Senior Agri-Business Advisor/Officer Rikolto East Africa VECO Tanzania
Job Type: Full-Time
Closing Date: 30th October 2023
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

SENIOR AGRIBUSINESS ADVISER NEEDED

Rikolto in East Africa (formerly known as VECO) is part of the Rikolto network, an international NGO with more than 40 years of experience in partnering with farmer organisations and food chain actors across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Rikolto aims to contribute to the development of a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector with family farmers providing quality produce for own consumption and for diverse markets (national, regional and international markets). 

Job purpose

 
To develop networks and partnerships that deliver more sustainable food systems in horticulture, grains, and pulses. This includes enhancing the inclusion of Tanzanian small-scale farmers in durable and fair trading relationships with private companies in national, regional and export markets and mobilizing the forces of regulatory and consumer power to provide incentives for changes in production and trading practices. 
 

Reports to: Tanzania Country Manager
Staff/Partner Management: Supports Agribusiness Advisors. Manages up to 10 partners.
Geographic scope: National policy level
RIKOLTO Grade: BG-10-DPM: Senior Agri-Business Advisor/Officer 
 

Responsibilities

  • plan, implement, monitor and adjust innovation/change pathways in inclusive business models in the grains and horticulture chains
  • plan, coordinate, implement and monitor actions leading to set structural changes for the inclusion of smallholder farmers at the national level
  • develop, strengthen and support business linkages between FBOs and private companies
  • strengthen the entrepreneurial attitude, skills, and capacities of FBOs
  • provide strategic and technical guidance to FBOs ensuring their inclusion in the chains.
  • design, test, and validate change/innovations in the linked business models
  • monitor and document the change/innovations processes in the business models, the changes in behavior at the level of the involved FBOs and companies, and the results of these in terms of improved small-holder livelihoods, and draw lessons
  • document and translate the outcomes of the pilots as evidence for achieving structural changes and upscaling at the national level
  • coordinate/implement the actions of/with the various partners in the achievement of the structural change agendas
  • build up a close relationship with private companies interested in sustainable sourcing from smallholder farmers
  • network with other organizations that have a stake in the structural change agendas
  • analyze and document the changing national context in relation to the business environment, the value chain, the market.
  • provide information, analysis, lessons learned to allow program managers to readjust its programs
  • collaborate and work closely with M&E specialist to collect and synthesize all program data and report accordingly
  • develop plans, budgets and monitors expenditure of both RIKOLTO and partners in the area of jurisdiction
  • Devise novel ideas and creative partnerships to expand the scope of RIKOLTO’s activities and present them to program coordinator
  • Represent RIKOLTO at relevant stakeholder meetings and gatherings as directed by Program Coordinator
  • Collaborate as needed with other RIKOLTO stakeholders (e.g., TAHA,UFVEPA EAGC, Local Authorities) and team members
  • Develop and sustain trust-based relationships with RIKOLTO stakeholders (e.g., TAHA,UFVEPA EAGC, Local Authorities), FBOs, the private sector and other key stakeholders

Expected Outputs

  • Innovative pilots that contribute to the desired planned structural changes and business models
  • Strong business linkages between FBOs and private companies
  • Strong entrepreneurial attitude, skills, and capacities of FBOs
  • High-quality analysis of trends and opportunities in relation to the business environment
  • Strong network and coordination with partners and key stakeholders
  • Significant and sustainable benefits for farmers working in the pilots
  • Effective learning processes which lead to improvements in programme design
  • Effective multi-stakeholder platforms which strengthen smallholder farmer voice
  • Meticulous documentation and translation of the outcomes of the pilots.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Business or Cooperative development At least 5 years in grains or high-value crops value chain development, working with a variety of stakeholders. Plus
  • 2 years’ experience implementing or working in the area of food safety (Arusha and Uganda) or
  • 2 years’ experience implementing programmes dealing in structured trade in the national and regional/cross-border trade or
  • 2 years’ experience implementing programmes dealing with the organizational development of MSMEs

Knowledge and skills

  • Strategic thinker who is able to see problems from different angles.
  • Results orientated
  • Communicates clearly in a variety of settings and styles and has good networking skills
  • In-depth understanding of value chains development approaches including gender empowerment approaches.
  • Knowledge and a good understanding of food safety standards, certifications, and quality management systems
  • In-depth understanding and development of sustainable non-financial (BDS development) and financial services including market information systems
  • Vast experience working with FBOs and facilitation of collective action (including marketing where necessary).
  • Proven track record of developing FBO or SME business models and business plans.
  • Good understanding of sustainability /environment issues and is able to interpret the information to stakeholders.
  • Understands national, regional and global market dynamics of high-value crops and grains
  • Good computer operation Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Good proficiency in English (speaking and writing)
  • Licensed and able to drive a manual car

Application Mode

Qualified individuals should submit their applications and Curriculum Vitae to the Regional Director, Rikolto in East Africa through eastafrica@rikolto.org by 30th Sepetember, 2018.