Jobs Kenya

Website: Website https://ifdc.org/kenya/

  • Regional Inputs Policy Specialist

    Regional Inputs Policy Specialist

    Project Description
    IFDC is recruiting for the anticipated USAID Strengthening Agriculture and Regional Resilience (STARR) Project based out of Nairobi. The overall goal of the activity is to promote increased agricultural production, investment, trade and resilience to shocks in the larger East Africa region including select IGAD, COMESA and SADC countries by addressing agricultural issues that can only be solved on a regional basis. STARR has the following objectives:

    Strengthening cross-border agricultural trade and value chains;
    Improved regional agricultural inputs;
    Strengthening resilience;
    Strengthening the regional policy environment.

    Responsibilities

    The policy specialist will engage with private sector agri-input providers and other stakeholders, such as COMESA, EAC and IGAD, to ensure that regional input policy initiatives are demand driven and align with the needs of the private sector.
    Particular focus will be placed on harmonization of inputs standards (seeds and fertilizers, etc.) as well as harmonized trade and customs regimes
    Support improved evidence-based analysis and increased public-private sector dialogue to promote an improved agriculture enabling policy environment with regard trade and usage of agricultural inputs
    Undertake studies and develop action plans to capacity build and guide regional governments on how to promote trade and utilization of agri-inputs and advise what policy instruments and institutions should be employed.

    Required Skills

    Master’s Degree in agriculture, economics, trade policy, international development, or a related field;
    Ability to collaborate effectively with the private sector, government entities, and international donors;
    Strong knowledge of smallholder farming systems, and agri-inputs at a national and regional context;
    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
    Fluency in English (oral and written) required;
    Willingness to travel extensively in East and Southern Africa.

    Required Experience

    A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience, including experience with a contractor or international NGO, in government or regional economic bodies in a similar role, or experience working in private sector agri-businesses in one of more of the target countries
    Experience with USAID–funded projects.

    Applications are open to national and international staff. Preference will be given to nationals from targeted countries. Please include a cover letter and a CV at this stage only. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until release of the solicitation by USAID anticipated in Q1 2018. Only selected candidates will be contacted. They will be invited for interviews including oral and written tests.

  • Internship – 2Scale Marketing

    Internship – 2Scale Marketing

    Towards Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship (2SCALE) 
    Duration: 3 months (starting 21st May 2018 – 20th Aug 2018) at IFDC Offices in Nairobi, and field Nakuru, Kenya.
    Introduction
    The extension phase builds on the 2SCALE (‘Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship‘) program, awarded on June 21, 2012 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS, The Netherlands) to a consortium led by IFDC and comprising the International Centre for development-oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA) and BoPInc, and ending on the 31st of December 2017. It also anticipates and prepares for a possible 2nd phase of the 2SCALE program. 
    A one-year extension phase was deemed necessary to allow the external reviewers, SEO Amsterdam Economics (SEO), to finish the whole process, which includes a study of the partnerships, and results obtained so far (1st phase, ending in June 2017); a comparison between the 2SCALE and the FDOV and GAFSP programs (2nd phase, anticipated between June – August 2017), and an appraisal of the results of the external impact evaluations – carried out by Research Solutions Africa (RSA) and the American Institutes of Research (AIR).
    The extension phase covers the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 comprising IFDC and BoP Inc. During this period, the program will implement a few specific activities with the following objectives: 

    Continue the deepening and scaling of partnership and business models for a reduced portfolio of about 15 partnerships that started somewhat late in the 1st phase.
    Prepare and implement scoping studies within (and beyond) focus countries, with emphasis on industry clusters/ regions, to assess food and nutrition security challenges and related business opportunities for inclusive value chains; and continue networking and brokering activities to connect to the next generation of local and regional champions (SMEs, producer groups) to lead inclusive agribusiness clusters and value chains, as well as potential supportive partners.
    Design and implement pilot programs with selected partners.
    Prepare country and regional level plans that align with and add value to multi-annual strategic plans of the relevant Embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKNs).
    Maintain the transformative capacity of the 2SCALE program, among other things by retaining key staff that will help kick-start activities under 2SCALE 2.0 (or any other name that might be chosen), based on their expertise developed through 2SCALE’s 1st phase.
    Review and develop dedicated approaches to promote women participation and leadership in partnerships, women and youth entrepreneurship, and youth (women/ men) employment.
    In the East Africa region, 2SCALE operates in 2 countries: Ethiopia and Kenya. 2SCALE project wishes to seal Agribusiness Value Chain and agribusiness Clusters Public Private partnership ABC-PPPs) with the Champions or lead firms concentrating on the feed and fodder, potato, rice and Sorghum.

    Duties and responsibilities
    Under the overall guidance of the 2SCALE Base of Pyramid Innovation specialist, the intern will support the implementation of the project through communicating with project partners, as well as monitoring developments through different channels. Depending on the competencies and interests of the intern, assignments will include:

    Support capacity of producer organizations (POs) and of local SMEs (technical/ financial/ organizational), including strengthening of business models, e.g., through BMC workshops.
    Assist partners to access markets: through, consumer insights, market and industry appraisals, strengthening of marketing and distribution channels; this includes for some partnerships product development for BoP consumers and marketing & distribution (BoP pilots).
    Collect and analyze information related to achievements/impacts due to 2SCALE interventions in each partnership.
    Develop reports documenting best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations in relation to project activities.
    Assist monitor project activities in general.
    Support partners in nutritious product and packaging development & design of marketing strategies.
    Identify  innovative, cost-efficient distribution channels and supply chain management issues.
    Take minutes and prepare presentations and documents for meetings and workshops.
    Assist 2SCALE in the compilation of relevant material (reports, work plans, budgets, newsletters etc.) and their production and dissemination.
    Perform other duties as required. 

    The intern is also expected to strengthen his/her knowledge and understanding of the 2SCALE project intervention areas by reading relevant 2SCALE documents and other publications.
    Learning opportunities for the intern

    General understanding of the work and mission of the 2SCALE project, the role of stakeholders and partners at national, regional and international level and of agribusiness clusters contribution to improving rural livelihoods and food security;
    Insight and hands-on experience in facilitating and running BoP pilots in the project;
    Becoming more familiar with working in an international organization and in a multicultural environment;
    Team work through collaboration with a cross-functional team to drive the implementation and execution of the project;
    Experience in partnership building and agribusiness cluster development;
    Greater knowledge in synthesizing and analyzing complex information; 

    Minimum Qualifications & Experience
    Education: Completed undergraduate degree (Bachelor);
    Field of study: Business studies such as marketing and commerce,
    Language skills: Written and spoken proficiency in English;

    Demonstrated interest in the field of agribusiness and the work of international organizations.
    Young professional with 0 – 2 years of experience and ready to learn.

    Previous experience is an advantage working in:

    Private sector or NGO’s involved in agribusiness, supply chain management, and rural development.
    Developing countries in a rural setting.
    Enthusiastic about the role of agribusiness clusters and their linkages with national, regional and international market segments of targeted commodity value chains.
    Good written communication, reporting and presentation skills.
    Internet proficiency as well as proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point) is required. Experience with the development of statistics and charts in Excel.
    Experience in networking a strong asset. 

    General Terms and Conditions

    IFDC Africa Internship Policy applies for interns working at IFDC offices in Africa.
    The Internship Program operates on a monthly flat-rate stipend of $100 paid in the local currency equivalent. Costs and arrangements for approved in-country travel, and accommodation is provided by IFDC. 
    The purpose of the Internship Program is not to lead to further employment with IFDC but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
    IFDC accepts no responsibility for the intern’s medical insurance or for costs arising from illness during the internship.

  • Financial Inclusion Intern

    Financial Inclusion Intern

    Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship (2SCALE
    Duty station: Will be based in Nairobi and support activities in Kenya
    Internship period: From (1st June 2018) to (31st August 2018)
    INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
    Access to finance plays an important role in any business. In the context of 2SCALE, access to finance also plays a critical role in ensuring commercial viability (and financial sustainability) of target value chains, and of the piloted/ promoted inclusive business models within these value chains. The 2SCALE program pro-actively promotes financial inclusion, i.e., the delivery and effective use of a full range of (formal) financial services at affordable costs to all (bankable) households and targeted small- and medium-scale companies, including the disadvantaged and low-income segments of society, in the value chains that we support. Based on feasibility analyses the Financial Inclusion Intern will learn the 2SCALE Financial Inclusion strategies by participating in implementing the following tasks. Assist in implementing strategies of financial inclusion for west Africa partnerships.
    TASKS

    Participate in organizing financial literacy trainings to the targeted SMEs and smallholder farmers in Kenya.
    Document the financial (partner) institutions and the financial services activities getting implemented for specific client groups (households, small- and medium-scale enterprises) in target value chains.
    In close collaboration with the Financial Inclusion Specialist and Country Coordinator, participate in the design, pilot-testing and scaling of practical solutions and innovative practices to improve financial inclusion within target value chains.
    Support Financial Inclusion Specialist to monitor and evaluate financial inclusion of target stakeholders, as well as the commercial viability and financial sustainability of target value chains and piloted/ promoted inclusive business models; whenever needed propose measures to strengthen financial arrangements.
    Document experiences and lessons learnt from financial inclusion pilots; and analyze the factors that determine success, failure, and the challenges within specific ABCs and/ or VC to promote financial inclusion.
    Any other assignments that the management deems necessary for the success of the program.

    Reporting
    The Financial Inclusion Intern will report to the country coordinator.
    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
    An undergraduate degree with a focus on finance, economics, international development/business or similar
    Preference will be given to candidates from financial inclusion and aid effectiveness related fields such as microfinance, financial institutions, conditional cash transfers and emergency cash transfers
    Young professional with

    Ability to conduct and summarize thorough and accurate research
    Fluency in English and Strong writing skills
    Excellent analytical skills, ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines.
    Effective communications and interpersonal skills.
    Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively
    Knowledge of Microsoft suite (Office, excel and PowerPoint)

    GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

    IFDC Africa Internship Policy applies for interns working at IFDC offices in Africa.
    The Internship Program operates on a monthly flat-rate stipend of $100 paid in the local currency equivalent. Costs and arrangements for approved in-country travel, and accommodation is provided by IFDC.
    The purpose of the Internship Program is not to lead to further employment with IFDC but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
    IFDC accepts no responsibility for the intern’s medical insurance or for costs arising from illness during the internship.

    APPLICATION PROCESS
    ABOUT THE PROJECT
    From 2012 to the end of 2017, the consortium was comprising IFDC, the Base-of-the-Pyramid Innovation Centre (BoPInc.), as well as the International Centre for development-oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA). This is called the 1st phase of 2SCALE. From January 2018 to the end of 2018, the consortium is comprising IFDC and BoPInc. This year is called the extension phase.
    During the extension phase IFDC and BoPInc. will together develop a proposal for the 2nd phase of 2SCALE. The 2nd phase, if approved, is expected to run from the beginning of 2019 to the end of 2023.

  • Soil Fertility Expert

    Soil Fertility Expert

    IFDC seeks to recruit a Soil Fertility Expert to be based in Accra, Ghana or Nairobi, Kenya and reports to the Deputy Director, Field Research, based in Nairobi. Working closely with project Chiefs of Parties, Team Leaders and technical staff, the Soil Fertility Expert will support the projects’ productivity objectives of sustainable and profitable increases in agricultural productivity and product quality in the developing world, while safeguarding the natural resource base on which many small-scale producers depend. This work focuses on the introduction and use of best agricultural practices, with specific attention to integrated soil fertility management (ISFM), defined as a set of soil fertility management practices adapted to local conditions that will maximize agronomic use efficiency of nutrients and improve crop productivity. Such practices include the use of balanced mineral fertilizer, soil amendments (lime, rock phosphate, organic inputs), improved germplasm, agro-forestry and the use of rotations or intercropping with legumes. As many IFDC programs also have a strong agribusiness component, the Soil Fertility Expert will stimulate demand for technical interventions in the context of a market driven value chain approach concept. The Soil Fertility Expert will also contribute to IFDC’s research agenda and publications related to fertilizer technology and market development.
    The Soil Fertility Expert is open to nationals from Kenya or West Africa, as well as international applicants.
    Responsibilities

    Provide leadership and vision to fertilizer initiatives for IFDC African projects.
    Provide day-to-day management in the implementation of soil fertility initiatives by supervising and supporting project leaders.
    Ensure that IFDC’s ag-productivity projects result in economically, environmentally and socially sustainable impact.
    Contribute expertise to the IFDC projects to ensure effective diffusion of methodologies and prototype technologies.
    Support the Director of Field Programs in the expansion of the project portfolio through development of new projects.
    Establish and maintain contacts with national and regional governments, partners, and donors involved in fertilizer development initiatives.
    Represent IFDC in national, regional, and international fora, present program activities, approaches, and accomplishments in such fora, and write and publish reports and articles on results from soil fertility initiatives.
    Perform other duties as required.

    Required Experience

    Masters or PhD with proven and widely recognized experience in agronomy, soil science, and innovation studies related to agriculture or any related field, with at least 5 years of relevant work experience in Africa
    Ability to work in Excel, Word, and Powerpoint, and experience with statistical analytical software.
    Proven leadership skills; ability to work collaboratively in multi-cultural environments and in interdisciplinary team
    Experience in soil and plant analysis a plus
    A commitment to and experience in community-based, participatory, field-oriented research and experiential learning approaches.
    An ability to apply systems perspectives to soil fertility management issues
    A distinguished record of research and publications
    A track record in successful development of donor funded projects
    Experience in budget development and expenditure monitoring
    Excellent communication and reporting skills, including technical writing and PowerPoint presentations
    In addition to fluency in English, preference for fluency or good working knowledge of French.
    Willing to travel extensively in Africa

  • Field Officer/agronomist

    Field Officer/agronomist

    Job Description
    Terms of Reference
    Job Description
    The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), is a non-profit public international organization in the soil fertility and agricultural development sector. IFDC is headquartered in Alabama, USA, with two regional coordination offices in Africa.
    IFDC is seeking to recruit a Field officer/Agronomist who will serve as the technical officer to implement field activities for an Irish Aid-funded project titled “Potato Value Chain Capacity Building Project (PCB)”. The project will be implemented in in Nyandarua County, Kenya, and it seeks to introduce improved potato seed varieties with an aim of increasing productivity and incomes while ensuring food security, and also link farmers to sustainable markets.
    This project will be implemented through a Private Public Partnerships that includes the county government of Nyandarua, Kirinyaga Seed Company, input suppliers and their agents, financial institutions. The incumbent will be based in Nyandarua County and will work closely with the County government officials in planning, implementation and oversight of agronomic activities.
    OVERVIEW
    The overall purpose of this post is to support the planning and coordination of agronomic components of the PCB project.
    Role and Responsibilities
    Main duties include but are not limited to: 

    Establishing and monitoring on-farm demonstration plots with strong market-linkages 
    Providing agronomic and management support to PCB partners. This may include work planning with farmers’ associations/groups, county extension officers, Agro dealers, farm input companies, buyers and other implementing organizations.
    Undertaking regular visits to project areas and meeting with partners and stakeholders to discuss barriers to success, opportunities for advancement, and progress made toward achieving project goals and objectives; 
    Prepare and coordinate field days with partners in the potato value chain
    Assisting in the identification of opportunities for project development and expansion 
    Representing IFDC in the county with stakeholders from public and private sectors, development partners and stakeholders to further the aims of IFDC in the region.
    Work in close collaboration with the Project Team Leader on project operations issues and identify synergies and alignment between PCB project and interface with other implementing partners in the County 
    Any other activities as requested by the Team Leader.

    Required Skills

    Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks;
    Ability to work independently and to take initiative;
    High level of initiative, enthusiasm and teamwork; 
    Ability and willingness to travel frequently to the field; 
    Valid driving license.
    The agronomist’s work will involve traveling to meet farmers, using a motorbike.
    Excellent oral, written and inter personal and communication skills in Kiswahili and English fluent comprehension of the local language is required; 
    Ability to mobilize, and engage farmers;
    Good knowledge of the issues facing the potato industry – policy, market dynamics, actors – locally and nationally;
    Proficiency in MS Office for data management, research, training and reporting.

    Required Qualifications and Experience

    5 years of experience in agronomy or related fields;
    First Degree in agriculture, agribusiness or a related field preferred;
    Proven and extensive project management experiences, strong knowledge on potato production;
    Experience with extension models, training and capacity building projects 
    Proven and extensive experience in implementing agricultural projects addressing a range of issues across the value chain.

  • Regional Input Specialists – STARR Project Regional Resilience Specialist – STARR Project Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) – STARR Project

    Regional Input Specialists – STARR Project Regional Resilience Specialist – STARR Project Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) – STARR Project

    Job description
    Project Description
    IFDC is recruiting for the anticipated USAID Strengthening Agriculture and Regional Resilience (STARR) Project based out of Nairobi. The overall goal of the activity is to promote increased agricultural production, investment, trade and resilience to shocks in the larger East Africa region including select IGAD, COMESA and SADC countries by addressing agricultural issues that can only be solved on a regional basis. STARR has the following objectives:

    Strengthening cross-border agricultural trade and value chains;
    Improved regional agricultural inputs;
    Strengthening resilience;
    Strengthening the regional policy environment.

    Responsibilities

    IFDC seeks various regional input specialists in the following technical areas: fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation, feed & fodder, veterinary products, mechanization & farm implements
    Support cross border value chain actors that diffuse and apply new or improved agricultural inputs, practices and processes.
    Support development of strong cross border associations and other private sector networks that can facilitate the availability of improved agricultural inputs.
    Increase the capacity of regional government institutions and the private sector to produce and distribute uniform, high quality seed throughout the region.
    Promote market access and investments in the cross border agricultural input sector.

    Required Skills

    Master’s Degree in agriculture, crop sciences or related fields;
    Strong knowledge of smallholder farming systems, and agri-inputs at a national and regional context;
    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
    Fluency in English (oral and written) required;
    Strong knowledge in any of the following: fertilizers, seeds, crop protection, irrigation, farm implements/mechanization, veterinary products;
    Willingness to travel extensively in East and Southern Africa.

    Required Experience
    A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience, including experience with a contractor or international NGO in a similar role, or experience working in private sector agri-businesses.

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