Job Field: Sector in Agriculture / Agro-Allied

Value Chain Development Specialist

Background and objectives of the hub:
The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (the Hub) is the U.S. Government’s flagship project under the presidential Trade Africa initiative, launched in 2013 to boost trade and investment with and within Africa. The Hub partners with East African and U.S. businesses to attract investment needed to transform the East African private sector into vibrant global trading partners.
The goals of the Hub are to deepen regional integration, increase the competitiveness of select regional agricultural value chains, promote two-way trade with the U.S. under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and facilitate investment and technology to drive trade growth intra-regionally and to global markets. The project achieves these ends by working with the private sector and local governments to find practical solutions for trade and investment constraints that lead to a pro-investment environment. It also builds awareness of opportunities for African and U.S. firms to increase trade, expand business partnerships, and invest in East Africa.
In support of the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative, Feed the Future, the Hub looks to increase access, availability and utilization of East African-grown staple foods in the region. It supports regional initiatives that improve market information, increase access to inputs, and reduce non-tariff barriers that can hinder trade across borders.
Scope of Work:
The Hub is seeking applications from experienced value chain experts for Value Chain Development Specialist position under the Hub’s Agriculture and Agribusiness team, focusing on priority value chains under the USAID/East Africa Regional Feed the Future (FtF) strategy. Priority value chains under FtF include maize and other grains, beans and legumes, fruits and vegetables, and livestock. The Agriculture and Agribusiness team complements a number of activities and programs that are designed to: 1) support private sector investment in agriculture; 2) assess the legal, regulatory, and institutional agribusiness enabling environment in order to diagnose constraints to economic growth; 3) and build sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity in the region.
Specific Tasks:

Advises on the design of strategies and policies related to agricultural marketing and inclusive and sustainable agri-food value chain development;
Develops concepts, methodologies, guidelines and indicators for agricultural marketing and inclusive and sustainable agri-food value chain development;
Advises EAC partner states through reviews and the provision of technical advice and capacity development on agricultural marketing and agri-food value chains development:
Performs the analysis of selected agricultural sectors/food chains, including food security and food safety issues and assesses the feasibility of agribusiness investment projects;
Analyses the constraints and opportunities related to agribusiness investment options with emphasis on the functionality of markets, support services, trade policies, market institutions and organizations, risk management systems and private sector engagement;
Organizes and facilitates discussions on agribusiness investment-related policy issues involving representatives of the private and public sector, with a view to reach consensus on improved policies;
Provides technical assistance and advice to agribusiness investment projects in the field of marketing;
Provides technical assistance to EAC and EAC partner states with respect to: agricultural value chain development, agricultural supply chain management, private sector development, business development services and marketing;
Analyses and provides technical advice on regional and international trade facilitation and policy and investment promotion;
Develops and maintains strong partnerships with private sector organizations, cooperatives, partners, collaborators and financial institutions;
Draft concept notes, various memos and reports for internal and external consumption;
Assist with development of SOW for short term technical assistance (STTA), supervision of consultants and quality assurance of products of STTA; and,
Represent the Hub in meetings, presentations, and other dialogues with Governments, RECs, other partners, collaborators and donors organizations

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

Advanced university degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics or other relevant discipline related to Agricultural or Agribusiness Development
Five to seven years of relevant experience in the areas of agro-industry systems development, agri-food industry economics and management or related field
A good knowledge of international and regional trade, and/or regional integration, preferably in the Eastern Africa region;
Extensive relevant experience working in similar donor funded regional projects, preferably USAID-funded projects, in the Eastern and Southern Africa region;
Extensive relevant knowledge of value added transformation and technologies of food and agricultural materials through processing, packaging, handling and storage, including product quality aspects within food and commodity chains;
Extensive relevant experience in working collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders in a multi-country setting;
Extensive relevant experience in organizing international meetings, seminars and training courses in the technical general area of agro-industries development;
Extensive knowledge in strengthening women’s and youth participation in regional staple foods value chains;
Excellent English writing and communication skills; and,
Ability to use the latest ICT technology and computer software programs.

Reporting:
The Value Chain Development Specialist Country (VCDS) will report directly to the Director of Agriculture and Agribusiness but will work closely with the other component Directors.
Supervisory responsibilities:

None. There is significant communication and interaction with partners.

Base of operations:

Nairobi, Kenya with some travel to Eastern African Countries.

October 23, 2024
Quality Systems Officer (Auditor)

Job Description
The Quality systems officer ensures that the organizational process – and the goods and services that result – comply with the requirements of standards e.g. ISO 9001 as well as customer, regulatory and organizations own requirements.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Maintain the organizations documented quality management system (policies, procedures, work instructions)
Control the generation, issue and distribution of documents and records both physical and electronic.
Training of staff on basic procedures and instructions.
Inspect and ensure measuring equipment is calibrated as required
Evaluate production processes for compliance with quality requirements
Assist in development of audit plans, audit schedules
Carry out regular and random quality audits on all processes in the organization (and lead a team of quality auditors, when needed)
Identify processes, situations, etc., where organization is meeting requirements, as well as identify opportunities for improvement
Assist audit team in developing audit reports; present audit reports to top management, as needed
Liaise with external/certification auditors and assist with follow-up audits, as required

Skills, Competencies, Experience

A bachelor’s degree is required (Agriculture, business management or environmental management)
Certified quality auditor qualification will be an added advantage.
Advanced word processing and computer files management skills
Experience with auditing tools (e.g. control charts, ishikawa diagrams)
Good listening, communication and presentation skills.
Must be able to work with people at all levels of the organization.
Must be able to work independently and as part of a diverse steam of auditors

October 23, 2024
Agribusiness Team Lead Agribusiness Technical Expert Agronomy Technical Expert KIM Branch Manager – Small Branch KIM Marketing & Business Development Officer Renewable Energy Expert – Solar Solid Waste Management and Recycling Expert Textiles Technical Expert – Marketing Textiles Technical Expert – Operations and Production

The Company
The Government of Kenya has adopted four priority areas to spur economic growth, create employment and transform the livelihoods of the citizens over a five-year period up to 2022. The four development priorities christened as the Big Four Agenda are Food Security, Manufacturing, Universal Healthcare and Affordable Housing especially for the Urban Poor.Our Client is a government department that intends to play a key role in the implementation of the Big Four Agenda through direct interventions in the priority areas as well as leveraging its mandate to facilitate and enable state and non-state actors to achieve these priorities. To position themselves for this critical role, Our Client is currently prioritizing and streamlining their activities and programs in the following areas:

Manufacturing: Commercially produce cotton to contribute towards increased local production for garment and other forms of cotton-based manufacturing and expand capacity in textile and apparels production.
Food Security and Nutrition: Invest in large-scale farming of such crops as Rice, Maize, Sugarcane, Grapes etc. This will contribute towards eliminating the existing national production deficits for these crops and increase food security and nutrition.
Solid Waste Management and Recycling: Explore solid waste management and recycling through a partnership with select County Governments in waste management and recycling.
Renewable Energy: Contribute to harvesting solar energy to supplement the national grid through development of a solar power park through Public Private Partnership arrangements.

To support the above programs, Our Client wishes to recruit a Agribusiness Team Lead:
Roles & Responsibilities
Job purpose and responsibilities:
Team Lead Agribusiness will be a technical expert playing a direct role in increased agricultural productivity, and will be responsible for all activities related to the strengthening and expansion of agribusiness activities in the five key value chains identified (Rice, Maize, Cotton, Sugarcane and Grapes)
Key responsibilities:

Develop Stakeholder partnership framework for developing agri-business investments to promote the agricultural value chains;
Design a clear strategy for attracting agri-business investments to ensure that adequate level and balance of private and public investments are in place to drive the establishment of agribusiness activities;
Conduct a situational analysis with a focus of identifying opportunities and risks, and draw lessons from past government agribusiness initiatives;
Advise on stakeholder identification and develop strategies that defines Our Client’s roles and that of partners in agribusiness sector.
Lead the development of sustainable agribusiness and trade strategies that identify key local and regional market opportunities for Our Client to achieve their commercialization agenda.
Provide overall technical support in a wide variety of areas, including value chain development and upgrading strategies, improving access to agricultural inputs, agricultural extension, marketing, and distribution.
Facilitate market driven linkages between agribusiness producers, wholesalers, processors, markets and other stakeholders within Kenya.
Take lead in the preparation of agribusiness value chain reviews, preparation of annual reports, dissemination of reports detailing the impact and results of activities.
Contribute directly to strategic planning, performance monitoring and reporting of agribusiness activities, reviewing work plans and quarterly/annual reports, preparing monitoring reports;

Requirements
Key qualifications and experience:

Master’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural economics, or other related field from a recognised university.
Minimum of (12) years of professional work experience in agribusiness development with an emphasis on at least two of the identified value chains. Experience working on similar government agricultural/agribusiness development programs, including contributing to M&E, reporting, and designing and leading program activities is desirable.
Remarkable record of accomplishment in developing and executing strategies plans and initiatives on agriculture development/transformation with particular emphasis on agribusiness, agro-processing enhancement and food security that create employment and generate income.
Experience leading and building the capacity of teams of agriculture-focused staff, including remote, field-based staff, to meet program needs and deliverables.
Experience working and collaborating with diverse sets of stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including demonstrated advanced ICT skills.
Demonstrable practical knowledge of the Kenyan agribusiness industry

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October 23, 2024
Crop Production Assistant

This position will be responsible for growing and producing primarily tomato crops. The successful candidate will also be responsible for day to day running of the farm, supervising and coordinating activities of workers
Responsibilities

Oversee implementation of all phases of tomato production, including but not limited to ground prep, chemical application, irrigation, fertilizer application and pest and disease management
Manage general farm operations including production and labor management to ensure farm operations are running efficiently and effectively
Monitor quality of tomatoes in order to meet market expectations
Plan daily/weekly/monthly activities and labor, provide a weekly and seasonal forecast regarding harvest and control operating costs vs budget
Monitor accuracy of inventory by conducting regular inventory counts
Maintain good agriculture practices and adhere to all food safety policies and procedures
Must be willing to work late hours and on public holidays as work may demand
Performs other duties as maybe given from time to time

Requirements

Experience in Tomato Farming is preferred
Proven managerial, supervisory and problem solving skills
Bachelor’s or Diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy or related field
Quality cautious and keen on detail
Good farm and organizational management skills
Good communication skills both written and spoken
Proficient in relevant computer software
With have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in Crop Production

October 23, 2024
Farm Manager

Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan finances and production to maintain farm progress against budget parameters
Supervise and undertake practical activities, such as driving tractors, operating machinery, feeding livestock or spraying fields
Marketing the farm’s products
Buy supplies, such as fertilizer and seeds
Arrange the maintenance and repair of farm buildings, machinery and equipment
Plan and be responsible for the training, mentoring and monitoring of all farm employees
Understand the implications of the weather patterns and make contingency plans

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education : farm business management, or agricultural engineering, or land management
MUST have experience with large scale farms in Africa
Organisational and time-management skills
Supervisory skills and management ability
A full driving license ( for car, tractor, lorry)
Familiarity with farm machinery and animal feed processing
A good understanding of modern farming method

October 23, 2024
Horticultural Farm Manager Packhouse Manager Technical Manager – Farms

Key responsibilities

Coordinate all agronomic practices from planting to harvesting of export horticultural produce in accordance with set international quality standards.
Handle all staff matters within the farm
Issuance and control of farm inputs
Compilation of budgets reports
Ensure proper storage, service and repair of all farm machinery, tools, and other implements
Report any faults or break down of machinery to management for replacement or repairs
Manage irrigation infrastructure in the farm

Qualification and experience

Must be aged 30-40 years
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from a recognized university
Over 7 years’ experience in charge of a large horticultural farm
Must have excellent presentation and report writing skills

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October 23, 2024
Small Holder Field Agro – Marketing Coordinator Advocacy officer Technical Training and Research Programme Officer Trainer In Natural Resource Management Transport and Building Coordinator Housekeeper

The position will require a person who is able to implement and develop a Food and Agriculture Value Chain Programme. Reporting to the Programs Manager, the person should have the following qualifications:-
Professional qualifications

Diploma or BSc. in any of these disciplines; Agriculture Marketing, Agribusiness or Agriculture Economics.
Practical Skills in designing and execution of community led Marketing programme.
5 years’ experience working in a community integrated Water and Sanitation programme.
Thorough Knowledge on value chain development for Small Holder Agriculture
Experience in working with Small Holder Farmers in a similar project will be an added advantage.
A valid Motor Cycle riding license

Major Responsibilities

Organise farmers into Organic Production Groups for Organic Markets.
Link organised groups to organic markets and outlets.
Mobilisation and Organisation of farmers to form Rural Savings and Credit Schemes.
Mobilisation and Organisation of farmers to initiate commercial Agri-based Rural Cottage Industries.
Build effective collaboration with diverse sector players including GoK, Credit Providers, CBO and

NGOs with a view to linking farmers to markets, credit and information.

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October 23, 2024
Grower Sales Officer – Vegetables Truck Driver Field Manager – Vegetables Shop Sales Assistant (Ruiru)

Job Details:
We aim to produce quality products which redefine what innovative, healthy and delicious vegetables should be. Our Simba Farm (Nyahururu) team is currently growing and we are looking to take on a new member of the team with the skills outlined below.
Key requirements
Candidates must;

hold a Diploma in Horticulture or equivalent
have at least 1 years’ experience in Veg Seedling Nursery / Propagation unit
possess reasonable experience in Irrigation and Fertigation
be able to handle Plant protection measures (Sprays and Pesticides)
have some labour management exposure
be computer literate in order to produce daily reports from in-house systems
have good written and spoken English for report writing and presentation

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October 23, 2024
Agricultural Field Coordinator – Siaya Agricultural Field Coordinator – Kakamega Agricultural Field Coordinator – Bungoma Agricultural Field Officer – Kakamega Agricultural Field Officer – Siaya Agricultural Field Officer – Bungoma

To qualify as an Agricultural Field Coordinator, the candidate must poses the following: –
Required Education:

Minimum university degree in Agriculture or related fields.

Required Experience

At least 5 years of professional work experience in a similar position (proven project expertise on topics related to soil health) in an NGO set up.

Required skills:

Project co-ordination and management skills.
Good organizational and communication skills.
Knowledgeable in operational planning, quality control and supervision.
Good knowledge on Project monitoring, evaluation and reporting (PMER).
Experience in development cooperation.
Experience working with counties.
Excellent insight of legislative agricultural management in the country.

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October 23, 2024
Coffee Agronomist

Job Details:
The candidate must possess the following qualifications:

A diploma in agriculture
atleast 3 years working experience on cash and food crops{mainly coffee} and related intiatives.
exprience in conducting farmer field school[FFS]
Excellent oral and written communication skills .
should have planning and manegerial skills.
enough computer knowledge and skills.
able to work independently.

October 23, 2024