Horticulture Specialist PSAC – Rwanda Full Time

HPI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability. In Rwanda, our aim is moving 300,000 smallholder farmers to achieve sustainable living income by 2030 against Heifer Africa target of 6.745 million. Heifer does this through the sustainable local led Development approach.

Function

The employee is responsible for coordinating technical training, extension service delivery, and capacity building for horticulture farmers and cooperatives. This includes increasing investment in the horticulture value chain, improving the competitiveness of smallholders through product diversification, and facilitating market access, both in office and field activities related to the horticulture value chain. In collaboration with the Project Manager, the employee will provide technical guidance to field teams, ensure good collaboration with communities and local authorities, and help project coordinators, officers, and beneficiaries enhance horticulture productivity and reduce production costs. The employee will work closely with the Project Manager to ensure the efficient functioning of all enterprise hubs in the PSAC district. Additionally, they will consolidate field data and evidence to support any impact achieved.

Essential Character Traits

Drives results, accountable, manages complex environments, communicates effectively, resourceful, manages conflict, respectful, flexible, and a team player.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

A. Coordinate PSAC Activities and Provide Technical Leadership on Horticulture Matters (40%)

• Lead, plan, implement, and report on project activities in horticulture, coordinating production activities in the area.
• Update project beneficiary databases, prepare and submit timely reports, ensure farmers access inputs and services, and maintain complete attendance records.
• Supervise activities related to the horticulture value chain and lead market systems analysis to identify entry points for interventions.

B. Provide Good Agricultural Practices, Extension, and Advisory Services (45%)

• Support recruitment of community-based entrepreneurs, mentoring teams, and Project management committees.
• Coordinate quality extension services, facilitate private-sector involvement, and support market access for farmers.
• Develop technology integration plans for extension services, create training opportunities, and provide follow-up coaching to local entrepreneurs and farmers in horticulture practices.
• Conduct market analysis and propose partnership plans for delivering activities on time.

C. Other Duties (5%)

• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in agriculture with five years of job-related experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, crop production, or horticulture with ten years of experience in horticulture production, value chain competitiveness, or agriculture development.
• Experience working with governments, private sectors, NGOs, and local institutions.
• Proposal development experience.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s in Agribusiness or Crop Sciences with a major in Horticulture.
• Fluent in English and Kinyarwanda; other languages are a plus.

Critical Proficiencies

• Experience in the agriculture sector and knowledge of value chains.
• Strong relationship building, networking, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in planning, budgeting, financial management, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience in value chain development, communication, and working with diverse groups.
• Strong analytical, innovative, and solution-oriented mindset, with a focus on poverty alleviation and enterprise development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, report writing, and effective communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

• Serve as lead technical staff for horticulture activities, mentor project staff, coordinate GAP training, and ensure project success.
• Prepare program reports, conduct stakeholder analysis, and communicate effectively to promote visibility.
• Requires ability to manage multiple tasks, confidentiality, and proficiency in MS Office tools.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Professional Excellence
• Humility
• Customer Orientation
• Empathy
• Innovation

Tagged as: Heifer International, Horticulture, Rwanda