Project Assistant_ Agribusiness- Kaijiado at Finn Church Aid (FCA)

This role is key in supporting the implementation and coordination of an agribusiness project aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among women, integrating principles of hydroponic technology with a focus on cultivation of high-value horticulture crops, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) areas of Kajiado 

Tasks and Responsibilities 

Project Coordination & Implementation

• Assist in the preparation, monitoring and updating of the field workplans for the implementation of projects’ activities
• Support the process of beneficiary groups identification and parcipatory selection including reviewing and evaluating   the screening, scoring and ranking of applications in accordance with the projects’ targeting criteria
• Provide field technical support to the projects’ beneficiaries during project implementation to assist them in identifying business development needs, developing and implementing business plans, and efficiently utilizing the projects’ in-kind and capacity development support to achieve the intended results and impacts
• Support the introduction and scaling of hydroponic technologies in agricultural practices.
• Facilitate connections between project participants and relevant markets to enhance their reach and profitability.
• Facilitate linkages with relevant Government departments for synergy and techncial support 

Research & Documentation

• Conduct thorough market analyses to identify opportunities and trends on high-value horticulture crops.
• Timely consolidation of activity, quarterly, and annual progress reports 
• Collect and document good practices, success stories and lessons learned; 

Budget Management & Procurement

• Track project expenditures and ensure compliance with financial guidelines.
• Support procurement processes for the project needs

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders, NGOs, government agencies, and donors to enhance project outcomes and sustainability.
• Manage relationships with farmers, community leaders, and local organizations.
• Coordinate field visits and workshops to promote project objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Training & Capacity Building

• Organize training sessions and workshops to build the capacity of women entrepreneurs in hydroponic farming techniques, crop management, business skills, and market linkages.
• Support session facilitators with the development of training materials and resources.

Qualifications and Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, General Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field.Other post graduate qualification in project management, Enterprise Development related field will be an added advantage
•  At least 3 years of experience in implementing donor funded projects in the field of rural development, agricultural development or related fields.
• Field experience in coordinating and liaising with rural communities.
• Familiarity with the local agri-food sector, inputs and products market, market systems development; Enterprise development; Business Development Services (BDS) approaches and value addition.
• Familiarity with modern agricultural trends such as hydroponics, vertical farming and remote sensing technologies.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout the project areas.
• Desirable: Proficiency in Maasai language