EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

• TechnoServe Burundi
• Title: Interns (2) in agricultural program
  
• Project: Burundi Better Coffee Initiative, Burundi
  
• Reports to: Senior agronomist or Senior Business advisor
  
• Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension but not longer than 1 year
  
• Location: Internships are based in assigned locations in the project area; Gitega or Ngozi.
  

Background: Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.

Program Description: TechnoServe is currently rolling out a 5-year, multi-million-dollar USDA-funded coffee sector development project in Burundi. The Burundi Better Coffee Initiative (BBCI) aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Burundi’s coffee sector by improving on-farm production, local processing, marketing, and the supportive ecosystem. We are actively recruiting for various positions to manage and deliver different program components including finance, human resources, and field project operations. Inclusion of women and youth in all components and activities of the project is critical.

Duties & Responsibilities

Interns are responsible to support the daily follow up and implementation of project activities at the grass-root level including the following duties & responsibilities:

• Planning, implementation and evaluation of field activities; including sensitization meetings, FT recruitment processed or any other relevant tasks
• Collect weekly training plans and data from field activities;
• Assist on monthly agronomy and/or coffee washing stations trainings; including logistical support
• Assist in supervising teach-backs and give feedback;
• Work with AAs and BAs to ensure each training modules is completed within the allocated time;
• Observe and/or support training to farmers and/or to coffee washing stations;
• Checkand ensure reported data is accurate;
• Back checking farm and/or coffee washing station Visit;
• Support the AA’s with their work, which can include
• Visiting farmers and advising on the Best Agronomy Practices;
• Complete Best Practice checklist;
• Visit and check demo plot status, complete form and give feedback ;
• Work with FT to complete digital electronic based training and demo plot observation form;
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor, such as support to office work

Note: This job description is not exhaustive. This internship opportunity may give rise to other learning tasks during program implementation.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Willingness to be based in assigned project zone and willingness to spend significant time in rural areas;
• Be a fresh graduate with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field – agronomy, agribusiness
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural skills as well as problem solving skills;
• Planning skills and working to strict time-guidelines;
• Fluency in French and Kirundi
• Good command of English oral & written presentation skills is a pro;
• Computer literacy, including Word and Excel
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the project area;
  
• Knowledge of the Agriculture extension services is a plus;
• Demonstrate leadership and sensitivity to gender issues and the participation of women and young people.

Interested candidates are invited to send their curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum) and a cover letter (1 page maximum) to be addressed to the Country Representative describing their interest and motivation.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: This is an opportunity for fresh graduates student form University of Burundi in the FABI department (Production Végétale) whose score is from 70% and above