Background

The ISHEMA project aims to transform Rwanda’s agricultural sector by improving access to a high-quality TVET education and strengthening mechanisms to integrate learners successfully into the labor market.

It focuses on enhancing Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) with two key objectives: increasing access to certified agricultural skills and improving innovation and employment linkages by setting up production units within CoVEs.

These units will provide hands-on training, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen connections between education and industry. The project directly supports TVET students, teachers, and administrators, while also benefiting private sector actors through improved access to skilled graduates and agricultural innovations. It aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and national education strategies, contributing to a more sustainable and productive agricultural workforce.

DEPARTMENT / WORKPLACE

ISHEMA Poject,Musanze district, Mutobo TVET Center of Excellence, with occasional missions in the country or abroad.

WORK ORGANISATION

In principle, this function is a full time position. It requires to be stationed next to the Mutobo TVET CoE.

POSITION ON ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Reporting to the Chief Technical Advisor of the project

JOB PURPOSE

The Center Advisor contributes by leading technical operations to optimize crop and livestock production within the Center of Excellence. The goal is to ensure sustainable, high-quality outputs with a view to strengthening vocational training and industry linkages. The efficient production management, effective budget control, and delivery of expert extension services that support the ISHEMA project objectives measure success in this position.

DUTIES AND MAIN TASKS

Technical Advisory & Extension Services

• Provide extension services and expert technical advice to all Crop and Livestock production staff within the Center of Excellence.
• Advise on integrated cropping systems, including identifying and recommending suitable crop types to be grown together (intercropping, rotations) to maximize yields and soil health.
• Lead the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, offering advice on biological, cultural, and chemical controls To minimize losses and ensure safe production.
• Provide specialized advice on crop nutrition and optimal livestock feeding and care protocols, focusing on feed formulation, forage management, and maximizing animal health.

Livestock Health and Management

• Advise on and oversee vaccination schedules and preventive care programs for all livestock, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and biosecurity.
• Monitor and advise on breeding programs and herd/flock management techniques to enhance productivity.

Production Oversight and Mentorship

• Identify opportunities to enhance the overall efficiency of production operations through process optimization, technology adoption, and resource management.
• Mentor Outgrowers and production staff, providing on-the-job training, technical guidance, and capacity building to improve local agricultural expertise.
• Directly oversee all crop and livestock production operations, ensuring adherence to best practices, quality standards, and production targets.

Financial and Procurement Management

• Manage finances and budgets specifically allocated for input materials and operational costs associated with the role and production units.
• Ensure the procurement of required input materials (seeds, fertilizer, feed, veterinary supplies, etc.) is done in a timely manner and cost-effectively to prevent production delays.
• Maintain accurate records of inputs, outputs, and financial transactions.
• Any other tasks required by the project or by LuxDev itself.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The following key performance indicators will measure the success of the Center Advisor:

COMMUNICATIONS

In-house contacts

Has regular contact with the Chief Technical Advisor and Project Staff in order to coordinate technical operations and ensure efficient crop and livestock production within the Center of Excellence.

Has periodic contact with the Operational Pool with a view to aligning budgets and managing administrative activities.

External contacts

Has periodic contact with Outgrower Coordinators with a view to strengthening supply chains and supporting farmer engagement.

Has regular contact with School Management and RTB in order foster industry linkages and integrate vocational training with practical production activities.

Education and/or work experience

• Education: Diploma-level qualification in Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 20 years of experience in agricultural extension, farm management, or advisory roles, with demonstrated expertise in both crop and livestock production.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of IPM, integrated farming techniques, veterinary preventive care, budget management, and procurement processes.
• Personal Attributes: Excellent communication skills in English, mentorship, and leadership skills; ability to work independently and manage complex projects.

• Provide extension services and expert technical advice to all Crop and Livestock production staff within the Center of Excellence.
• Advise on integrated cropping systems, including identifying and recommending suitable crop types to be grown together (intercropping, rotations) to maximize yields and soil health.
• Lead the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, offering advice on biological, cultural, and chemical controls To minimize losses and ensure safe production.
• Provide specialized advice on crop nutrition and optimal livestock feeding and care protocols, focusing on feed formulation, forage management, and maximizing animal health.
• Advise on and oversee vaccination schedules and preventive care programs for all livestock, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and biosecurity.
• Monitor and advise on breeding programs and herd/flock management techniques to enhance productivity.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the overall efficiency of production operations through process optimization, technology adoption, and resource management.
• Mentor Outgrowers and production staff, providing on-the-job training, technical guidance, and capacity building to improve local agricultural expertise.
• Directly oversee all crop and livestock production operations, ensuring adherence to best practices, quality standards, and production targets.
• Manage finances and budgets specifically allocated for input materials and operational costs associated with the role and production units.
• Ensure the procurement of required input materials (seeds, fertilizer, feed, veterinary supplies, etc.) is done in a timely manner and cost-effectively to prevent production delays.
• Maintain accurate records of inputs, outputs, and financial transactions.
• Any other tasks required by the project or by LuxDev itself.