The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), is a leading pan-African rice
research organization committed to
improving livelihoods in Africa
through strong science and effective partnerships.
AfricaRice is one of
the 15 international agricultural research Centers that are members of
the CGIAR Consortium. It is also an intergovernmental association of
African member countries.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Research Associate in Agribusiness Development
Location: Kano
Slot: 4
Job Descriptions
- The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking four (4) highly
qualified Research Associates in Agribusiness Development be based at
each of the four selected staple crop processing zones (SCPZ) in
Nigeria. - He/she is responsible for all field based operations and
processes targeted at achieving ATASP-1 project objectives to improve
rice productivity and income at farm level. Each of the successful
candidates will be posted at any of the 4 SCPZs with frequent travel to
the project communities. - The Agribusiness Development Research Associates will be under the supervision of the Rice Commodity Specialist.
- He/she will lead and drive the technical aspects of the ATASP-1
project in project implementation SCPZs in Nigeria in close
collaboration with other project staff.
Responsibilities
Develop and coordinate market development strategy and interventions in the rice sector:
- Support the design of rice sectors market development strategy within the context of ATASP-1 executed in Nigeria.
- Plan and implement rice market development interventions in rice
seed systems development, rice inputs and output market sub-sectors. - Organize capacity building for stakeholders (NARIs staff,
extension agents, producers’ groups, seed companies, etc.) on rice
sector market/ value chain development.
Support the establishment and strengthen market linkages in rice value chain:
- Support marketing activities for rice value chain actors in rice sectors development hubs in Nigeria.
- Organize and implement market exposure visits for rice farmers and processors for learning and awareness creation purposes.
- Actively participate in monitoring and evaluation of project implementation
- Support establishment of contracts with potential partners (e.g.
market actors), develop concrete offers for partnership and negotiate
agreements between key actors. - Initiate contract farming arrangement between seed companies and
seed out growers and for farmers groups and paddy off-takers based on
best practices and trust.
Facilitate the adoption and use of GAP in rice farmers’ fields:
- Promote adoption and use of GAP and knowledge to improve rice
management and their step-wise integration into farmers’ practices. - Demonstrate new technologies and practices to increase crop yields at farm level.
- Promote the use of audio-visual and other multi-media tools for
the dissemination of GAP and technologies that increase rice yields in
farmers’ fields. - Assist farmer leaders to develop a critical capacity to observe,
analyze, and to propose appropriate solutions to crop management
problems challenges. - Coordinate the formation and animation of rice producers’
learning groups that constitutes the nucleus of GAP learning and
dissemination at farm level. - Promote participatory extension methods and group-based learning
tools that encourage knowledge and experience sharing amongst farmers.
Supervision and Reporting:
- Supervise and support field based staff including community
based facilitators and farmers implementing field activities in rice
sector development hubs. - Plan and carry out annual yield sampling and similar key performance indicators (KPI) at farm level.
- Contribute to project quarterly and annual planning meetings and
budgeting process by furnishing timely information on the agronomic
aspect of crop cultivation. - Provide feedback and manage information to/from stakeholders
(farmer organization, private sector value chain actors, etc) as maybe
advised by project management from time to time to ensure adequate
communications linkages are maintained between the project management
team, the communities and other stakeholders. - Supervise in conjunction with other project staff as may be
required, annual field surveys on the agronomic, socio-economic and
livelihoods aspects of rice farming, including data analysis and
reporting. - Write monthly, quarterly summaries and annual reports to the
rice commodity specialist or senior management as maybe required for
purposes of program documentation, M&E and reporting to donors.
Key Competencies
Abilities:
- Must have previous experience in market development and be willing to spend long periods travelling and staying in rural areas.
- Must have experience with community-based projects
implementation and/or small-holder-oriented development initiatives are
desirable. - Demonstrated ability to carry out ToT capacity building and farmers groups trainings.
Key Qualifications
Minimum Academic/ Professional Qualifications:
- A Master of Science Degree in Agronomy/Crop Science or a related
Science, together with field-based experiences in rice sector
development projects implementation.
Minimum Experience:
- At least 5 years experience in research to development
activities in Nigeria rice sector and a good knowledge of rice growing
ecologies and rice producing communities in Nigeria with proven farmers
capacity building, technology and innovation dissemination qualities.
Skills
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including presentations
- Computer literacy with proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint applications
- Proficiency in English language with excellent communication skills. Fluent in Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo will be an added advantage.
Team Orientation
Shows commitment to teamwork with minimal supervision by working
positively and cooperatively with others. Committed to a high standard
of performance, a sense of urgency and mutual respect and integrity
Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of rice Agronomy, rice growing environments and particular experience within Nigeria is important.
Terms and Conditions
- This is a nationally recruited position
- The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility for renewal based on annual performance.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed
curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word
format. The application must include the names and e-mail
addresses of three professional referees which must include
either the Head of applicant’s current or previous
organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at
work and evidence of current remuneration package.
Click here for more information
Deadline 10th September, 2015.
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