.
• Support future entrepreneurs in identifying digital solutions to improve the SME service quality.
• Connect enterprises with relevant support services, including access to finance and networking opportunities.
• Support preparation of trade fairs, exhibitions, and learning events for supported agribusinesses.
• Provide practical guide to compliance for supported Agro-enterprises.

Value Chain Enhancement:

• Analyze and optimize agribusiness value chains to improve efficiency and increase profitability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Agro Enterprises, Government Agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

Capacity Building:

• Provide training and capacity-building programs for agribusiness stakeholders including Youth and Women.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to enhance the skills and capabilities of enterprise teams.
• Develop Programs on how to support SME development through business support services, business incubators, and other innovative approaches.
• Lead preparation of relevant manuals and tools.

Market Analysis:

• Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges in the agribusiness sector.
• Develop strategies to position agribusiness enterprises competitively in the market.
• Identify and create opportunities for farmers to access markets and increase their income.
• Establish and strengthen linkages between farmers, processors, and other actors in the value chain.

 Partnership Development:

• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners to create synergies and support agribusiness development initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at various levels.
• Facilitate collaboration and partnerships to strengthen the agribusiness value chain.
• Maintain updated database of created/supported agribusinesses and startups.

Educational Qualifications and Experience Required

• Master of Science Degree in Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship, Business studies, Economics, Agriculture, Food Science, or relevant qualification.
• At least four (4) years of relevant experience in business viability analysis, business planning, coaching, mentorship, or startups support.
• Demonstrated experience in nurturing of new enterprises.
• Understanding of standards and quality management systems is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of business development tools.
• Proven experience in managing multiple and competing tasks while maintaining quality of deliverables within deadlines.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda.
• Ability to take on assignments that require travel to field locations.

How to Apply

If you are the right candidate, please send your application letter plus the following:

• An up-to-date CV, highlighting relevant skills and experience (presented in relation to each of the Responsibilities and each of the experience areas listed above).
• The names and contacts of three referees, and a daytime contact telephone number of each of them.
• Copies of Academic Certificate and Transcripts for O’ level, A’ level – where applicable, Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate qualification
• The names and contacts of your immediate supervisor(s) in the current job and two of your immediate previous jobs.
• Your daytime contact telephone number; and
• A statement and proof of current remuneration package

Please submit your application documents electronically to recruitment@kilimotrust.org

Address all applications to The Human Resource & Administration Manager, Kilimo Trust.

Deadline for application: 14^th December 2023

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted