Project Assistant – Agronomy & Business Development (Two Positions: Field Based)

DCA is seeking to recruit two experienced and energetic Kenyan Nationals for the following position: Project Assistant – Agronomy & Business Development. One position will be initially based in Subukia Sub County, and one based in Kinangop South Sub County. As the project progresses, the holder of this position shall be requested to support other target locations within the respective county. The Project Assistants report to the Project Officer based in Nakuru.

About the project:

DCA is leading a project titled ‘From Loss to Value Creation (L2V): Reducing Food Loss through partnerships in Green Cold Storage Solutions in Kenya’. The project aims to reduce food loss through scalable cold storage solutions working closely with smallholder farmers in Kenya who face a myriad of challenges in production and marketing of their produce. Currently, the value lost through post-harvest losses is pushed back translating into lower incomes for farmers and higher prices for the consumers. DCA in partnership with commercial partners and other stakeholders in the target areas are working to develop an innovative commercial and business approach that will ensure smallholder farmers growing vegetables for export and local consumption, have access to affordable cooling/cold infrastructure within an environment that promotes and upholds responsible business conduct.

The main responsibilities of the Project Assistants are:

Technical support and guidance:

• Mobilize and onboard farmers, cooperatives, and trader associations and provide technical assistance during implementation of L2V project.
• Enhance organisational, governance and management capacity of farmer, farmer organisations and trader associations through training, mentorship, and exposure.
• Conduct training programs on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS), post-harvest management, food safety cold storage best practices, and efficient utilization of the cooling units.

Business development support:

• Identify and nurture business opportunities for smallholder horticulture farmers in alignment with project objectives.
• Provide tailored training programs and support to enhance the business skills of selected farmers and Farmer Organizations, enabling active engagement in the market.
• Facilitate market linkages and trade relationships between smallholder farmers and relevant markets.
• Assist in establishing strategic partnerships between farmers, cooperatives, and financial institutions to explore potential financing options.
• Facilitate effective business relationships between farmers and off-takers/exporters within targeted value chains.
• Cultivate robust partnerships with farmers, relevant County government departments, input suppliers, and other stakeholders to drive project objectives at the local level.

Project implementation and monitoring:

• Assist in the identification and setup process of cooling units through participatory approaches.
• Provide regular progress reports, data collection, and documentation of field activities.
• Contribute to project monitoring and evaluation, identifying challenges and proposing solutions.

Communication and Representation:

• Represent the project at relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences to promote project objectives.
• Document and share key achievements / impact created by implementation of the project.
• Collaborate with project partners and stakeholders to raise awareness about the project and its benefits.

Qualifications, skills & experience

• 4-5 years of relevant experience in community development, business development or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in cooperative development and agricultural extension services, preferably in horticultural GAP training, agroecology, post-harvest management and cold chain systems.
• Sound knowledge of smallholder farming practices, management of out-grower schemes, value chains/market system development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with farmers, cooperatives, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to deliver training programs and facilitate workshops to build capacity and knowledge among project beneficiaries.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently in remote field locations with limited supervision.
• Proficiency in computer applications and data management software.
• Fluency in English, Swahili and local languages is a requirement.
• Must be a licensed motorbike rider (or willing to learn) & be willing to reside in the Sub-County of placement.

About DCA

DanChurchAid (DCA) is working in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Nairobi counties with refugees and local communities to enhance peace, livelihoods and resilience. DCA implements projects directly as well as through local partner organizations. For more information on DCA, please visit www.danchurchaid.org.

DCA offers: The position is for a period of 24 months (renewable subject to funding). DCA offers a competitive salary package (salary, insurance, and benefits) in accordance to experience and DCA Kenya HR Manual.