Agriculture Expert at Research Support Services Ltd

No of Positions: 2

Ref: RSS/2020/08/001/AFA

RSS is currently looking to engage two (2) dynamic and experienced consultants to provide short-term technical assistance in the roles of an Agricultural Economist and Agribusiness / Value Chain Specialist.

The successful individuals shall join a team of like-minded experts in conducting needs analysis and policy reviews of an anticipated agricultural project in Kenya. This is a senior role in the project with high impact on policy.

We are seeking qualified and self-motivated individuals with the following key qualifications;

• Advanced Degree in Agricultural Economics, Food Processing, Agribusiness Management or Statistics; Significant practical experience shall be considered in lieu of advanced qualifications;
• Excellent skills in microeconomics, agricultural development models, policy review / formulation, econometrics and project evaluations gained from engagements within Africa; Practical experience in agro-processing needs analysis, impact evaluations, microeconomics and/or agricultural statistics;
• Good knowledge of the crops sub-sector in Kenya; In-depth understanding of Kenya socio-cultural context, rural and poor communities; Specific experience as a senior team member in agricultural research projects along the production and processing nodes within tea, coffee and cash crop value chains will be a plus;
• Experience in coordinating research projects and managing cross-functional teams for Projects or Programmes in the Agribusiness sector in Africa; Past experience in processor-centric agricultural surveys as well as household studies within smallholder cash-crop farmers in poor and rural communities;
• Strong capacity to create linkages with producers, processors, and national and county governments in the agriculture sector; ability to obtain necessary permits and clearances from National Government and relevant local authorities.
• Strategic thinker with proven capability to translate research findings into concrete policies, action plans and roadmap; with a specific focus on agricultural value chains, agribusiness development, rural finance, rural markets, gender and economic empowerment;
• Proven record of ethical conduct including research ethics and track-record for delivering highly successful project results; Excellent report writing and presentation skills; Project management capability, team player, attention to detail and ability to negotiate with ease.
• Strong supervision, project management and organizational skills;
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English and Kiswahili; Good interpersonal, translation and negotiating skills;
• Good working knowledge of office computer applications;

The assignment shall be conducted within the Republic of Kenya between October 2020 and January 2021.