Grain Reserve Operation and Procedures Manual Consultant, Rwanda

We are seeking a Grain Reserve Operation and Procedures Manual Consultant for our current USAID-funded SEGIR GBT II project in Rwanda. This 3.5-year initiative started in September 2009 and addresses post-harvest inefficiencies by improving storage facilities and post-harvest practices. Our Post-Harvest Handling and Storage (PHHS) approach includes four components: market linkages, investment finance, post-harvest management and post-harvest policy strategy. These components work together to lead to a reduction in post-harvest losses; an increase in storage facilities; more farmers using storage facilities; private sector funds flowing into post-harvest projects; and an increase in the weight and value of commodities entering USAID-supported storage.

The National Strategic Reserve (NSR) has been introduced in Rwanda to address potential shocks to food supply that the market or other government programs cannot or have not adequately addressed, thus helping to improve food security while simultaneously avoiding market distortion. The Government of Rwanda is responsible for the cost and maintenance of the NSR and for it to achieve its objectives, the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture would like to have in place an Operations and Procedures Manual for the Strategic Grain Reserve. ACDI/VOCA expects the consultant to produce a draft operation manual which he or she will present to Ministry officials through a power point presentation and after incorporating comments the consultant will submit a final document of the Rwanda Strategic Grain Reserve Operation and Procedures manual.

Responsibilities:• Conduct the assignment through a desk study, interviews with key stakeholders, departmental staff, Ministry senior officials, program staff, field visits and access to necessary documents.
• Produce a draft Operation and Procedures Manual for the NSR, which the consultant will present to Ministry officials and relevant stakeholders. 
• Incorporate comments/recommendations from the Ministry and other stakeholders to produce a final Operations and Procedures Manual for the Rwanda NSR.

Qualifications:• Proven experience in the following fields required: Post-Harvest Handling, Silo Management, Grain Reserve management, policy development for state/national reserves.
• Experience developing operational guidelines for grain reserves required. This includes: determining stock levels and composition, grain procurement, maintenance of stocks, quality control, and rotation mechanisms for buying/selling/distribution/disposal.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing computerized inventory control systems for grain reserves preferred.

Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E5556C361D43515B7E59192F7756166900627A48

No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.