Agribusiness Development Expert - Kigali / Rwanda

​​Requisition ID: 3328 
Grade: ISA-Senior Specialist 
Country: Home Based 
Duty Station: Home Based 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: External
Employment Type: NonStaff-When Act. Employed
Contract Duration: 33 days over a period of 2 months
Application Deadline: 06-Feb-2024, 11:59 PM (CST)  

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET) is headed by a Managing Director, who is responsible for the development of innovative UNIDO services in the areas of agro-industry and agribusiness, sustainability standards and fair production, and climate-relevant or climate-improving technologies. It is also, in collaboration with ODG, responsible for developing innovative technical cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of finance and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders.

The Directorate houses the Divisions of Coordination and Integration Support (IET/CIS), Quality, Impact and Accountability (IET/QUA), Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR), Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions (IET/IFI), Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST), Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Climate and Technology Partnerships (CTP). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions and relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS).

The position is located under the Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR). IET/AGR supports Member States in their efforts to pave the way to sustainable rural development and a structurally transformed and modernized agribusiness sector. Capitalizing on the experience gained by UNIDO in this field over decades and on tried-and-tested and to-be-developed service modules, the Division will explore innovative approaches to maximise the potential that exists in agribusiness development, addressing emerging global trends, in particular food security, poverty alleviation and climate change. It will explore new ways to contribute to global efforts to reduce hunger, accelerate food systems transition, and generate income and employment, especially among women and youth.

The Division provides technical cooperation services to assist the modernization of agriculture and agro-industry, especially in less-developed countries, ensuring that enterprises add value to primary agricultural production, substitute the imports of food and other value-added agricultural products, and participate effectively in local, regional and global value chains. Where needed, it will develop infrastructure and agro-industrial parks and capacities for agro-industrialization, value addition, quality assurance and food safety. It will also bring innovative approaches to Member States to fully benefit from carbon-neutral and biodiversity-enhancing agricultural and agro-industrial production and development opportunities in the green and blue bioeconomy.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The project aims to assess the feasibility of the development of the Nyagatare the industrial park for the development of integrated agro-food park, as well as the option for additional sites. Nyagatare is predominantly an agricultural district, with 80 per cent of the population engaged in such activities. The main crops are bananas, maize, beans, groundnut, vegetables, sorghum and rice; and livestock is another important source of income. The district is the largest producer of maize, beans and sorghum, and second largest for groundnut in Rwanda; over a quarter of its production is of bananas. Existing industrial activities in this district include rice, maize and wine production. The Nyagatare site benefits from good access to Uganda and to eastern and central Rwanda.

The initial IAFP planning phase will result in a clearly communicated business case - justification for moving forward with IAFP development, with supporting evidence including investor demand assessment, subsector selection, linkages to surrounding agricultural schemes, review of infrastructure in the immediate area surrounding the park, land characteristics, policy analysis and recommendations, agro-industrial interconnected system analysis, economic and social impact projections, environmental and green design considerations, and stakeholder consultation. The analytical tools will highlight alternative options and will comprehensively inform the rationale for a recommended model and location for IAFPs.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager in HQ, the Agribusiness Development Expert will be responsible for collection information to form the basis of a pre-feasibility study for the establishment of an integrated agro-food park (IAFP) at the Nyagatare industrial zone. Specifically, the Agribusiness Development Expert will perform the following duties:

Duties

Review outline of the pre-feasibility report. Prepare a detailed work plan for data and information gathering from stakeholders; prepare a list of sources of information based on the sections of the pre-feasibility study. Prepare methodology for the collection of relevant information.

Concrete/measurable outputs to be achieved

Outline of pre-feasibility report is agreed. An inception report is submitted comprising a work plan for information and data collection, methodology and sources to the Project Manager (PM).

Number of Days
3 days

Duties

Under the guidance of the PM and in close collaboration with the HQ-based IAFP team, and in line with the agreed pre-feasibility study outline, undertake desk-based research to begin adding information to the pre-feasibility document, including such documents as country development plans, strategies and similar documents; and the policy environment in relation to agro-parks. Of key importance are:

• Collect information to describe the agribusiness context in the approximate catchment area around the Nyagatare zone in relation to the development of an IAPF; and make note of what is still required to support strong linkages between an agro-processing hub and the production areas (infrastructure and transport) and commercial. Costs (value) associated with establishing required infrastructure to make feasible the IAFP.
• Take stock of the management & operations models of industrial parks/special economic zones in the country;

Duties
Where information is not available, make note and state how such information will be gathered

Concrete/measurable outputs to be achieved
All information listed in the pre-feasibility outline is prepared and submitted to for review by the PM.

Number of Days
10 days

Duties

Under the guidance of the PM, undertake field-based research to confirm desk-based information and add to the body of information already gathered. Undertake stakeholder consultations. Tour the region, including agricultural scheme to assess infrastructure and any other key features of the region.  

Concrete/measurable outputs to be achieved
By the end of the field mission, information collected should clearly describe the agribusiness context in relation to the development of an IAFP, and make note of what is proposed to ensure the feasibility of an IAPF.

The updated draft pre-feasibility study is submitted to the PM for review.

Number of Days
10 days

Duties

In close consultation with the HQ-based team, lead the draft of pre-feasibility study, based on information attained.

Concrete/measurable outputs to be achieved
Draft pre-feasibility study is submitted to the PM for review.

Number of Days
5 days

Under the guidance of the PM, prepare and lead presentation of key finding and recommendations of the pre-feasibility study to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Concrete/measurable outputs to be achieved
Ministry of Trade and Industry is briefed on the study.

Number of Days
2 days

Duties
Throughout the process, provide briefings to the PM and HQ staff on progress and joint discussions of the finding. Receive feedback and revise information collection as per the directives of the PM.

Concrete/measurable outputs to be achieved
PM and HQ team are keep informed of progress.

Number of Days
2 days

Duties

Prepare a final report of the works undertaken during the execution of the contract. 

Concrete/measurable outputs to be achieved
Final report submitted to the PM.

Number of Days
1 day

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
 

Education

Advanced university degree in agronomy, business administration, engineering, sciences, economics, or other relevant discipline is required.

Technical and Functional Experience

• At least seven (7) years of professional experience related to the agribusiness sector or  coordinating the implementation of development/technical cooperation programmes/project at international level, is required.
• Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of developing countries is required.
• Experience in data collection and study preparation is  required.
• Experience/knowledge of other development agencies donor communities, private sectors, government and relevant institutions is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core values:
WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key competencies:
WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level. 

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org