Program Officer – Rice At African Agricultural Technology Foundation

Organizational Context **

AATF is an international not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to promote food security and enhance livelihoods of smallholder farmers in SSA. AATF works with African governments, private and public technology owners and developers, NGOs, seed companies and African small holder farmers to identify and access technologies that address farmers’ key problems and empower them through availability of a choice of agricultural innovations that generate wealth and health for their families and communities. AATF is a registered charity under the laws of England and Wales and has host country status with the Government of Kenya. The Foundation depends on the ongoing support and collaboration of different partners and investors to meet its objectives.

The position will provide technical and administrative support to the implementation of the NEWEST and Hybrid Rice projects as well as AHyRA to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of activities and reporting. This is a nationally recruited position and will be based at AATF’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and reporting to the Project Manager – Rice.

Functions / Key Results Expected**

Project Management

· Support the development and implementation of product delivery strategies and work plans for effective commercialization of rice projects

· Support in implementing the customized monitoring and evaluation plans for the projects and seed quality management in target countries

· Assist in the preparation of technical reports and publications, including editing, proof-reading, and formatting

· Day to day management of information and data related to product development, seed production, deployment and quality management

Reporting and Accountability

· Support the Project Manager in timely submission of AATF Corporate and Donor reports.

· Follow up for timely submission of monthly report, mid-term, and annual report in accordance with sub-grantee agreements.

· Produce adhoc reports as required by the role and project from time to time.

Coordination

• Assist in development, implementation and monitoring of Rice projects and initiatives.

· Support the Project Manager in convening meetings with the partners, and other stakeholders as needed.

· Develop and manage the Rice Database at national and Africa level to ensure timely provision of information to project partners and stakeholders.

· Support facilitation of Rice Project activities through concept design, program development and following up on the action points.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

· Exceptional interpersonal skills with an ability to consistently maintain good working relationships, and work effectively in a team setting

· Demonstrated ability to provide constructive performance feedback, effectively recommend, and communicate needed improvements

· Fluency in English. Knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an added advantage

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

· Minimum of Master’s Degree in agricultural or related science from a recognized University

Experience:

· At least 5 years of relevant technical and administrative experience in technology transfer to farmers, with hands on experience in commercialization of crops in Africa

· Sound knowledge and experience in rice value chain in Africa

· Excellent communication skills including fluency in written and spoken English and the ability to write effectively for varied purposes and audiences.

· Good understanding of the Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural biotechnology, social–political and policy environments

· Experience in rice market analysis and impact assessment will be added advantage