International Potato Center
- Background
The project, titled “Regional Germplasm Hub for Vegetatively Propagated Crops @ KEPHIS Muguga,” seeks to establish a Regional Germplasm Hub (RGH) at KEPHIS Muguga. A critical aspect of this initiative is the distribution of pathogen-free planting materials across regions to support breeding programs. The pipeline for the supply and distribution of pathogen-free planting material for Vegetatively Propagated Crops (VPC) requires proper costing and integration into a business model with adequate cost recoveries which ensures a sustainability of the operational activities of the RGH. To address this, it is imperative to assist KEPHIS in developing a comprehensive business plan and partnership models. This multifaceted approach is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of the project and the efficient delivery of pathogen-free planting materials.
As part of the development of business plan, the team plans to recruit a consultant to be based at KEPHIS to collect the data continuously as we plan to collect large data from various key stakeholders. In addition, we will also estimate return on investment in the initiative from this project. Therefore, the projects require the engagement of business expertise.
- Objective
Major responsibilities are as follows:
- Conduct desk research to analyze the current operational and functional activities within the germplasm distribution system.
- Conduct desk research to assess the processes and costs associated with indexing and cleaning various RTB varieties.
- Investigate existing partnership models and value propositions relevant to the Regional Germplasm Hub (RGH) through desk research.
- Provide assistance in developing data collection tools and gathering relevant data from key stakeholders for the development of the business plan and business model for the RGH.
- Regularly update the international consultant overseeing the RGH business plan and maintain communication with the designated CIP contact person.
- Calculate the return on investment resulting from investments in both the RGH and RTB seed system within the East African region.
- Prepare working papers, briefs, and blog posts based on research findings.
- Assist in conducting meetings and workshop for the development of the business plan for RGH.
- Deliverables
- Data collection tools and relevant data for financial analysis.
- Preliminary report on the business plan and return on investment study.
- Final report on the business plan.
- Final report on return on investment study.
- Working paper, blogs and briefs on business models, partnerships models and return on investments.
- Selection Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics.
- At least 3 years of experience.
- Specialty in Agricultural economics, cost benefit analysis and applied econometrics.
- Worked on return on investment on roots, tubers and/or banana seed system.
- Skills in Applied Econometrics, Return on investment and financial cost-benefit analysis.
- Advanced knowledge of database work.
- Advanced level of MS Office and STATA
- Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
- Time frame
- Consultancy contract will be for 45 days.
Conditions: This is a national consultancy position limited to Kenya nationals and permanent residents only.
How to apply
Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ including a letter of motivation, a full C.V. with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on 27 February 2024 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
The consultant will not be in contact with children or vulnerable adults.
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
CIP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). CIP also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
Deadline: 27 Feb 2024