JOB DETAILS:
THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Head, Higher Education, the Lead, Agriculture Collaboratives will provide technical support to 12 African universities in scaling up the Transforming African Agricultural Education for Development (TAGDev) Program, led by RUFORUM, over 10 years. The program activities focus on five key pillars: teaching and learning in agricultural sciences, climate adaptation, Agri-preneurship, agricultural knowledge creation, and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.
The successful candidate can be based in any of our offices in Africa (Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya or Ethiopia).

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
• Manage the design, delivery, monitoring, and evaluation of program activities for each partner university based on the program's five pillars.
• Provide technical support for research-related activities that inform program activities (Community Action projects) and strengthen Agri-preneurship, including linkages with the private sector.

• Support identifying and engaging key players (suppliers, incubators, entrepreneurs, employers, etc.) in the Ag sector relevant to each partner university in the specific delivery country.
• Ensure that partners have the necessary support to connect to the Foundation infrastructure for reporting purposes and that there is a strong gender and inclusion lens in the Ag Higher Education programming.

• Liaise effectively with other Foundation team members and coordinate Program colleagues to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s work in Ag for stronger integration.

• Coordinate and organize learning events across the partnership and contribute to coordinating partner and program-level events.

WHO YOU ARE
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, agricultural economics, financial inclusion, or a related field, along with a relevant professional qualification and membership in a relevant professional body.
• Minimum of 10 years experience managing Ag programs, specifically in agrifood systems, climate science, and related sectors, with proven expertise in various value chains (cash and food crops), small businesses and SMEs, and supply chain/logistics in the agrifood system.

• Experience working with universities or educational institutions to support young people accessing work opportunities in the Agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of the agriculture market system, the role of system players, and financial inclusion in economic growth, development, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
• Program and partnership/stakeholder management experience, including multi-stakeholder projects, and a demonstrated understanding of African agricultural markets and the systemic challenges leading to stagnant growth.

• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to think strategically and contribute as a thought partner in the Foundation’s strategy development.
• Excellent budgeting skills with the ability to manage a large portfolio of assets and a strong command of quantitative and qualitative business analytics.
• Excellent project management skills, including managing multi-stakeholder projects and the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and execute a range of job duties.
• Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures, demonstrating professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity.
• Commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.