JOB DESCRIPTION

Sustainable Growers Rwanda (SGR) is a non-profit organization that supports women coffee farmers and their families to become more professionalized and market- based skilled to increase their family incomes through professional training approach to growing and trading specialty coffee, so they can form direct, productive relationships with coffee processors, importers and roasters. Established in 2014, Sustainable Growers has a strong track record for connecting actors along the value chain, to facilitate deep and global partnerships between small holder producers and their customers.

Manager, Research and Development

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

This role will be responsible for driving and implementing innovative research initiatives to inform program strategies and enhance organisational effectiveness, as well as collaborating with stakeholders to identify emerging trends and opportunities for growth.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive research and development strategy aligned with SGR’s mission and goals
• Lead in the implementation of sustainability goals and measuring the environmental impact of research initiatives
• Advocate for policy change based on research findings to influence sustainable agriculture practices

Technology Advancement

• Identify and evaluate emerging agricultural technologies and practices that can enhance sustainability and productivity
• Plan and execute field trials to test new agricultural practices and technologies, ensuring rigorous methodology and compliance with safety standards
• Carry out product development and testing with the latest technology and on the best practice research in enhancing various products and services offered at the institution
• Integrate the use of modern technology to inform research methodologies and carry out data analysis to provide data driven insights to management

Research Programs

• Oversee the design and execution of research programs, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and sustainability standards
• Analyse research data to draw meaningful conclusions and inform strategic decisions related to sustainable agriculture
• Collaborate with local farmers and community stakeholders to gather input and ensure that research initiatives address their needs
• Conduct market research to assess the feasibility and potential impact of new agricultural products and practices
• Implement quality control measures to ensure the integrity and accuracy of research outcomes
• Prepare and review detailed reports and presentations summarising research findings, progress, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure all research activities comply with local agricultural regulations and ethical standards

Innovation and Product Development

• Lead the development of new products or the enhancement of existing ones by fostering innovation and creative problem-solving within the team
• Ensure that R&D initiatives align with market trends, customer needs, and the organisation’s strategic goals
• Collaborate with product development teams to create prototypes, run trials, and optimize products before commercialization

Financial Management and Resource Mobilisation

• Develop and manage the R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines
• Manage all funds related to research and development initiatives to ensure all research activities undertaken relevant and cost saving strategies in place
• Lead fundraising efforts to secure grants and funding for R&D projects to ensure activities are covered and serve the enterprise

Risk Management

• Ensure that all R&D activities comply with relevant industry regulations, quality standards, and safety protocols
• Oversee the proper documentation of research activities, including patents, product certifications, and technical reports, to protect intellectual property and ensure regulatory compliance

Stakeholder Management

• Establish and maintain collaborations with universities, research institutions, NGOs, and agricultural stakeholders to enhance research initiatives
• In conjunction with the government agencies, private sector partners and donors, build and maintain relationships with the institutions for continuous support in the research and development efforts in the agricultural space

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement and high performance
• Organise and conduct training sessions for staff and farmers on new practices, technologies, and sustainability initiatives
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• At least 6 years’ relevant experience, 2 of which should have been in a managerial role in a similar organisation or busy function
• Holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields; Agronomy, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institutions
• A Master’s Degree in the above or related fields is an added advantage
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis software
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and rural development
• Proficiency in English/Kinyarwanda/French is a plus

COMPETENCIES

Technical Competencies

• Agricultural Research Methodology
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices applicable in Rwanda and the region
• Data Analysis and Interpretation Skills
• Technical Writing and Communication Skills
• Project Management Skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Cultivate Innovation
• Drives Results
• Collaborates
• Technology Savvy
• Strategic Mindset
• Business Insight
• Build networks

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Positive uptake on research tools and methodologies for testing and piloting programs
• Positive impact ratings on sustainability goals on quarterly basis
• New product testing trials using innovation and technology through modern research methods
• Sign up partnerships with research institutions annually to drive consistent quality in research materials from SGR

Submission of Applications

Interested qualified candidates are invited to submit their motivation letter detailing how they meet the required qualifications and competencies, and detailed CV to recruitment@sustainablegrowers.org, not later than 23^rd December 2024 at 17:00 Kigali time.

Done at Kigali, on 9^th December 2024.

Christine Condo

Executive Director