Proximity Coaches

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR PROXIMITY COACHES

1. Background

Following the successful completion of the procurement process by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) under the Promoting Smallholder Agri-Export Competitiveness (PSAC) Project, the Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF) has been contracted as a service provider to implement the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach for the coffee value chain across six targeted districts.

The project will be implemented using a Training of Trainers (ToT) model, where knowledge and skills will be cascaded from Master Trainers to Proximity Coaches, and subsequently to coffee farmers organized into Farmer Field Schools (FFS). Proximity Coaches will play a central role in facilitating FFS sessions and supporting farmers in the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), climate-smart agriculture, improved coffee productivity and production and rehabilitation practices.

To ensure effective implementation at the community level, RYAF intends to recruit 78 qualified and motivated Proximity Coaches, who will be evenly distributed across the six target districts as follows:

• Ruhango (09 Proximity Coaches): Byimana, Bweramana, Kinazi, Mbuye, Mwendo, Ntongwe, and Ruhango
• Huye (15 Proximity Coaches): Gishamvu, Huye, Karama, Kigoma, Kinazi, Maraba, Mbazi, Mukura, Ruhashya, Rusatira, and Simbi
• Nyamagabe (10 Proximity Coaches): Cyanika, Gasaka, Kaduha, Kamegeri, Kibirizi, Kibumbwe, and Mbazi
• Rusizi (06 Proximity Coaches): Gashonga, Giheke, Gihundwe, Gikundamvura, Gitambi, Mururu, Nkanka, Nyakabuye, Nzahaha, Rwimbogo, and Nyakarenzo
• Nyamasheke (26 Proximity Coaches): Gihombo, Kagano, Kanjongo, Karambi, Karengera, Kirimbi, Macuba, Mahembe, Nyabitekeri, Ruharambuga, Shangi, Rangiro, Cyato, Bushenge, and Ruharambuga
• Karongi (12 Proximity Coaches): Bwishyura, Gishyita, Gitesi, Mubuga, Rubengera, Twumba, and Rwankuba.

Each Proximity Coach will be assigned to facilitate at least 11 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and he/she will work closely with different stakeholders including PSAC Technical assistants, District agriculture officers and the local community, to enhance coordination, strengthen farmer engagement, and ensure the effective delivery of Farmer Field School (FFS) interventions.

Scope of the work

Proximity Coach will be responsible for:

• Farmer Field School (FFS) Group Formation: Mobilizing and organizing 20-30 coffee farmers into functional and inclusive FFS groups, ensuring equitable participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
• Curriculum Implementation and Localization: Supporting the adaptation and delivery of the FFS curriculum in line with local agro-ecological conditions and the coffee production calendar to ensure relevance and practical application.
• Facilitation of FFS Learning Sessions: Leading and facilitating regular participatory field-based learning sessions following the FFS experiential learning cycle: Observation-Analysis-Decision Making-Action, to promote farmer-led learning and adoption of improved practices.
• Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA): Guiding farmers in conducting weekly AESA to assess soil health, crop development, pest and disease dynamics, and overall farm ecosystem performance for informed decision-making.
• Establishment and Management of Demonstration Plots: Supporting the establishment and management of learning plots, including Study Plots (testing improved technologies) and Farmer Practice Plots (control plots), to facilitate comparative learning and evidence-based adoption.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working closely with PSAC Technical Assistants, District Agriculture Officers, Coffee Cooperatives, and other local stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of field activities, particularly the coffee rejuvenation program, including rehabilitation of old coffee trees and promotion of improved coffee varieties and practices

Duty station

Proximity Coaches will be deployed across selected Administrative Sectors of the selected Districts where PSAC project interventions are being implemented to.

Duration of assignment

The assignment is short-term and will be implemented over a period of 10 months. The detailed schedule and working arrangements will be communicated to the candidates who will pass the selection process during the training and orientation phase.

Required qualifications and experience

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Having at least A2 certificate in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop production, Horticulture.
• Strong communication skills in Kinyarwanda and a working knowledge of English is required
• Ability to interact effectively with rural communities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of the coffee value chain in Rwanda is an added advantage
• Proven experience in the coffee value chain, especially in FFS implementation, is an added advantage
• Having another educational background with a Certificate in FFS implementation.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts in local dialects using non-technical language.
• Experience in adult learning principles; must be a "listener" rather than a "lecturer."
• Must reside within or very near the target Sector/community to ensure daily/weekly availability.

Key competencies

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Integrity and professionalism
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Flexibility and adaptability to field conditions
• Strong communication skills with ability to simplify technical messages into local language
• Facilitation skills grounded in adult learning principles with a participatory “learning by doing” mindset
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with farmer groups in community settings.

Reporting and supervision

• Proximity Coaches will report to RYAF-PSAC agreement Team Leader and work under the overall guidance of the project Team including Agronomist, Master Trainer and Social Development specialist.

Application procedure

Interested candidates are requested to submit:

• A signed cover letter expressing interest in the assignment, clearly indicating the two sectors in which the applicant will be assigned to work.
• Updated and signed CV of not more than 3 pages with at least 3 professional relevant references,
• National ID
• Copies of academic certificates
• Other certificates demonstrating experience in FFS implementation and/or in the coffee value chain (if any)
• Certificate of residence within one of the sectors of the intervention
• Soft copies must be submitted to the email: ryafrecruitment@gmail.com not later than 28th April,2026. The application will be sent in a single email (pdf file), separate document will not be considered. Please mention the position name in the email subject.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the evaluation process.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps, and Female and youth candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity

Done at Kigali on April 21st April, 2026

RWIRIRIZA Jean Marie Vianney

RYAF Chief Executive Officer