Area Manager

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for an Area Manager to join our dedicated and talented team in Rwanda on our mission to create business solutions to poverty!

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa Plus (VIRCA Plus) is a collaborative project between the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC), USA, MEDA, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda, the Rwandan Agricultural Board (RAB), Rwanda, and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Nigeria. The project has developed pathogen-derived RNAi technology to produce genetically modified cassava displaying high level resistance to Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). Varieties developed from VIRCA Plus project offer unique potential to address a significant threat to the livelihoods of 100s of millions of African smallholder farmers and their communities.  The project will run from 2020 to 2025.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Area Manager will support effective implementation of VIRCA Deployment Program (Seed System Development Component) in Rwanda to achieve project targets and results in line with MEDA’s development approach. This position will be based in Kigali with travel to targeted cassava growing regions within the country.

• Job Status:  Full-time Contract
• Anticipated Start Date: December 2022/January 2023
• Location: Kigali, Rwanda

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Programmatic

• Support seed system assessments aimed at increasing understanding of the status quo, capacity gaps, constraints, and opportunities in the country.
• Work collaboratively with RAB/RAB Seed Unit to improve their business capacity for production of Early Generation Seed (EGS).
• Facilitate market linkages for RAB/RAB Seed Unit to supply demand driven quality cassava planting materials on a commercial basis.
• In collaboration with RICA, IITA and other seed system actors, facilitate development/refinement and implementation of cassava seed protocols to ensure quality assurance of cassava planting materials.
• Facilitate identification and capacity building of selected Cooperatives, Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs/Enterprises (CSEs) in commercial seed production while ensuring inclusivity
• Develop and implement a robust capacity development program targeting key cassava seed system actors including but not limited to RICA, RAB/RAB Seed Unit, INGABO, and CSEs.
• Develop/refine training manuals on commercial seed production as well as other relevant modules including gender and social inclusion.
• Support marketing of CSEs products and facilitate strong linkages between CSEs and root farmers
• Facilitate registration of CSEs with relevant government agencies and ensure compliance to existing seed quality protocols
• Provide backstopping, coaching, and mentorship to selected CSEs.
• Create strong partnerships with public and private producers, relevant government ministries and agencies, other seed system stakeholders and represent MEDA when required.

Operations

• Prepare monthly plans and budget for the country.
• Proactively monitor burn rate.
• Ensure compliance with MEDA/donor procedures and policies.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Ensure timely and accurate data collection and analysis.
• Develop progress reports.
• Track performance against targets and course correct where necessary.
• Document and share lessons learnt

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Education: A university degree in agribusiness, economics, marketing, or related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years in enterprise/private sector development at a senior level in agricultural value chains involving private sector and farmer organizations

Additional Qualifications:

• Understanding and appreciation of MEDA’s mission, vision, values, and business principles
• Has strong understanding and experience in seed system and value chain development
• Experience in offering a wide range of business development services (BDS) to MSMEs, farmers/farmer organizations to facilitate their growth.
• Market oriented and strong entrepreneurial skills
• Excellent people and stakeholder management skills
• Has a reasonable understanding of seed system and value chain development
• Strong partnership and networking skills
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Fluency (written and verbal) in English is required. Knowledge of local languages is desirable

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 25, 2022, 5:00 pm East Africa Time. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis when received. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.   Only successful applicants will be contacted.

MEDA is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities are available during all phases of the recruitment process. We ask that any applicants requiring such accommodation make their needs known in advance.