Project Assistant - Agribusiness

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organization that applies practical know-how to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty. We use our extensive and long-term in-country presence to apply and adapt our top-notch expertise in agriculture, energy and WASH to local contexts. SNV has an annual turnover of €130 million, over 1,250 staff in more than 25 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organization that uses project financing to implement our mission. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence.

For more information on our operations in Kenya and SNV generally visit our website: www.snv.org

Project background

Promoting Access to Solar Water Pumps in Laikipia

SNV is implementing an energy initiative to promote solar powered systems for productive uses (income generation and/or income enhancement) targeting the agriculture value chains in Laikipia County. The overall aim of the project is to accelerate access to appropriate, reliable, and affordable energy services for smallholder farmers in the target county, by enhancing local distribution and uptake of quality solar powered pumps, resulting in increased productivity and incomes for smallholder farmers, therefore contributing towards the nation’s economic and social development.

The project will be implemented through support to the private sector players (solar companies, rural distribution partners and rural credit provider) as the direct project beneficiaries, but in close collaboration/cooperation with actors relevant to the small holder farmers market segment including development partners and the existing but relevant county and business channels, platforms, and mechanisms. The project will therefore intervene on both the demand and supply side.

The Assignment & Project Scope

The assignment involves working with the following actors along the value chain:

• The national distributors (manufacturers/importers) who sell through rural distribution partners and/or directly to the end-user.
• The rural distribution partners who purchase products from the national distributors for resale at the county level.
• The last mile entrepreneurs, including the individual traders/retailers and commission-based agents/promoters working for the rural distributors.
• The smallholder farmers and farmer aggregation channels and platforms including (I) Farmer cooperative and investment groups, (ii) Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and (iii) smallholder farmer service providers such as input providers and processors, among others to be identified
• The awareness creation networks such as the Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), Community Forest Associations (CFAs), agricultural extension officers and Water Users Associations (WUAs), Community Based Organisations and women’s groups, among others.

The main activities implemented by the project will include:

1. Mapping and recruitment of the market entry point at the county level
2. Undertake needs assessment and establish a performance baseline.
3. Support to establish and expand distribution and retail chains:
4. Awareness creation and behavioural change campaigns
5. Training the smallholder farmers on the use of SWPs for farming and smart agricultural practices
6. Recruitment and training of awareness creation networks for SWPs
7. Promote access to market-based finance/credit for the smallholder farmers
8. Monitoring and reporting project implementation progress at the county.

Role of the Project Assistant - Agribusiness

Reporting to SNV’s solar project advisor or any other person designated by SNV’s  Energy Sector Leader, and in close collaboration with the project team, he/she will undertake the following:

• Implementing project activities in Laikipia county, including planning with the respective actors at the local level, facilitating the implementation and reporting of the project activities mentioned above with specific focus on farmer engagement
• Develop and enhance networks and linkages at the county level along the project’s target value chain. This will include but not limited to the actors mentioned above.
• Facilitate the day-to-day implementation of the project activities (provided above) at the county level including provision of need-based technical assistance / backstopping support to the project beneficiaries, financial facilitation, training the smallholder farmers and any other need-based activities to enhance/strengthen supply, distribution and use of solar powered pumps for use by the small holder farmers in Laikipia County.
• Undertake the field-based monitoring and reporting including collection of the monthly sales data from the project beneficiaries.
• In close consultation with the project team, collaborate with relevant projects, development partners, development initiatives and government bodies (in both energy, agriculture, and water sub-sectors) to enhance implementation of project activities at the county level.
• Contribute towards knowledge development based on project’s experiences and market trends.

Resources 

Resources will be provided through SNV’s operational structures and guidelines; and, in-line with project specific budget lines.

Project Duration

These projects will be implemented over the next two years beginning June 2021.

Deliverables expected from the Project Assistant

a)       Monthly work plans.

b)      The achievement of pre-agreed activities and results targets.

c)       Monthly progress reports including:

• Narrative reports on activities undertaken, lessons/challenges, market trends and insights (in line with project’s reporting requirements).
• Last mile entrepreneur sales reports and data analysis updated monthly using project reporting templates.

d)      Monthly bills and timesheets in line with SNVs billing and time reporting systems and guidelines.

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field namely Agriculture, Marketing, Commerce, Business Management or International Trade.
• Three years’ experience in the agribusiness sector.
• Experience in building rural networks and distribution channels will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision, generate project implementation ideas and relevant contacts. 
• Excellent communication skills, including proven technical writing and presentation skills.
• Analytical and numerical skills, with ability to synthesize information/data, present results and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills and ability to adhere to strict deadlines.

Conditions

Consulting contract for 18 days/month with possible start date of 1st September, 2021

How to apply

Please apply by clicking on the I’m Interested button and complete your application in our in-house recruitment system before 20th August 2021, attaching your CV and cover letter indicating names of three (3) referees. All responses should be made in English.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.

SNV Kenya does not require you to undergo any medical test prior to employment