Program Officer at African Agricultural Technology Foundation

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships to access, develop, adapt and deliver appropriate agricultural technologies for sustainable use by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is headquartered in Nairobi, and its mandate covers sub-Saharan Africa. More information about AATF is available at www.aatf-africa.org

The project is being implemented in Kenya and Tanzania as the pilot countries with project partners already testing the hybrids in other parts of SSA. Ensuring sustainable transition of the 2-line hybrid rice technology to private seed companies and commercialization of products is the current key priority of the project. In addition to the two projects, AATF leading a Public-Private Partnership initiative known as the Alliance for Hybrid Rice in Africa (AHyRA) that develops, promotes and catalyses sustainable agro-business through licensing and commercialization of hybrid rice technology to improve the livelihood of rice farmers towards a rice self-sufficient Africa.

The position will provide technical and administrative support to the implementation of the NEWEST and Hybrid Rice projects as well as AHyRA to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of activities and reporting. This is a nationally recruited position and will be based at AATF’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and reporting to the Project Manager – Rice.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Project Management

1. Support the development and implementation of product delivery strategies and work plans for effective commercialization of rice projects
2. Support in implementing the customized monitoring and evaluation plans for the projects and seed quality management in target countries
3. Assist in the preparation of technical reports and publications, including editing, proofreading, and formatting
4. Day to day management of information and data related to product development, seed production, deployment and quality management
5. Support coordination and technical backstopping of product deployment partners and stakeholders to enable efficient seed production, commercialization, demonstrations and quality management in target countries
6. Assist in the Rice Project schedules to ensure timely task completion of work plans, including meetings and workshops with stakeholders Reporting and Accountability
7. Support the Project Manager in timely submission of AATF Corporate and Donor reports.
8. Follow up for timely submission of the monthly report, mid-term, and annual report in accordance with sub-grantee agreements.
9. Produce ad-hoc reports as required by the role and project from time to time. Coordination
10. Assist in development, implementation and monitoring of Rice projects and initiatives.
11. Support the Project Manager in convening meetings with the partners, and other stakeholders as needed.
12. Develop and manage the Rice Database at the national and Africa level to ensure timely provision of information to project partners and stakeholders.
13. Support facilitation of Rice Project activities through concept design, program development and following up on the action points.
14. Management of Project-related events in mounting and managing Rice project displays in exhibitions and meetings as required.
15. Engage in effective dialogues, provide timely responses to communication, and enquires to nurture relationships and generate desirable traffic.

Corporate Competencies:

1. Exceptional interpersonal skills with an ability to consistently maintain good working relationships, and work effectively in a team setting
2. Demonstrated ability to provide constructive performance feedback, effectively recommend, and communicate needed improvements
3. Commitment to and strong capacity for working through collaboration and partnerships – must have superior relationship management skills.
4. Good problem-solving skills: demonstrates resilience and initiative when faced with challenges.
5. Demonstrated financial/ budget management skills
6. Outstanding organizational and time management skills including the ability to prioritize and multi-task
7. Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
8. Strong organisational skills with ability to plan and priorities work activities to meet project goals and objectives
9. Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills and nimble to changing environments and relationships
10. Good networking skills and ability to build and sustain relationships with key partners.
11. Ability to write/edit good reports, impact stories and minutes of meetings
12. A good understanding of agricultural biotechnology social – political and regulatory environments
13. Ability to build and sustain relationships with key constituents (donors, research institutions, media, government institutions, etc.)
14. High-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including the ability to build alliances and collaborative relationships with sensitivity to diversity.
15. Ability to maintain high standards of integrity; establish straightforward, productive relationships; treating individuals with fairness and respect.
16. Fluency in English. Knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an added advantage

Recruitment Qualifications

Education: Minimum of Master’s Degree in agricultural or related science from a recognized University.

Experience: At least 5 years of relevant technical and administrative experience in technology transfer to farmers, with hands on experience in commercialization of crops in Africa Sound knowledge and experience in rice value chain in Africa Excellent communication skills including fluency in written and spoken English and the ability to write effectively for varied purposes and audiences. Good understanding of the Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural biotechnology, social–political and policy environments Experience in data management and analysis Administratively self-sufficient and strong computer skills with advanced proficiency with MS applications, and a willingness to learn additional software and systems as required Experience in rice market analysis and impact assessment will be added advantage.

Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English. A working knowledge of French would be an added advantage.

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