Job Vacancies at SNV

Job Description

SNV Kenya is seeking a professional with experience and expertise in agribusiness development.

The position holder will be responsible for formulation and implementation of business models, providing business development support and the capacity building of farmers and agro-enterprises with the goal of improving inclusiveness and competitiveness of targeted value chains. S/he will facilitate access to markets and develop strong partnerships with financial institutions and relevant service providers to ensure the success of the target farmers and agro-enterprises. S/he will support farmer-led enterprises and their groups to improve business planning and in entrepreneurial skills. The function holder reports to the REALMS Project Manager and will utilize Local Service Providers to assist with service delivery and the growth and expansion of marketed products of farmers and agribusinesses that are involved in regenerative agricultural production.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide primary technical direction to the REALMS project business components that aim to incentivize the uptake of regenerative and circular agricultural production.
• Lead market research and value chain analysis to guide develop business strategies and identify opportunities for investments in targeted value chains and markets.
• Provide technical support to farmer-led enterprises in terms of leveraging their capacities to become business enterprises by providing business advisory services and identifying possible directions and tools to strengthen the enterprises and support relevant market players.
• Provide advice on business planning, financial management, governance and day-to-day management of agro-enterprises.
• Build capacity of farmers through training, coaching and mentorship other extension providers, ensuring the integration of best production and post-harvest practices for enhancing value of their products.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with SNV staff, national and local authorities, international and national organizations as well as technical focal points in agriculture.
• Coordinate all planned activities with the Agronomist, Policy and Advocacy advisor and M&E expert, and donors and other development agencies to ensure consistency with sector priorities.
• Support formulation of appropriate policies that create and enabling environment for adoption of regenerative and circular agriculture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Rural Development or related field from a recognized University; A Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience working on international development programs to improve production and incomes through agribusiness model
• Demonstrated experience of successfully linking farmers and agribusinesses to markets
• Demonstrated experience in building the capacity of farmers, and businesses.
• Familiarity with inclusive business models and application to resource constrained small holder farmers.
• Must possess a strong understanding of group development processes and facilitation skills, including developing and delivering training and group consensus building.
• Familiarity with results chains and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Proficiency in English is required.

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Job Description

SNV is seeking an experienced professional with expertise in areas of conservation agriculture, agroecology, soil conservation and climate smart agricultural practices. The position holder will be responsible for guiding adoption of regenerative agricultural practices by farmers and agro-enterprises. S/he will coordinate with the project team and partners to contribute to analysis that will identify and stimulate investments for effective regenerative production systems. S/he will provide support to SMEs and farmer groups/cooperatives on the most appropriate climate integration strategies, which enhance income of producers and agribusinesses. The incumbent will contribute to the joint learning of smallholder producers agro-enterprises adoption of regenerative agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide appropriate and targeted technical advice or assistance to REALMS, project staff and consultants on activities linked to the project.
• Mentor and coach staff members and partner CSO partners on green growth agenda
• Develop and apply training methods appropriate to the needs of the smallholder farmers and their organizations
• Gather and manage relevant knowledge (e.g. training materials such as manuals)
• Act as a focal point for any potential research project related to agroecology in the REALMS project
• Act as focal point for potential research initiative in liaison with the M&E Officer
• Support partner organizations in their awareness raising and agroecology capacity linked to increasing adoption of regenerative and circular food systems especially by the smallholder farmers.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of partner organizations in all activities related to REALMS.
• Support and accompany the partner organizations in developing and applying their own monitoring systems as well as assessing and managing the risks
• Ensure strong communication and co-ordination with partner organizations, target groups and key stakeholders related to the regenerative agriculture and agroecology
• Revise reports submitted by partner organizations regarding issues linked to REALMS
• Submit visit reports to coordination office after each project visit
• Network with like-minded organizations in the field of agroecology in close collaboration with the other REALMS colleagues.

Qualifications

• University degree in Agriculture (preferred in sustainable agriculture and/or organic farming) with demonstrated knowledge and experience in Agroecology or Permaculture
• At least 3 years of working experience with elements of capacity building, accompaniment and knowledge management for staff and communities in NGOs or other civil society actors
• demonstrated experience as an advisor on agroecology, sustainable agriculture and organic farming with proved competences in one or several of the following fields: agroforestry, bio intensive gardening, sustainable land management practices, mixed cultivation, seed production and storage, climate change adaptation and mitigation, water harvesting and/or disaster risk reduction
• proven competences in knowledge management and dissemination
• Proven competences in project management and PCM instruments
• Experience with working with farmers’ groups
• Excellent written and oral skills in English and Kiswahili
• Excellent IT-skills (word, excel, power point)
• Ability to plan, set priorities and multitask
• Proven ability to work autonomously, in teams and multidisciplinary
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; networking skills an asset
• Knowledge and experience in participatory approaches, gender approaches and/or working with youth an asset