Job purpose
Promote structural changes in order to improve competitiveness of local rice sub-sector vis-à-vis imported rice
Reports to: Regional Representative
Position in the organization: Management Team of the Regional Office Arusha, Tanzania
Responsibilities
develop, align and adjust program strategies and policies for rice sub-sector development with inclusion of smallholder farmers at national and regional level in line with the VE global strategies and policies
coordinate actions at regional level promoting exchanges and up-scaling and leading to structural changes at regional level
provide strategic, methodological and technical guidance to program staff to design, plan, implement, monitor and adjust actions achieving structural changes
Outputs/services
guide and supervise the alignment of the selected pilots with the strategy for competitive local rice chains and with their contribution to the planned structural changes
guide program staff to document and translate the outcomes of the pilots as evidence for achieving structural changes and up-scaling
follow up and coordination of monitoring and documenting of changes at pilot level and structural changes in the various countries
carry out actions geared at achieving the structural change agendas (SCA) at regional level, more particularly changes in trade regulations favoring local sales
organize learning and reflection spaces on competitive rice chains at regional level
monitor the establishment and strengthening of close relationships with various private companies in the region interested in sustainable sourcing of local rice from smallholder farmers
monitor the establishment and strengthening of networking with other organizations in the region that have a stake in the structural change agendas
analyze and document the changing context in relation to the business environment, the rice sub-sector, the market … and with regards to opportunities with/demands from other companies
establish inventories and document experiences of other organizations on development of competitive rice chains in the region
Collect and process information, analysis, lessons learned to allow program management to readjust its programs.
Coordinate additional programs assigned that may be of relevance for both the rice programs and other, such as programs on sustainable use of natural resources, access to finance, amongst others.
Knowledge and skills :
Has an in depth understanding of the functioning of value chains from production to consumption
In depth knowledge of the institutional environment and how to bring about changes (Theory of Change)
Program Cycle Management
Facilitation of Multi-Stakeholders-Processes
Has a good understanding of regional and global market dynamics
Has a good understanding of sourcing policies of companies
Has a global vision, is able to see problems from different angles.
Communicates clearly in a variety of settings and styles and has good networking skills
Can persuade and inspire individuals and groups.
Can get messages across that have the desired effect
Experience of working with staple food
General skills:
Good computer operation Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Good proficiency in English (speaking and writing)
Attitude:
Strategic thinker
Entrepreneurial approach
Communicative networker
Systematic and analytical
Result-oriented
Facilitating
Coordinating
Team-oriented
Learning-oriented
Affinity with working from a gender perspective
Education
Master Degree in Agriculture, Economics, Rural Development Sociology or equivalent by experience
Experience:
At least 5 years in value chain development, preferably focused on rice, working with a variety of stakeholders. Experienced manager. Program management and lobby/advocacy experience would be appreciated.
For more details please visit our website http://www.veco-ngo.org/veco-east-africa/veco-east-africa, Send your application with CV through the following e-mail: veco-ea@veco-eastafrica.org (link sends e-mail), not later than 19th of April 2015.This position is open to all African citizens.