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

The Community Cooling Hub Development Officer will support implementation of Community Cooling Hub/ Specialized Outreach and Knowledge Establishment in Kenya that is part of the African Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES). ACES is a 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 coldchain, value chain development, business development, business plans and market linkages
• Support farmers and farmer groups in cold-chain and agricultural business planning and entrepreneurship development including development of financeable and sustainable 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: – Business; Agribusiness; AgriEconomics, 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 market development, agribusiness advisory services, supply chain management, linkage with the private sector, and management.
• Proven experience in developing and presenting business models and plans.
• Experience with value chain analysis and development a, 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.
• Some understanding of sustainable 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 will be a plus.
• Value chain development, business development, and rural livelihoods.
• Knowledge of the latest developments in advancing best practices in value chain development and market systems development.
• Experience in implementing programs aimed at increasing the competitiveness, commercialization, and inclusiveness of value chains.
• Having private sector experience will be an added advantage.
• Commitment to gender equality and knowledge of gender mainstreaming principles and approaches.
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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 February 28th, 2024, 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.