Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) is an autonomous body established by Law N° 14/2017 of 14/04/2017. RAB has the general mission of developing agriculture and animal resources through research, agricultural and animal resources extension in order to increase agricultural and animal productivity as well as their derived. Its vision is to improve food security and livelihoods of all Rwandans by transforming agriculture from subsistence into modern farming through generating research and extension innovations that generate sustainable crop, animal husbandry and natural resource management.

The Government of Rwanda secured loans and grants from International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) for the Climate Resilience Post-harvest and Agribusiness Support Project (PASP) and Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP) implemented and managed by RAB, and the Project for Rural Income through Exports (PRICE) implemented and managed by National Agriculture Export Development Board (NAEB).

1.Climate Resilient Post-Harvest and Agribusiness Support Project- PASP (2014-2019)

PASP aims at reducing post-harvest losses in key value-chain commodities (maize, beans, cassava, Irish potatoes and dairy) to increase the incomes of smallholders and rural labourers, especially women and young people. The total project cost is US$83.4 million, and it is expected to benefit about 32,400 rural households. IFAD is financing approximately US$27 million, half in loan and half in grant form. The project is strengthened through an investment of US$7.0 million from the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP), which aims to increase smallholder resilience.

2.Rwanda Dairy Development Project — RDDP (2017-2022)

RDDP is meant to contribute to pro-poor economic growth and improve the livelihoods of resource-poor rural households. It aims to increase the dairy sector’s competitiveness and profitability through provision of quality products from small-scale producers to domestic and regional consumers, thus improving their livelihoods, food security and nutrition while building overall resilience. The total project cost is US$65.1 million, including an IFAD loan of US$43.6 million and grant of US$1.1 million. It is co-financed by Heifer International (US$4.0 million) and is expected to reach approximately 100,000 resource-poor rural households.

3.Project for Rural Income through Exports — PRICE (2011-2020)

PRICE helps smallholder farmers to increase benefits from key export-driven and sustainable  agricultural value chains through greater production volume and quality, improved marketing and  effective farmer organizations. The total cost of the programme is US$57.4 million. IFAD is providing US$48.7 million, including US$18.7 million as grant. IFAD’ s Executive Board approved supplementary financing of US$8.5 in April 2018. This project benefits approximately 128,700 households, especially woman-headed households and households with little land and which are involved in production of coffee, tea, sericulture and horticulture.

In the purpose of completing vacant positions, the RAB’s Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of IFAD Funded Projects wishes to recruit suitable qualified and experienced candidates for the following positions:


1.SPIU COORDINATOR

a) About the position

Job title: Coordinator of SPIU-IFAD Funded Projects, under contract

Job level: 1.V

Number of position: One (1) position

Direct Supervisor: Director of General / RAB

b) Education & Experience:

This is a high-level professional position that is highly demanding to attain the desired outputs of developing the agriculture sector, and the outputs of the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA) IV. Seasoned professional with strong organizational and managerial experience is required. A solid understanding of the Program area and the development of the agriculture sector, preferably in Rwanda, East African or Great Lakes Region, is highly commendable. Other requirements are as follows:

  • Be a Rwandan citizen.
  • Hold at least a Master’s degree in one or more of the following: Project Management, Business Management/Administration, Organizational Development and any other relevant qualifications appropriate to agro-business, commodity chain development, agriculture economics, agriculture, will be an added advantage.
  • Five (5) years’ work experience at least in the management of projects in reputable institutions preferably with international multi- and/or bilateral development cooperation organisations; familiarity with donors’ policies and procedures would be an added asset.
  • Experience in the implementation and oversight of projects and programs and in the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and reporting of such activities.
  • Have a high degree of competency in English is essential, while working knowledge of French and/or Kinyarwanda would be an added advantage.
  • Computer literacy is essential with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, email and internet; knowledge of other specialised software (MS Access, MS Project, etc.) would be an advantage.
  • Proven experience, ability of working in multi-disciplinary teams, and capacity of supporting professional human resource development of other team members and stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
  • Should also have excellent Public Relations (PR), skilled in team building, communication, interpersonal relationships, influencing and negotiation skills

c) General duties:

Operating within the SPIU “IFAD Funded Projects” of RAB and reporting to the Director General, he/she will be responsible for all matters pertaining to the effective implementation, management and coordination of activities and players of the IFAD funded projects (PASP, RDDP and PRICE,) for effective delivery on the projects objectives. He/she will also be responsible for the performance of SPIU-IFAD Funded projects staff in their respective projects/units, including among others the Heads of Departments, Project Operations Managers and Internal Auditor.

Specific focus will be on the following main activities:

  • Creation of conducive business environment and promotion of entrepreneurship;
  • Linkage of IFAD organs, donors and other stakeholders with Government organs for improved agriculture sector development;
  • Promotion of commodity chain development;
  • Promoting improved processing and competitiveness of Agriculture produce;
  • Development of Rural infrastructures as support to producers.

Specific duties will include the following:

  • Responsibility for coordinating and managing all players of ongoing IFAD funded projects, more particularly an oversight on implementation of the Program and activities therein as undertaken by various projects, Government entities, and other implementation stakeholders (donors, partners, civil society, and private sector) operating under the program;
  • To ensure implementation of recommendations and conclusions of the functional analysis of RAB, especially as regards institutional and capacity building for farmers and Apex organisations towards effective implementation of PSTA IV targets;
  • To ensure that developed action plans and budgets for projects are well aligned with the PSTA IV principles, and that activities implementation align with objectives and targets of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST) I;
  • Progressively mainstream the implementation of the projects activities and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Government and Development Partners. Namely, ensure the efficient implementation of current RAB-executed activities in order to facilitate a smooth integration of formerly-PIU run activities as the Ministry moves towards a full Sector Wide Approach (SWAp);
  • Undertake the required reporting and review activities as part of the overall management system for the Planning and Project Coordination Secretariat and refine reporting mechanisms for the implementation progress on the program in full alignment with the Ministry’s sector-wide M&E framework in collaboration with RAB M&E Department;
  • Liaise closely with relevant structures under the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) towards improved infrastructure in relation to farmer’s accessibility to good roads, electricity and water;
  • Liaise with relevant technical Departments of RAB and other Government organs for improved commodity chain development;
  • Responsible for the supervision of all staff and contract managers (including short-term and long-term experts) operating under the project for effective delivery;
  • Report regularly to the Agriculture Sector Working Group (ASWG) and the Rural Cluster concerning implementation progress of the Project

2.CIVIL ENGINEER for Post-Harvest and Agri-business Support Project (PASP)

a) About the position

Job title : Civil Engineer, under contract

Job level : 3.V

Number of position : One (1) position

Direct Supervisor : Project Operations Manager

b) Education & Experience:

  • A minimum of university degree in Civil Engineering;
  • Demonstrated relevant professional work experience of at least 3 years in construction works;
  • Proven experience in preparation and analysis of work plans, complex reports of the projects;
  • Proven experience of team leadership;
  • Excellent planning, organization and problem solving and analytical skills;
  • Advanced analytical skills, sound judgment, resourcefulness, ability to take initiative, capacity to work in a self-directed manner and multi-cultural environment, and ability to create a team-based, participatory work environment;
  • Good negotiations and communication skills;
  • Excellent PC (Personnel Computer) user skills: MS Windows, MS Office, and MS Internet Explorer;
  • Good understanding of AutoCAD, ArchiCad, and GIS in producing designs is required;
  • Excellent communication skills and fluency in English and French.

c) Specific tasks and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of SPIU Project Operations Managers, the SPIU Civil Engineer will have the followings specific duties:

  • Civil/structural design and engineering techniques;
  • Planning and independently carrying out work requiring judgment in the evaluation, selection, application and adaptation of engineering techniques and procedures;
  • Analyze working drawings and interpret them before commencement of works execution for various components of the engineering activities;
  • Prepare or evaluate and modify drawings, specifications, calculations, charts and graphs, and monitor work for compliance to applicable codes, accepted engineering practices and statutory standards;
  • Computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering design documents;
  • Perform of field activities such as observe and record existing field conditions, take and verify measurements within project area;
  • Organization, drafting, and coordination of technical documents;
  • Support to procurement and Quantity Surveyor (QS) team in finalization of quantities, billing break ups, bill justification etc;
  • Managing budgets and project resources;
  • Develop and implement emergency procedures to meet needs of the service;
  • Supervise all works conducted by external contractors
  • Any other duties requested by supervisors.

3.AGRO-METEOROLOGY SPECIALIST for Post-Harvest and Agri-business Support Project (PASP)

a) About the position

Job title : Agro-Meteorology Specialist, under contract

Job level : 3.V

Number of position : One (1) position

Direct Supervisor: Project Operations Manager

b) Education & Experience:

  • Agricultural Climatology/Hydrology/Engineering/Environmental Science with at least 5 years of experience in adaption work and risk management or risk disaster management in the smallholder sector.
  • A Master’s degree in Agricultural Meteorology and Experience in mainstreaming climate change adaptation issues within both public and private sector organizations for a wide range of agricultural sub-sectors in the Southern African Region would be advantageous.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Communication and result oriented management skills.
  • Fluent in English or French (reading, writing and speaking) with a very good knowledge of the second language (French or English).
  • Fluent in Kinyarwanda. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and meet crucial deadlines.

c) Specific tasks and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the PASP Operations Manager, the functions of the agro­meteorologist are:

  • Act as point of liaison for the Rwanda Meteorological Services and Rwanda Environment Authority (REMA) Climate Risk Management Projects, and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in receipt and transmission of climate and agro-climate information;
  • Develop agro-meteorological products and decision support systems designed for transmission to the various departments of the ministry, relevant extension services and the private sector/business HUB partners;
  • Support the downscaling of climate information and products for application in crop and animal agriculture and food security sectors at all levels to reduce climate variability and change related risks, with an emphasis on harvest periods;
  • Coordinate delivery of agro-meteorological products and services (information, warnings, and advisories) on climate related risks to crop and animal agriculture and allied sectors in partnership with National Meteorological Services and other relevant institutions;
  • Support efforts to integrate Indigenous (local) knowledge in agro-meteorological management practices including decision support systems;
  • Agro-meteorological data analysis for Rwanda;
  • Issuing of crop-yield forecasts based on statistical analysis;
  • Contribution to research and development in particular with regards to the calibration and extension of crop growth models and crop yield forecasting techniques, as well as to climate change impacts on agriculture
  • Draw up a monthly, quarterly and annual report to the Program/Contract Manager of Post-Harvest & Agribusiness;
  • Perform other duties as assigned to him/her by his/her superior.

4. FIELD OFFICER for the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP)

a) About the position

Job title : Field Officer, under contract

Job level : 3.IV

Number of position One (1) position

Direct Supervisor : Project Operations Manager

b) Education & Experience:

  • At least a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology, Animal Production, Veterinary, Rural development/Development studies and Economics;
  • Fluent in Kinyarwanda, English or French;
  • Computer skills;
  • Milk handling, storage and transport knowledge;
  • Excellent communication and representative skills (written, oral, cross-cultural);
  • Ability to multitask and deal with stressful situations;
  • Having a driving licence (At least category A or B);

c) Specific tasks and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the RDDP Operations Manager, the functions of the Field Officer the following:

  • The Field Officer is responsible for coordinating, consolidating, and ensuring smooth implementation of program and operations’ activities. At the District level, the Field officer represents the project authority to relevant stakeholders. Typically, the Field Officer reports to the Project Operations Manager.
  • Depending on the context and mission needs, the Field Officer develops and implements the project’s activities in collaboration with the respective program managers and technical team. The Field Officer provides general support, guidance, and serves as a focal point during planning, and reporting.
  • The Field Officer represents the Project at the District level including general meetings with local authorities, stakeholders’ meetings, as well as dairy sector program meetings when requested by the mission coordination. The Field Officer manages the visit of donors’ representatives / other stakeholders whenever requested.
  • The Field Officer monitors the political, economic, and social environment in the area, assesses and analyses risks, monitors and reports the situation, and develops reports and measures relevant to the context.

Interested candidates shall submit their updated and detailed Curriculum Vitae, relevant certificates, required Degrees, a copy of National Identity card, and a motivation letter stating the position applied for in the subject.

All application letters must be addressed to the SPIU Coordinator — IFAD Funded Projects, shall be submitted in hard copies at the Central Secretariat of SPIU/IFAD Funded Projects (former MINAGRI buildings-Kacyiru), not later than Friday, 5thJuly2019 at 15h:00, local time.

For more information, please download hOfficial advert.pdf

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