Technical Lead – Agricultural Productivity and Markets, Itongo Ryanje, Itunga Ryanje

Counterpart International is seeking a Technical Lead in Agricultural Productivity and Markets for the upcoming USAID-funded Burundi Itongo Ryanje, Itunga Ryanje Activity. The overall objective of the Activity is to improve the livelihoods of women growers and small holders in Ngozi province, Burundi, and subsequently improve their ability to influence their family and community due to increased social status. The Activity will support land titling and certification, improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience, and increase women growers’ access to resources and markets. The Agricultural Productivity and Markets Technical Lead will be responsible for the implementation and oversight of activities to improve the technical, entrepreneurial, and networking skills of women farmers in Ngozi province, and improve their resilience to climate change; as well as facilitate access to markets and private sector partnerships to support the program’s objectives. This is a full-time position based in Burundi and will serve the life of the project, which is expected to be 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Identify strategic needs, approaches, and priorities for designing and implementing activities related to capacity strengthening of women farmers, improving market access and establishing private sector partnerships – ensuring continuous adaptation to the local context, stakeholders, and beneficiary needs. Activities may include (but not be limited to):
  • Design and implement training and mentoring for women growers on topics including financial management, climate-smart agriculture, pest management and disease control, water management, entrepreneurship, business management, networking, and marketing.
  • Establish private sector partnerships to deliver and expand access to training on the above topics for women in Ngozi province and support market access.
  • Work with the government and private sector partners to distribute climate-resilient seeds.
  • Improve women farmers’ and cooperatives’ access to and application of improved marketing information.
• Collaborate with project technical staff to leverage internal expertise and recruit and manage external consultants (as needed) to design and implement training, technical assistance, and other activities.
• Coordinate with MEL staff to design and implement a results monitoring framework and performance management plan for all activities related to agricultural productivity, agricultural management, and improving market access and information.
• Document and communicate internally and externally successes, challenges, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Ensure gender and social inclusion is integrated into all capacity building tools, methodologies, and activities.
• Support the Chief of Party and other staff on the project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture (agricultural science, agricultural economics, agribusiness management, etc.), business, natural resource management, international development or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience on international development programs with donor organizations, USAID preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience and expertise in agricultural productivity, agribusiness management, climate-smart agriculture, natural resource management, market systems and value chains, and/or private sector engagement in the agriculture sector.
• Experience designing and conducting training and technical assistance activities and establishing private sector partnerships to improve agricultural productivity and expand access to knowledge on markets and agriculture.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and high level interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with local and national government officials, community leaders and organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
• Prior work experience in Burundi or the region.
• Fluency in English and French required; Kirundi preferred.