Swaziland_Support for the High Value Crop and Horticulture Project (HVCHP)

The High Value Crop and Horticulture Project (HVCHP) seeks to increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to poverty reduction in Swaziland by creating pro-poor growth, securing livelihoods of small holder farmers by providing them marketing opportunities and providing locally produced diversified food on the market.

The aim is to maximise on the potentials such as favourable climate and good soils; the availability of surplus water and adequate land as well as an existing localised vegetable production.

The project seeks to achieve the following three results:

Result 1: National, regional and international markets identified and supplied with high quality produce

Result 2: Land developed and farmer companies strengthened to profitably produce a range of high value commodities in the LUSIP I area

Result 3: Pack-house hub-based zones developed

The Team Leader will be based at the MoA in Mbabane and will provide strategic advice through the office of the Principal Secretary and assist the Ministry on the coordination and implementation of EDF funded sector projects in general and of the agriculture sector plans in particular:

  • Provide ongoing advice and operational assistance to project management of HVCHP and other EDF-funded projects in MoA;
  • Provide support for EU funded projects in the context of SNAIP.
  • Provide support to MoA parastatals, with emphasis on their role in the implementation of EU/EDF funded projects;
  • Facilitate the coordination between HVCHP and WHDP team as well as with relevant stakeholders.
  • Assist the MoA in implementing key legislation.
  • Assist MoA in the effective operation of its business development support and provision of extension services.
  • Guide and provide assistance for the development and implementation of a capacity development plan for project management and provide on the job training and mentoring of project managers to improve the rate of contracting and implementation;
  • Undertake  any other tasks that may appear necessary after consultation of the MoA and the CA.
Qualifications: 
  • Post Graduate Degree in a relevant discipline (such as agriculture, agriculture economics, business management/administration, natural resource management, etc.)
  • Alternatively, a basic degree in a relevant area with at least 5 years additional experience above the general professional experience indicated below;
  • Excellent analytical, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, ability to bring alternative thinking to an organisation (make reference to specific achievements in this regard)
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English;
  • Computer literate (word processing, spread sheets)

General professional experience

  • Minimum 5 years but preferably 10 years’ experience in the design, management and supervision of agricultural/rural development projects;
  • Proven 3 years’ experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with stakeholders in the public and private sectors;
  • Practical experience with donor funded project and programmes;
  • Practical work experience with EU/EDF contract and financial procedures and Project Cycle Management is a distinct advantage.

Specific professional experience

  • Previous experience as a Technical Assistant, preferably as a Team Leader on at least two previous projects;
  • Proven abilities in project management and monitoring;
  • Previous work and or consulting experience in Africa, preferably in Southern African countries is essential;
  • Proven experience in capacity building and training for project management, monitoring and supervision;
  • Experience in sector development and sector wide approaches will be an advantage.

     

Start / Duration: 

April 2018

Please send your most recent CV to: barbara.braun [at] afci.de


Please note, that only shortlisted experts will be contacted