Rikolto Vacancies July 2024

Are you passionate about transforming food systems and making a real impact in the agricultural sector? Rikolto in East Africa is looking for dynamic and driven individuals to join our team in July 2024! With over 40 years of experience working with farmer organizations and food chain actors across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, Rikolto is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of our mission to create vibrant food systems that benefit farmers and consumers alike. Explore our latest vacancies and find out how you can contribute to our impactful programs. Visit ajiratimes.com for more information and to apply today!

Matangazo ya Kazi Ajira Portal

Position: Program Advisor – Good Food for Cities
Organization: Rikolto in East Africa
Duty Station: Mbeya, Tanzania

Rikolto in East Africa is part of the Rikolto network, an international NGO with over 40 years of experience working with farmer organizations and food chain actors across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Rikolto’s mission is to foster the development of a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural sector, with family farmers supplying quality products for both personal consumption and various markets (national, regional, and international).

In Tanzania, Rikolto is implementing a food systems program in eight regions of the Northern and Southern Highlands. This program focuses on transforming urban food systems (Good Food for Cities), sustainable rice for all, and improving livelihoods through cocoa/coffee programs.

Program Funding

Rikolto in Tanzania has secured funding from the Belgian Directorate for Development Cooperation (DGD) to implement the 2022-2026 strategy for the Good Food for Cities (GF4C) program. This initiative aims to contribute to sustainable incomes for farmers and access to healthy, nutritious food for all consumers in Mbeya City. The program is co-funded by several projects, including ‘Building Inclusive and Competitive Horticulture Businesses in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands’, Norad-funded AGRA’s Grow Together, and the Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I).

The successful candidate will liaise with project managers and the overall coordinator in the Southern Highlands to ensure alignment and synergy.

Job Purpose

To promote the inclusion of smallholder farmers in sustainable and fair trading relationships with private companies in national, regional, and export markets, and to ensure access to healthy and nutritious food for all by catalyzing collective action to address food system challenges.

Reports to: Good Food for Cities Director
Geographic Scope: Country Regional Level
Rikolto Grade: -9-DPM-Z1: Program Advisor

Responsibilities

Promote a favorable environment for urban food systems.
Encourage financial institutions to invest in SMEs in the food sector in collaboration with the program team.
Monitor and document changes/innovations in business models, enterprise behavior, and outcomes for smallholders and young entrepreneurs.
Facilitate experience exchanges at all levels.
Report, advocate, and document program evidence.

An Inclusive Food System:

Facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement in Mbeya City to address food system challenges ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food.
Create sustainable market links between Farmer Business Organizations (FBO) and urban buyers.
Develop innovative local food distribution models.
Implement the “Generation-Food and Food Business Accelerations” model for youth inclusion in modern city food systems.
Design and implement incubation and acceleration programs for young entrepreneurs.
Support project development led by young people and women entrepreneurs.
Co-design and implement models and physical spaces for food distribution.
Test and validate changes/innovations in business models.

Program Management, Partnership, Learning, Planning, Budgeting, Networking, and Fundraising:

Monitor knowledge management processes and multi-stakeholder dynamics to build on evidence of impact.
Engage in learning and experience-sharing initiatives within relevant continental networks.
Plan, monitor, manage, and defend the program’s budget and forecasts.
Network and fundraise locally and regionally, establishing relationships and writing proposals.
Report and ensure program reports are timely and of high quality.
Perform other tasks as requested by the line manager.

Expected Outputs

Innovative pilots that contribute to structural changes and business models.
Strong business linkages between FBOs and private companies.
Enhanced entrepreneurial attitudes, skills, and capacities of FBOs.
High-quality analysis of business environment trends and opportunities.
Strong networks and coordination with partners and stakeholders.
Sustainable benefits for farmers in pilot projects.
Effective learning processes for program design improvements.
Robust multi-stakeholder platforms that amplify smallholder farmer voices.
Thorough documentation and translation of pilot outcomes.

Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Business, or Cooperative Development.
At least 5 years of experience in horticulture or high-value crop value chain development, working with diverse stakeholders.

Knowledge and Skills

Strategic thinker with a multi-angle problem-solving approach.
Results-oriented with excellent communication and networking skills.
In-depth understanding of value chain development and gender empowerment approaches.
Knowledge of food safety standards, certifications, and quality management systems.
Experience in developing sustainable non-financial (BDS) and financial services, including market information systems.
Proven track record in developing FBO or SME business models and plans.
Understanding of sustainability/environmental issues and the ability to communicate these to stakeholders.
Familiarity with national, regional, and global market dynamics of high-value crops and grains.
Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent English proficiency (speaking and writing).
Licensed to drive a manual car.

Application Mode

Please send your CV and application letter to [email protected]. Ensure the subject line reads “Application for Program Advisor – Mbeya.” The deadline for applications is August 7, 2024.