Programme Officer (Agribusiness and Food Security) - Agricultural Sector Coordination Unit (ASCU), Nairobi

Programme Officer (Agribusiness and Food Security) at the Agricultural Sector Coordination Unit (ASCU) in Nairobi

Duties and responsibilities

1. Be responsible for ASCU on all issues relating to agribusiness, market access, value addition, inputs and agricultural financial services.
2. Overall day to day planning, coordination, management and reporting on activities of Food and Nutrition Security Thematic Working Group (TWG) and the Agribusiness and Financial Services Thematic Working Group (TWG) and other relevant ASCU activities.
3. Provide innovative and programmatic leadership, effective technical and timely administrative support to the two Thematic Working Groups (TWGs).
4. Secretary to the Food and Nutrition Security Thematic Working Group (TWG) and the Agribusiness and Financial Services Thematic Working Group (TWG).
5. Take lead in formulation of policies, strategies and legal reforms on issues relating to the two TWGs.
6. Participate in the identification and prioritization of cross-cutting and sector-wide policy issues.
7. Work closely with the other Programme Officers to support appropriate sector initiatives for the achievement of the objectives of the ASDS.
8. Any other duties assigned by the ASCU Coordinator.

Required Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Competencies

1. All programme officers will be required to posses the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies
2. Knowledge, Experience and Skills
3. Master’s degree in any one of the following or a related field from a recognized university: Agricultural Sciences,Animal Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Social Sciences, MBA, Natural Resource Management.
4. Good knowledge of agricultural and rural development issues.
5. 4-5 years work experience at management level
6. Understanding of Kenya’s agricultural sector and the ASDS and other relevant government policy documents desirable.
7. Other essential attributes required include; Excellent report writing skills; proven ability to deliver quality output within strict deadlines; fully computer literate; Ability to articulate issues and communicate effectively; Ability to be a team player in a dynamic team; and Fluency in written and spoken English.
8. Experience in the following areas will be an added advantage: public policy analysis and formulation; Monitoring
9. and Evaluation of programmes, work-planning and budgeting; working in bilateral or multilateral programmes.

Required Competencies

1. Sharp analytical mind, with good attention to detail.
2. Ability to multi-task effectively.
3. Ability to work independently and on own initiative.
4. Demonstrate professional ability, initiative and competence in organizing, guiding, and managing work.
5. High degree of honesty and integrity.
6. Good organizational, communication, interpersonal and team skills.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send their applications, including detailed CV, academic certificates and daytime telephone number, by hand, courier or post so as to reach the undersigned by 12th August 2011.

The ASCU Coordinator,
Upper Floor, Kilimo House, Cathedral Road,
P.O. Box 30028-00100
Nairobi.

Email: info@ascu.go.ke