Scaling Specialist at Grameen Foundation

Role Summary

• The role will focus on creating, disseminating and promoting the AgriPath Scaling Framework. The Scaling Specialist will lead phase one of the Scaling Framework creation process which will focus on desktop research and in-county visits aimed at identifying existing, relevant work and resources for scaling DAS in the AgriPath implementing countries. The scaling specialist will provide recommendations on adaptations and improvements that AgriPath can bring to support scaling up and scaling out of DAS, as well as strategies to disseminate and promote the AgriPath Toolkit. Subsequent phases will focus on implementing phase one recommendations.

In phase 1, the consultant will apply their knowledge and expertise in research, agriculture, DAS and scaling of digital solutions to;

• Conduct desktop research and literature review that will identify existing DAS scaling strategies, with a strong emphasis on AgriPath countries.
• Conduct interviews with DAS stakeholders to understand their experiences in scaling their applications (including success factors, pitfalls and barriers to scaling) and the role of agents or other human networks in scaling. It is anticipated that at least 10-15 interviews (if not more, depending on time and availability) will be conducted with various DAS stakeholders, including DAS consolidators such as the Digital Agrihub.
• Review the toolkit material and conduct in-person, interviews in atleast 3 AgriPath countries with a variety of on-ground AgriPath stakeholders, such as local implementing partners, agents, in-country research organizations, Agriculture Ministry personnel and other DAS operators.
• Enhance the toolkit by harnessing insights from on-ground activities in the implementing countries.
• Develop 3-4 small case studies on DAS stakeholder scaling experiences that can be included in the AgriPath toolkit.
• Develop a final report that summarizes the findings from the desk review and interviews and that includes a preliminary scaling framework for DAS providers.
• Lead the creation of a dissemination and promotion strategy for the scaling framework and AgriPath Toolkit

Required Skills and Experience

• 7 years experience working with digital innovations and smallholder farmers in LMICA strategic, forward- thinker with a strong understanding of the challenges of scaling innovations in digital agriculture
• Experience defining scaling, dissemination and promotion strategies for digital agriculture solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience with mobile based digital advisory services and/or extension services is strongly preferred
• Expert knowledge of smallholder farmer, digital ecosystems in at least three of the five AgriPath countries will be an added advantage
• Experience with multi-stakeholder processes that include governments, private and development sector actors
• Strong writing, presentation and communication skills are mandatory. You will be required to provide samples of past written work/publications
• Well networked and familiar with key actors and influencers in digital extension and advisory
• Ability to work as part of a global team, across diverse professional and cultural backgrounds and time zones