Individual Consultant: Embedded Advisor to the Ministry of Youth to Provide Expert Advice and Create Momentum on Youth Commitments

Job Description

Background

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution that puts smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. Together with our partners, we are working to sustainably grow Africa’s food systems.

AGRA, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing a 5-year program, Youth Engagement for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA). This program aims to catalyse dignified and fulfilling work for young people, especially young women, and disadvantaged groups, through the growth of inclusive food systems and agriculture value chains. The AGRA Rwanda country strategy recognizes that the success of young entrepreneurs in agriculture hinges on a well-coordinated ecosystem that provides the support they need. However, this ecosystem often experiences weaknesses, including broken links that can hinder youth entrepreneurship in agriculture.

Objectives

The Embedded Advisor will provide technical leadership and guidance, as well as facilitate priority partnerships in the implementation of youth in food and agriculture interventions at the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MOYA). This position will be in the form of a one-year consultancy with a possibility for renewal based on performance and availability of funds.

Location and nature of the assignment

The Advisor will be based in MOYA offices in Kigali, Rwanda, working close with the AGRA Rwanda country office.

Duration

This position will be in the form of a one-year consultancy with a possibility for renewal based on performance and availability of funds.

Qualifications and Experience

i. Academic qualifications

• A minimum of a master’s degree in food and agribusiness, economy and related fields, rural development, or another relevant field.

ii. Experience of the consultant in similar assignments

• 5+ years of relevant experience leading and coordinating food and agriculture projects/programs focused on youth, economic empowerment, livelihoods, access to finance, and/or private sector development.
• Experience of work in inclusive economic development, value chain development, agro- industrialization policy and SME Development.
• Demonstrated experience of engaging with high-level government officials, representatives of the private sector, financial institutions.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating and managing partnerships.
• Substantive knowledge and experience in working as part of a donor-funded project to facilitate partnerships with the private and public sector stakeholders.
• Technical leadership experience on youth development programs funded by development partners such as the Master Card Foundation, FAO, USAID, and the World Bank.
• Strong understanding of best practices in youth facing interventions programming.
• Good knowledge and experience on how to mobilize technical and financial resources to finance youth-related projects.
• Knowledge of life skills and its integration into comprehensive skills building programs for youth.
• Strong analytical, report writing, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English required, with fluency or professional knowledge of French and Kinyarwanda strongly preferred.
• Excellent computer skills using MS Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

About the Organization

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