Ref: GSS/02/2018/24. The Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Technology Transfer Officer of th
Job Announcement Technology Transfer Officer of the TAAT Rice Value Chain Ref: GSS/02/2018/24 The Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Technology Transfer Officer of the TAAT Rice Value Chain under the African Development Bank (AfDB) supported Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) project. Concerning TAAT The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) is a program initiated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as part of its Feed Africa Initiative. The main objective of the program is to improve the business of agriculture across Africa by raising agricultural productivity, mitigating risks and promoting diversification and processing in 18 agricultural value chains within 8 Priority Intervention Areas. The program will be implemented by IITA in close collaboration with other CGIAR Centres, FARA, AGRA, national agricultural research and extension systems and private sector partners. It will involve close partnership between the AfDB and other developmental partners such as the World Bank, BMGF, USAID and others. This consultancy position shall be part of the Rice Commodity Technology Delivery Compact (CTDC) which is part of the Regional Technology Delivery Infrastructure (RTDI) of TAAT. About AfricaRice AfricaRice is a leading Pan – African rice research organization committed to improving the livelihoods in Africa though strong science and effective partnerships. AfricaRice is one of the 15 international agricultural research centres that are members of the CGIAR System Organization (CSO). It is also an Intergovernmental association of African member countries. Its membership comprises of 26 countries, covering West, Central, East and North African regions.
Responsibilities Under the overall guidance and supervision of the TAAT Rice Value Chain Coordinator, the Rice Value Chain Technology Transfer Officer will undertake the following functions in the TAAT project: -
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Contribute to the establishment and facilitation of functional innovation platforms (IPs) in the rice sector development hubs in the TAAT target countries Through the innovation platforms (IPs), mobilize rice value chain actors – millers, processors, paddy aggregators, input dealers, small-to-medium scale seed businesses, fabricators of farm machinery, tools, and processing and value adding equipment, microfinance / banks, research, extension / NGOs, transporters, and policy makers, etc. – for the out-scaling of rice technologies and innovations in the rice hubs Collaborate with the Africa-wide Rice Task Forces (TFs) on breeding, agronomy, mechanization, processing and value addition, policy including market access, and gender in rice sector development to develop the competence and skills of IP actors in the rice sector development hubs of the countries to better use technologies and innovations Establish agribusiness linkages and broker business relationships across the rice value chain 1
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Promote agri-business models on entrepreneurship development for youth and women in close collaboration with the ENABLE-TAAT Compact Organize regional and field-level trainings, learning visits, workshops, meetings and conferences in collaboration with FARA and other enablers and stakeholders Contribute to the publication of extension materials– videos, rural radio, evidence based success stories from the innovation platforms (IPs) in the rice value chain Develop annual work plans and budgets for the Rice Compact, in consultation with the TAAT Rice Value Chain Coordinator and Accountant, for submission to the Clearinghouse of the Regional Technology Delivery Infrastructure (RTDI) Contribute to the procurement of goods and services by the AfricaRice procurement unit for the benefit of beneficiaries in TAAT supported institutions Perform other relevant tasks that may be assigned by the TAAT Rice Value Chain Coordinator or his/her duly assigned representative
Qualifications /Selection Criteria • Education: MSc degree in Agribusiness, Economics, Management Science or equivalent, with at least 4 years work with private sector Work Experience: - Relevant experience in working with private sector businesses and NGOs - Experience in implementation and facilitation of Innovation Platforms in the rice value chain - Experience in writing technical reports and contributing to extension materials, success stories, videos, and newsletters - Experience in organizing meetings, learning visits, conferences/workshops and trainings Desirable: Work experience with a CGIAR Center, preferably in Africa. Knowledge and Key Competencies: Good analytical and planning skills, strong organization skills, ability to work with minimal supervision. Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional and multicultural environment in close collaboration with the NARS. Language The candidate should communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English or French with a good working knowledge of the other language. Terms and Conditions o This is an regionally recruited consultancy position. o AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gendersensitive working environment. o The initial consultancy contract is for one-year renewable Application procedure Expressions of interest (a full CV + supporting statement) including the names and addresses (telephone / fax / email) of three referees should be submitted. To apply for this position, please send your applications to
[email protected] with the following mention in subject: “Recruitment process – Technology Transfer Officer ”. Applications will be considered until Thursday, March 22, 2018. 2
AfricaRice is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence in our operations and particularly welcome qualified applications from women, people living with disabilities and developing countries. AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.AfricaRice.org
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