Area Manager at Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Programmatic

•  Support seed system assessments aimed at increasing understanding of the status quo, capacity gaps, constraints, and opportunities in the region.
•  Work collaboratively with KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit and other actors to i mprove their business capacity for production of Early Generation Seed (EGS).
•  Facilitate market linkages for KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit to supply demand driven quality cassava planting materials on a commercial basis.
•  In collaboration with KEPHIS, IITA and other seed system actors, support testing and implementation of cassava seed protocols to ensure quality assurance of cassava planting materials.
•  Facilitate identification and capacity building of Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) in commercial seed production while ensuring inclusivity
•  Develop/refine and implement a robust capacity development program targeting key cassava seed system actors including but not limited to KEPHIS, KALRO/KALRO Seed Unit, and CSEs.
•  Develop/refine training manuals on commercial seed production as well as other relevant modules including gender and social inclusion.
•  Support marketing of CSEs products and facilitate strong linkages between CSEs and farmers
•  Facilitate registration of CSEs with relevant government agencies and ensure compliance to existing seed quality protocols
•  Provide backstopping, coaching, and mentorship to selected CSEs.
•  Create strong partnerships with public and private producers, relevant government ministries and agencies, other seed system stakeholders and represent MEDA when required.

Operations

•  Prepare monthly plans and budget for the region.
•  Proactively monitor burn rate.
•  Ensure compliance with MEDA/donor procedures and policies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

•  Ensure timely and accurate data collection and analysis.
•  Develop progress reports.
•  Track performance against targets and course correct where necessary.
•  Document and share lessons learnt

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: A university degree in agribusiness, economics, marketing, or related field.
• A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years in enterprise/private sector development at a senior level in agricultural value chains involving private sector and farmer organizations

Additional Qualifications:

•  Understanding and appreciation of MEDA's mission, vision, values, and business principles
•  Has strong understanding and experience in seed system and value chain development
•  Experience in offering a wide range of business development services (BDS) to MSMEs, farmers/farmer organizations to facilitate their growth.
•  Market oriented and strong entrepreneurial skills
•  Excellent people and stakeholder management skills
•  Strong partnership and networking skills
•  Excellent communication and report writing skills
•  Fluency (written and verbal) in English is required. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable