CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is an independent non-profit organization that combines innovative research, market systems development, and strategic partnerships to spread sustainable agricultural solutions for improved soil health, food security, and livelihoods around the world.

IFDC is recruiting for two anticipated projects related to Highland Farming Systems and Climate Smart Jobs  in Uganda expected to start in early/mid 2022 - 2026. The proposed projects will work with over 100,000 beneficiaries in the highland areas of the three regions of Elgon, Kigezi, and Rwenzori, in northern Uganda and in other areas relevant to agricultural production and processing of project supported crops.

The proposed project aims to achieve the following main impacts:

1. Food security and dietary diversity improved for rural households in the Ugandan highlands, Northern Uganda and other productive regions of the country
2. Ugandan smallholder farming households obtain a living income and are sustainably economically resilient

• Eco-efficient farming, making sustainable use of and protecting natural resources

1. The agriculture sector offers resource-constrained households a pathway out of poverty
2. Creation of jobs and economic opportunities for rural and urban populations with a focus on women, youth and socially and economically disadvantaged persons

IFDC is seeking recruitment for a specialist to lead the access to inputs and services component of the project to be based in  Kampala or one of the field offices.

POSITION SUMMARY

The inputs and services lead will oversee programming interventions related to last-mile distribution of inputs and services to the SHFs. S/he will develop gender- and youth-inclusive training tools and approaches, as well as approaches for inclusive agribusiness models, and opportunities for women and youth to engage in employment and service provision opportunities. They will also identify and support the roll-out of gender-responsible low- cost innovations in the dissemination of agricultural information in collaboration with other programs. 

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure daily management of project technical programming related to seeds and input marketing, and last mile service delivery, including directing field-based technical staff, including routine reporting and implementation of field-level activities.
• Provide technical leadership, oversight and coordination for the project technical components related to seed and input marketing and agribusiness development.
• Continually monitor contextual factors and risk that would impact implementation. Assist project management and leadership on corrective measures and adaptive approaches through management decision-making.
• Ensure formative partnerships in the areas of seed and input marketing and agribusiness development are effectively evaluated and engaged per programming design criteria, and that partnership agreements are fully vetted and validated in coordination with the finance and admin personnel, technical staff, under the direction and oversight of the Project Manager and other project staff.
• Deepen private sector engagement and project linkages in support of programming outcomes and leveraged investment in agronomic services related to key sector actors and others at the local level.
• Identify together with the management of the Project for the different agronomical zones the market needs and provide a market assessment per different agribusiness models, including development of risk mitigation strategies for different agro-ecological zones and agribusiness models.
• Work closely together with the project management team in order to facilitate and promote strong synergies and integrated agriculture by farming households.
• Coordinate between non-governmental actors to drive collaboration on the development of a private sector led seed sector and agribusiness-related activities and development
• Prepare and deliver training modules agro-dealers and other agri-entrepreneurs
• Support Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning activities

SUPERVISION AND TEAM COLLABORATION

The inputs and services lead is supervised by and reports to the project manager.  She/ he works in close collaboration with colleagues, other IFDC staff and colleagues from other consortium members.

POSITION AND DUTY STATION

This is a national position with a duty in the IFDC offices in Kampala or one of the field offices.

The position requires intensive travels (up to 50% of the time) in target regions in Uganda and may require some international travel to other IFDC countries.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

This is a senior position that requires highly motivated and self-driven individuals with the following qualifications.

• Holds a master’s degree in Agricultures, agribusiness, international development, natural resources management or any other related course.
• At least 5 years of experience successfully leading management of technical components of complex, results based, international or rural agricultural development programs
• Proven track record in providing Technical Assistance to governments, development partners and private sector on seed, inputs and services, including design and implementation of subsidy programs
• Demonstrated ability in the concepts, principles, methods and techniques of seed/inputs/services/agricultural sector development activities, including training, capacity building, agribusiness development extension services and the technical activities mentioned above for agribusiness and rural agricultural development.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing support for agribusiness or agronomic service training related to seed multiplication, inputs distribution and marketing support, co-investment with seed and inputs companies.
• Demonstrated ability to organize advocacy and strengthen the capacity of private sector associations to advocate for a more favourable regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated ability in the concepts, principles, methods and techniques of seeds and inputs access development activities, including training, capacity building, agribusiness development extension services and the technical activities mentioned above for agribusiness and rural agricultural development.
• Ability to manage partners, sub-contracts and grant making programs with all required reporting requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally in small audience and large audience settings.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required, proficiency in multiple local languages is an asset.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

This position is open to qualified Uganda national applicants only.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the provided link. Applications will remain open until filled

Required Skills Required Experience

• Assist and support Project Engineers, Project Managers and Superintendents on assigned projects.
• The Project Management Intern must be a flexible and adaptable team-player, as well as have strong communication and organizational skills.
• Process submittals and gather/distribute information; manage high quality project documentation and process within budget and on schedule.
• Attend project meetings and record meeting minutes.
• Assist with the tracking and inspection of material deliveries.
• Other miscellaneous tasks as assigned by the project team.