Who we want:
MSA seeks a talented professional with exceptional experience in implementing and monitoring market systems development programs to join the team as Market Systems Director based in Kigali, Rwanda. This professional is expected to have exceptional experience in market systems development in the context of Rwanda, agribusiness and value chain development interventions, and capacity building of activity staff to facilitate the project’s MSD approach. As a Key Personnel role, the position will report directly to and work alongside the Chief of Party (COP), as well as be supported by MSA’s Engagement Lead for Hinga Wunguke.
The project profile:
The goal of the Hinga Wunguke Activity is to increase incomes and improve nutritional outcome by sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening domestic consumption and markets for high-value and nutritious agricultural products. MSA’s involvement in Hinga Wunguke will be focused on developing proven tools and methodologies that support the design of the project’s interventions according to proper market systems design, and to use rapid cycle learning to make adaptations to interventions throughout implementation.
Requirements:
· Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in business, economics, agriculture, international development or related field
· At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in Market Systems Development (MSD)
· Experience working in similar contexts. East Africa experience is preferable
· Experience in conducting capacity building of Activity staff in facilitation and the MSD approach
· Relevant experience in agricultural/agribusiness/value chain development interventions
· Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and experience in managing teams
· Demonstrated strong writing and oral presentation skills in English
· Familiar with private sector development, market systems facilitation and/or other economic development approaches (e.g., economic strengthening, inclusive business)
· Capacity to take initiative and be a self-starter
· Fluent in Kinyarwanda and English
· Willingness to travel to all project zones
Other desired characteristics:
· Advanced computer literacy, including strong Excel and PowerPoint skills
· Experience working on the empowerment of youth and marginalized populations
· Excellent quantitative skills with a very good grasp of statistical methods and small sample designs
· Experience applying the DCED Standard and /or systems-informed monitoring and evaluation
Who we are:
MSA is a socially driven global consulting firm. We provide innovative solutions for the private sector, government, and civil society to improve, measure, and communicate the economic and social impacts of their investments. We believe market dynamics have a strong impact on how people live their lives. Our vision is to improve economic systems in order to reduce poverty. We recognize complexity and as such, use a systems approach to design solutions that work within dynamic environments. We work collaboratively with our clients, serving as brokers of creativity to help catalyze systemic change.
We take a bespoke approach to every engagement, developing tailored services for clients around action research, monitoring, strategic advisory, evaluation, and thought leadership across five topic areas: market systems development, jobs and trade, economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and impact investing.
Since 2009, we have worked with a wide variety of clients and partners in dozens of countries across six continents.
Our work:
At MSA, our staff builds results measurement systems for development programs, social enterprises, and impact investors; research power dynamics and their influence on market behaviors; train client staff to think more systemically about the problems they seek to address; pitch MSA's services to new potential clients; write thought pieces; and brainstorm new approaches to old problems. Regardless of the task, our focus on disrupting the status quo demands critical engagement.
