Project Officer, Agronomist at Practical Action

about us

We are an International Development Organization putting ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world. We help people find solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems. Challenges made worse by catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality. We work with communities to develop ingenious, lasting, and locally owned solutions for agriculture, water and waste management, climate resilience and clean energy. And we share what works with others, so answers that start small can grow big.

We are a global change-making group. The group consists of a UK registered charity with community projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America, an independent development publishing company and a technical consulting service. We combine these specialisms to multiply our impact and help shape a world that works better for everyone.

OUR AIMS

We help people find solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems, made worse by catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality. Our aims are to:

• Make agriculture work better for smallholder farmers, many of them women, so they can adapt to climate change and achieve a good standard of living.
• Help more people harness the transformational effects of clean affordable energy and reduce avoidable deaths caused by smoke from indoor stoves and fires.
• Make cities in poorer countries cleaner, healthier places to live and work.
• Build disaster resilience into the lives of people threatened by hazards reducing the risk of hazards and minimizing their impact on lives and livelihoods.

In Rwanda, we are recognized leaders in clean cooking and sustainable energy solutions. This includes ground-breaking work in solar, and water powered electricity generation, often delivered through independent mini grids. We bring rural communities, people in refugee camps, energy providers and decision makers together to put sustainable, clean energy solutions to work for the people who need them most.

OUR VISION, MISSION, BELIEFS and AMBITION

OUR VISION

Our vision is for a world where all people have access to the technologies that enable them to meet their basic needs and reach their potential, in a way that safeguards the planet today, and for future generations.

OUR BELIEFS

We believe that:

• Technology is a key enabler of human development; and that technological innovation has the power to propel us into a better world.
• All people should have access to, and a voice in, shaping the technologies that can improve their lives.
• A sustainable future for our planet requires a fundamental shift in the way technology is developed and used.

OUR MISSION

To develop and demonstrate practical, technology-based solutions that enable women and men living in or vulnerable to poverty, to lead dignified lives. To partner with people whose lives are transformed by these efforts and with a range of other organizations: ensuring local ownership, and that the solutions work in the longer term without us. To inspire change through the widespread adoption of sustainable technologies that work - socially, economically, and environmentally, so that more people living in or vulnerable to poverty benefit from our learning.

OUR AMBITION

Our ambition is that by 2030 we will have transformed the way technology is used to improve the lives of people living in, or vulnerable to poverty.

about the role

Key Working Relationships

Title: Project Officer, Agronomist

Reporting to: Project Manager

Location: Mugombwa, Gisagara District

No of Position: 1

Duration: 2 years, renewable subject to availability of funds

Travel: Within Project geographic scope (Gisagara, Kirehe, Kigali)

BACKGROUND

Practical Action in collaboration with AGRA implements- Farm to Market Access for Refugee Youth (F2MARY) project that employs a market system and evidence-based approach to build the capacity of youth and youth-owned agricultural MSMEs, create incentive structures for youth enterprises, increase access to finance for youth particularly young women in agricultural enterprise and support governments to create an enabling environment for youth employment and develop a strong ecosystem that supports youth participation in agribusiness.

The F2MARY project aims to strengthen the enabling environment for youth economic inclusion and directly create dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for Rwanda youth including young refugees in three years and six months through addressing systemic constrains that hinder young women and men access to productivity-enhancing technology, access to appropriate finance, access to strong and diversified markets, access to ecosystem services and effective participation of young women, out of school youth, youth with disabilities, youth refugee, rehabilitated youth, and other vulnerable and marginalized youth. The project focuses on two main value chains: chili and poultry.

The project will be implemented in the Mugombwa Sector of Gisagara District, located in Rwanda's Southern Province, including the Mugombwa refugee camp and its surrounding community. Mugombwa refugee camp, established in 2014, spans 28 hectares and currently accommodates 11,389 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Government of Rwanda through MINEMA administer the camp and is responsible for security and protection of the refugees in coordination with UNHCR.This project aims to engage both the refugee and host communities, with the goal of making agriculture an attractive and resilient source of employment for young people.

Practical Action aims to transition to a climate-adaptive farming system that restores natural capital essential for sustaining lives and livelihoods. The project focuses on making renewable energy accessible to the most marginalized and vulnerable populations. This approach is designed to enhance agricultural production and improve access to market, enabling young men and women to boost their income through agri-business in a comprehensive manner.

We are seeking to recruit an Agronomist for the project. The successful candidate will work directly with the beneficiaries in Mugombwa, reporting to the Project Manager. Based in Mugombwa, the Agronomist will be responsible for overseeing a sustainable increase in production of Chilli, emphasizing climate-adaptive farming practices (Regenerative Agriculture) and Poultry Farming. The role involves collaborating with farmers, extension workers, the Government of Rwanda, the host community, and refugee farming cooperative to achieve the project's goal of enhancing production.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The project aims to:

• Provide Small Solar Irrigation system which will boost the production of Chili and increase young farmers’ incomes.
• Explore processing options at market centres within refugee and host communities.
• Enhance farmers’ skills in regenerative and climate adaptive farming techniques.
• Develop and strengthen private sector partnerships in humanitarian settings.
• Encourage entrepreneurial skill sharing and mentoring among refugees and host community.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

To be successful in the role, the ideal candidate will have experience supporting farmers in a range of agricultural practices relevant to the project that aim to improve crop production through implementation of effective climate-smart agricultural practices. The postholder will support and conduct farmer trainings, will assess progress being made by the farmers and will identify areas of action that need to be taken forward.

Project Implementation, Reporting and Learning (80%)

• Create farmers’ cooperative in the project implementation area.
• Create innovative financing, with farmer group towards contribution for sustainability of installed solar powered micro-irrigation system on refugee and host community farms after the project lifetime.
• Explore options to process perishable chili at the refugee market center.
• Enhance farmers’ knowledge in regenerative and climate adaptive farming techniques and crop diversification through skill sharing and mentoring.
• Facilitate private sector access to the camp by addressing the barriers such as permissions and the perception that there is no demand.
• Promote increased year-round production for both chili and poultry.
• Work on increased uptake of climate-adaptive farming techniques that reduce soil erosion and restore soil fertility. This reduces the loss of, and conflict over, available farming land.
• Facilitate farmers to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Increased access to affordable finance for “high-risk” displaced people.
• Ensure increased jobs and income for young refugees and Rwandans living in the surrounding community.
• Prepare activity and technical reports on monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and annually to the Project Manager.
• Collaborate effectively with the Project Manager and other teams to ensure the project is implemented according to the donor contract- and compliance—respecting budget, activities, and timeline—and promptly address any necessary amendments.
• Support the project’s effective and systematic monitoring and evaluation and that findings are recorded and escalated to guide the continued successful implementation of other projects and inform the development of other new initiatives.
• Ensure sharing between team members, colleagues, and peers– both internally and externally – thus ensuring that the project is contributing access to relevant knowledge and lessons learning.
• Support the identification and analysis of trends, threats, and risks in the area of Regenerative Agriculture, building this into research and learning from the project.
• Conduct any other activities as may be assigned by the Project Manager.

Strengthening Profile – 10%

• Represent Practical Action in the Project area to MINEMA, Local Government, local communities, NGOs, and other actors when requested to do so.
• Participate in local coordination / networking meetings as required.
• Support effective lesson learning, information management and lesson sharing within Practical Action and externally through different medium.
• Develop and maintain professional links with development agencies, government bodies, technical and economic specialists, and other professional institutions as required by the project.
• Develop informal networks to assist in the planning and review of work as appropriate.

Achieving Change Ambitions – 10%

• Apply a Regenerative Agriculture focused lens to analyze the nature, causes and scale of the problem we want to address, using a system approach.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Overall

• Education background – bachelor’s degree in agronomy, Agro-ecology, Agricultural Science, horticulture, crop science /crop production, rural development with 10 years working experience in agriculture sector.
• Have extensive knowledge in crop production, horticulture, and agri-food chain process.
• Familiarity with climate smart agriculture concepts highly desirable
• At least five (5) years working experience with two years of experience in the field of regenerative agriculture and directly working with small-scale farming communities.
• An excellent understanding of humanitarian settings and at least two years of experience working with refugees in Rwanda would be an advantage.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of the agricultural sector in Rwanda.
• Experience in Poultry Farming.
• Proficient in communicating with various stakeholders.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and representation skills.
• Ability to collaborate, support, and influence others.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Capability to innovate, take initiative, and embrace challenges.
• Proficiency in English writing, speaking, and writing.
• Proven experience in integrating gender and diversity considerations.
• Being Rwandan

Working with Others:

• Experience working with multi-faceted teams both directly and remotely providing timely support when required.
• In coordination with government, donors, partners, and multilateral agencies coupled with excellent networking and communications skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Self-motivation:

Displays timeliness and accuracy in carrying out their role by their personal energy and enthusiasm and willingness to learn to exceed expectations in their role.

Drive for results:

Demonstrate level of responsibility and accountability in meeting commitments and objectives. Illustrate by evidence of seeking better ways of doing things, looking to improve on status quo and willingness to deal with difficult situations that effect output of their role.

Planning and organising:

Ability to process requirements of role effectively, is able to gather and use resources effectively, is able to prioritize their workload and that of their teams appropriately and review and amend priorities and actions as and when required.

Influencing:

Competence evidenced by the ability to use a range of approaches and select the appropriate style for a situation. Is able to demonstrate good listening skills, presents own view in a convincing manner, whilst acknowledging different perspectives, feelings and concerns. Works for a win-win outcome in resolving differences and is usually able to win others over to own way of thinking. Is well networked with excellent external focus.

Decision–making:

Competence is demonstrated by the timeliness and sound reasoning of decisions. There is a balance of consultation with action. Will communicate, will follow thorough and will be accountable for outcome. Will have the interests of Practical Action at the core of the decision. Will support decisions once argued through and made.

Initiative:

Ability to work independently, within a set context; to act on current or future problems or opportunities; to respond creatively and effectively to the unexpected. Displays a curious and questioning approach in their role and environment.

Teamwork:

Ability and inclination to work co-operatively with others. Will recognize the value of sharing ideas, knowledge and information with others and takes personal responsibility for doing so.

Managing relationships:

Ability to understand and react appropriately to motivations that drive colleagues’ behavior. Is sensitive to cultural differences. Behaves appropriately within them. Understands how to develop productive working relationships.

Sensitivity on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion:

Should have respectful beliefs regardless of their gender, age, sex, race, ethnic background, culture, different ability, nationality, religion, and marital status. Is sensitive and adaptable to gender and social inclusion. Responds and behaves appropriately in different situations.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, C.V., and copies of educational and experience certificates mailto:recruitment.rwanda@practicalaction.org 

The application deadline is 25^th August 2024.

“Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups. We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.