ILRI Vacancy: Agribusiness Development Officer in CIMMYT

Vacancy Number: A/012/2014  

Institute:  International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)                                                                             Duration:  Two years
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia    

General: The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is an autonomous, nonprofit making, international scientific organization operating under the aegis of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). More specifically its mission is:
To encourage, support and undertake activities to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize and wheat systems in the interest of the resource poor in developing countries.
The position: The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is recruiting Agribusiness Development Officer based in Addis Ababa, who will be a member of CIMMYT team.

MAIN DUTIES (Terms of Reference)

• Appraises and analyses the financial viability of the conservation-based mechanization technologies for small holder farmers;
• Identifies national and local stakeholders (farmers, importers, manufacturers, mechanization and business service providers, financial institutions etc.) involved or interested in supporting the provision of mechanization services amongst smallholder farmers;
• Supports the RADS to develop new (or upgraded) commercially viable business models and associated development strategies to deliver small-mechanization options to smallholders;
• Facilitates linkages and contracts between business model stakeholders including importers, distributors, operators, local promoters and farmers;
• Supports the RADS in developing appropriate financial products targeting rural service providers and smallholder farmers in consultation with collaborating financial institutions.
•  Assists the RADS to train farmers, importers, local manufacturers, equipment hirers, local promoters and associated businesses in business management, financial management and marketing;
•  Contributes to the development of promotional materials and marketing strategies by the private sector to support small scale mechanization;
•  Assesses and enhance the performance of the business models and develops upgrading strategies;
•  Diagnoses national institutional constraints in the delivery of small-scale mechanization to smallholders and formulate policy options;
• Performs other duties as directed by supervisor.

Minimum Requirement:
Education: 
•    At least a relevant Masters degree or a relevant first degree plus a relevant post graduate qualification.

Experience:
•    At least 5 years of relevant work experience.

Skills:    
•    Jobholder requires extensive knowledge and conceptual understanding of a specialized field or a technical or administrative function, e.g. knowledge of relevant policies and procedures determines a course of action based on these guidelines with ability to analyze, interpret and modify complicated information. Knowledge is typically acquired through technical training with certification.

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa

Job level:  3A.

Monthly Base Salary:    Birr 22,045 (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This position is remunerated on local terms. Initial appointment is (fixed term) for two (2) years subject to a six (6) months’ probation period with possibility of renewal appointment, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. CIMMYT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits in line with ILRI salary applicable for its Nationally Recruited Staff. CIMMYT is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.

The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, copies of relevant documents and testimonials and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Office, ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Telephone: (251-11)-617-20-00; Fax: (251-11)-617-20-01.  The name and reference number of the position for which the application is made A/012/2014 should be clearly marked on the envelopes if mailed, or on the fax applications.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date:  February 28, 2014.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply