Internal Job Advert: Technician – Enhancing inclusive market access for African Indigenous Vegetable seed and value-added products by Smallholder farmers in Uganda
Position Overview:
• We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Technician to join our team for an exciting project focused on the Agricultural Innovation Value (AIV) chain. The project aims to address challenges such as the disorganized value chain, limited market access for youth and women producer groups, and the need for improved distribution, traceability, and stakeholder engagement. As a Technician, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of UNFFE Youth/Women producers, enabling them to access AIV markets and meet market demands effectively. Your technical expertise will contribute to the successful implementation of a digital system that streamlines operations and connects producers with AIV actors for improved market access.
Responsibilities:
• You will support the development of training programs and provide technical assistance to youth and women producer groups to enhance their understanding of contractual production models. This includes imparting knowledge on best practices, quality control, and meeting market demands.
• You will be responsible for adapting and validating a management information system tailored to the needs of the project. This system will streamline operations, improve coordination between stakeholders, and facilitate effective decision-making.
• Collaborating with the project team, you will identify opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of small-scale producers within the AIV value chain. This may involve introducing innovative production techniques, improving post-harvest handling practices, or optimizing supply chain processes.
• You will actively contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives by organizing workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to promote the production of AIVs as a viable business opportunity. Your role will involve educating producers on market trends, product diversification, and sustainable practices.
Requirements:
• A degree or diploma in a relevant field, such as agricultural sciences, agribusiness, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience working in agricultural value chains, preferably with a focus on market access, production systems, or supply chain management.
• Strong technical skills in information management systems, data analysis, and digital tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including youth and women producer groups.
• Knowledge of best practices in sustainable agriculture and rural development.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of local languages would be an advantage.
Contract Duration: This is a fixed-term position for the duration of the project, expected to be one and half years.
Location: The position will be based at Uganda Christian University under the Faculty of Agriculture, with frequent travel to project sites and stakeholder engagements as required.
• To apply for the Technician position, please submit the following documents:
• A detailed CV highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your skills align with the project’s objectives.
• Contact information for three professional references.
Please send your application to Project Administrator apply@jobsportal-career.com and copy the ebkizito@ucu.ac.ug no later than 30 July 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Integrating multi-stakeholder engagements and digitized tools to market AIVs can contribute to sustainable agrarian livelihoods and rural transformation for inclusive innovation environments. Join our team and be part of this transformative project!