RTI International is hiring applicants for the role of West Africa Ag/Energy Advisor.
RTI International is seeking applicants for the role of West Africa Ag/Energy Advisor to serve as part of the Power Africa Off-Grid project (PAOP). PAOP is a four-year USAID-funded project to promote off-grid electrification in 18 African countries.
The West Africa Ag/Energy Advisor is responsible for supporting productive use models of off-grid energy to strengthen agricultural value chains and rural livelihoods in West Africa. This is a full-time role based in Dakar, Senegal or Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire. This position reports to PAOP Cross Cutting Team Leader.
Responsibilities of the West Africa Ag/Energy Advisor:
Lead all activities relating to agriculture in West Africa, including conducting assessments, identification of highest impact opportunities, contributing to annual work plans, implementing approved activities, and reporting on progress
Map priority agricultural value chains in target West African countries to identify opportunities for improving productivity or reducing costs through the introduction of off grid electricity or solar-powered agricultural equipment
Identify and advance opportunities to promote partnerships and facilitate introductions between off-grid companies and agricultural value chain actors, including farmer cooperatives, extension agencies, bulk-buyers, and input suppliers.
Identify challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector that can be unlocked through the implementation of off-grid energy solutions
Support off-grid companies in developing, refining and scaling up productive use off-grid solutions and business models in West Africa
Provide technical assistance to SMEs in the agriculture sector to understand and implement off-grid energy solutions
Advise PAOP country advisors in -West Africa on issues relating to the ag/energy nexus and agricultural value chains
Coordinate with USAID missions in West Africa to align PAOP ag/energy activities with other economic growth programs, such as Feed the Future.
Perform other duties to ensure accomplishment of relevant project objectives as assigned by direct supervisor
Requirements:
Master’s degree in a relevant technical field (agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, agricultural science, etc.)
Eight (8) years’ relevant experience including substantive field experience in Africa
Prior experience working in the agriculture sector, preferably with the agriculture/energy nexus
Strong technical and analytical skills on a range of issues related to agriculture
Possess excellent organizational and analytical skills;
Strong verbal and written English communications skills.
Preferred Skills
Demonstrated, strong experience with community engagement, consultative processes, community land rights and issues
Familiarity with the institutional context of African agricultural development
Demonstrated experience with pay-as-you go, microcredit, micro-entrepreneurship models, community credit (such as Grameen bank), establishment of creditworthiness/credit history
Demonstrated understanding of economic and business constraints to rural agribusiness