Value Chain Development Specialist

Republic of Kenya

Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme

Recruitment of Programme Coordination Unit Staff

Background: The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries, State Department of Agriculture, is rolling out the Kenya Cereals Enhancement Programme (KCEP) whose objective is to contribute to National Food Security. 

The programme is funded by European Union through IFAD. 

The Ministry wishes to recruit competent and qualified persons to the following position:

Value Chain Development Specialist (VCS) – Nairobi

Ref. VCS03

The Value Chain Development Specialist (VCS) will report to the Programme Coordinator. S/he will coordinate the Value Chain Support activities.

Duties and Responsibilities include:-

(a) Guiding service providers on the identification, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of value chain support activities, including the promotion of entrepreneurial skills in farmers’ organisations;

(b) Facilitating linkages and contracts between business model stakeholders including distributors, local promoters and farmers;

(c) Ensuring adequate synergies between Post Harvest Management and Market Linkages and Financial inclusion of the programme, in collaboration with the Financial Services Expert;

(d) Monitoring the development of innovative business models in collaboration with the Knowledge

Management, Communication and visibility Officer and the Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to ensure related knowledge management is included in the identification of policy lessons.

(e) Participating in developing the Programme Learning System in collaboration with the Knowledge Management, Communication and visibility Officer;

(f) Preparing and implementing the various studies planned in the value chain studies; and;

(g) Participating in preparation of the AWPB and progress reports.

For appointment to this position, applicants must have:-

(a) Bachelor’s degree in either Agriculture, Agribusiness, Rural Development or any other relevant/ equivalent field from a recognized institution. A post graduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage;

(b) Eight (8) years working experience in a similar field, three (3) of which must have been in a senior management position;

(c) Demonstrated experience in facilitating value chain development, value chain analysis and in building capacity of value chain actors;

(d) Knowledge of technologies and issues for value chain development, business development, and rural livelihoods;

(e) Strong computer, report writing and communications skills (oral, written, presentation); and

(f) Experience in preparation of project proposal.

Application Process

i. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

ii. Each application should have a CV and covering letter indicating the Reference Number for the position.

Applicants for positions in the Nakuru or Siakago Town sub-units should clearly indicate the preference (N or S) as in the reference numbers.

Photocopies of relevant credentials should be enclosed.

iii. Each application in a sealed envelope should be submitted to:

Principal Secretary

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

State Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 30028-00100

Nairobi

Not later than 10.00 a.m. on 11th April 2014.

iv. Only shortlisted candidates shall be invited for the interview