Sustainable Agriculture Chain Development (SACD) Field Coordinator VECO Uganda

About this Job:

FUNCTION : Sustainable Agriculture Chain Development (SACD) Field Coordinator (Mbale Office)

Purpose:

To facilitate the development of Sustainable Agriculture Market Chains in which commercial organized family farmers are actively engaged in, that provide favourable market access to farmers to improve their income and food sovereignty in line with the VECO Mission.



External key relationships: Key local, national and regional SACO actors both non-profit and commercial, with government and other multi and bilateral organizations in the country.



Reports to:

VECO Country Contact Person/Country Manager for Uganda



Manages:

SACD field officer of the antenna office in Uganda General management support to staff in Mbale field office



Position in the organisation:

Officer with line management responsibility
Co-ordinates SACD activities in the field office and with partners



Location:

Mbale field antenna in Uganda



Job size:

100% of full-time Travels:

Frequent travelling to partner

organisations



Responsibilities:

Conduct participatory planning of the sustainable agricultural market chain development process with farmer organisations and stakeholders
Conduct relevant research and analysis of markets to inform value chain development processes
Strengthen the organizational and institutional capacity of farmer organisations to develop linkages and effectively participate in sustainable agriculture market chains (Enterprise selection and analysis, production, post harvest handling, quality control, value addition, marketing, business planning, market information systems etc)
Provide technical assistance and back stopping to commercial farmer organizations in market development process in support of primary, and secondary level cooperatives ‘
Provide training and technical assistance in policy analysis, lobby and advocacy on the selected subsector development.
Organize and carry out participatory monitoring, evaluation, reflections and review meetings on program implementation, progress, strategies, with partner organizations and provide feedback for decision making.
Document, report and share best practices using (Planning, Learning and Accountability) PLA approach on chain development processes, lessons, experiences at various relevant levels and fora.
Integrate the transversal themes (gender, intercultural equity, participation and HIV/ Aids) in the sustainable agricultural chains
Provide line management and leadership support to the staff in Mbale field office.
Supervise the SACD officer


Requirement:

Profile Qualifications and technical knowledge:

Bachelor degree in: agri-business, Entrepreneurship, agro-economics, or equivalent by experience. Relevant Masters Degree is an added advantage.
Familiar with relevant PC software

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English language
Knowledge of the local language(s)

Experience:

At least 4 years experience in facilitating Sustainable Agriculture or Agribusiness economics
Business background in .Sustainable Agricu|ural Value chains
Experience in working with organized family farmers is an asset

Skills and knowledge:

Has an in depth knowledge in the functioning’ of an economic sustainable agricultural chain from production to consumption
Practical skills in facilitating farmer understanding and application of business approaches in agricultural production’s^ marketing
Particular skills in agri-business planning and management
Has skills and experience in facilitating development of sustainable market linkages with various chain actors
Knowledge and Skills in policy analysis, advocacy, gender analysis and participatory methodologies
Has good networking and communication skills
Has a good understanding of national and East African regional and global market dynamics and chain actors
Is creative and has a sense for innovation and experiments
Has excellent interpersonal, facilitation and business negotiation skills.
A working knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation methods for planning, learning and Accountability is an asset
Has a valid driving permit

Attitude:

Has a strong affinity with VE mission and values
Has a positive attitude focussed on win-win solutions
Acts with integrity and respects others (working together)
Constructively challenges self and others (making it happen )
Can be relied on to deliver commitments (accountable)
Inspires people to act (in accordance with the vision/plan of Vredeseilanden
Is willing to learn and share lessons leant
Can build effective teams

Salary: - USD/month
How to apply:

Candidates who meet the above requirements should forward their applications, accompanied with detailed curriculum vitae with copies of relevant certificates, academic transcripts and names, addresses and day time contact telephone numbers of three referees, not later than 28th October 2011. Only short listed candidates will be invited for interview. VECO East Africa Uganda program is an equal opportunity employer. Applications should be addressed to: Country Manager, VECO Uganda P.O. Box 7844, Kampala or send by email to veco-ea@veco-eastafrica.org or veco-ug@veco-uganda.org