The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is seeking an outstanding, dynamic, and driven candidate for the position of Agribusiness Development Officer to work under the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security (AFNS) Program. ACTS is a pioneering development research think tank on harnessing applications of science, technology, and innovation policies for sustainable development in Africa.

The Agribusiness Development Officer will support implementation of community cooling hub/ Specialized Outreach and Knowledge Establishments in Kenya that is part of the African Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES). ACES first-of-its-kind Centre dedicated to sustainable, smart cold-chain, cooling, and post-harvest management (PHM) through an integrated approach.

Key responsibilities

• Develop material, training and advising farmers on matters related to agrifood production, postharvest handling, value chain development, business development and market linkages
• Support farmers and farmer groups in agricultural business planning and entrepreneurship development including development of business models
• Advice and develop strategies and policies related to sustainable agri-food value chain development and integration of sustainable cold chain in their business
• Set up and maintain strategic collaboration with relevant partners in agribusiness and sustainable cold chain and cooling
• Formulating and advising farmers and farmer groups on strategies for value addition through promoting integration of cold chain and cooling systems in farming communities
• Training farmers and farmer groups to identify agribusiness opportunities that can be catalysed by improved supply chain organization through cold chain and cooling technology
• Provide technical expertise in areas of enhanced agricultural production, post-harvest handling, storage, and processing, marketing, and business development
• Lead in the design of intensive data collection to guide agribusiness development including enhanced benefits from enhanced value and supply chain
• Responsible for continuous follow-up with farmers on various aspects related to the project and in ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation of the process
• Generate periodic reports and outputs related to the project

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree with a combination of two of the following fields: – Agricultural Economics; Agribusiness; Agriculture Extension; Food Science and Technology. A Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with expectational experience may be considered
• Have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrable work experience in agricultural and agribusiness investment, agribusiness advisory services, supply chain management, linkage with the private sector, agribusiness project development, appraisal, and management
• Experience with value chain analysis and development, post-harvest management, and marketing systems development especially for high value agriproducts
• Demonstrated experience in farmers engagement, collaboration, training and capacity building, coaching, building the capacity of value chain actors and in identifying key intervention areas within given high value chains
• Demonstrated understanding of cold chain and cooling technologies and link with value addition and supply chain development especially in value chains such as horticulture, milk, fish among others.
• Value chain development, business development, and rural livelihoods engagements
• Knowledge of the latest developments in advancing best practices in value chain development and market systems development
• Knowledge of certification processes regarding production traceability, sustainability, and calculation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
• Experience in implementing programs aimed at increasing the competitiveness, commercialization, and inclusiveness of value chains
• Successful experience preparing and presenting detailed business/financial models in agriculture
• Having private sector experience will be an added advantage
• Commitment to gender equality and knowledge of gender mainstreaming principles and approaches

How to apply

The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility for renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Interested candidates should send their applications and CV along with the names of three referees by 5^th February, 2023 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.