Private Sector Federation Vacancies Jan 2013

The Private Sector Federation is a professional organization, dedicated to promote and represent the interests of the Rwandan Business Community. It is the umbrella organization and voice of the private sector.

The Private Sector Federation is a key role player in enabling the Private Sector to respond to Rwanda’s vision for its future.

Over the years, the Federation has rolled out a number of exciting private sectors in the fields of capacity building, entrepreneurship and business growth, trade promotion etc.

1. District Consultants (30)

Offering an excellent career growth, we are looking for 30 qualified individuals to join an exciting team at PSF to work as District Consultants for Linking Farmers to market project (LIFAM).

Job Title : District Consultants

Reporting to : Head of Entrepreneurship Development & Collective Investments

Duty Station : Districts and Provinces

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Among other duties, they will perform the following&nbs

• Conduct and implement LIFAM - Agro business launching activities in districts.
• Classify the LIFAM businesses/Companies in order to provide a "Business Health Checks".
• Represent Farmers’ chamber in the districts (in absence of the chamber Chairman/District) and build appropriate networks.
• Provide technical assistance to LIFAM - Agro business winners such as ;
• Marketing, Human resource, business plan, customer care, Accounting, Access to finance, Access to information, Facilitating businesses to access to other needed technical assistance, etc.
• Organize study tours for association members.
• Provide other business advisory within districts.
• Organize and provides different trainings based on identified skills gaps.
• Provide regular and updated business information that should benefit to the development of businesses in the districts.
• Collect information on existing and potential investment ideas in the districts (Mini-RIGs, etc).
• Promote investment and create entrepreneurship culture within the districts.
• Maintain good relations with stakeholders and strategic partners and build synergies among other development agencies within the districts.
• Provide necessary advocacy for the raised issues and work towards the promotion of Private Sector Federation core values within the districts.
• Keep all stakeholders updated on the current situation and environmental context.
• Write regular reports on the progress of the activities, including constructive feedback on issues arising and workable ideas for improvement.
• Maintain continuous communication and manage communication flow among the stakeholders, partners and other actors in the districts.

Interested candidates must fulfill the following requirements :

• At least a Bachelors’ Degree in Business Administration, Economics or Agriculture, from a reputable university ;
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in a private organization
• Must have good report writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, remain focused and maintain highest integrity and objectivity.
• Computer skills
• Stress management skills
• Time management skills
• Be honest and trustworthy

2. Post Harvest Specialist (1)

Offering an excellent career growth, we are looking for a qualified individual to join an exciting team at PSF to work as Post Harvest Specialist.

Job Title : Post Harvest Specialist

Duty Station : PSF Headquarters

Reporting to : Project Coordinator

Role Purpose :

The Post Harvest Specialist will work together with the Project Coordinator in providing the districts and community crop reserve project, a post harvest oversight of the overall project, and make input during planning and implementation of the project.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Among other duties, he /she shall perform the following :

• Participation in a survey of storage and marketing practices for crops produce in the districts.
• Organize post harvest forums with different stakeholders and also participate in Post Harvest Inter- Ministerial meetings.
• Recruit expertise to develop Post Harvest skills and knowledge documents and also organize sessions of training on Post Harvest.
• Provide training to the district officers on post harvest technology during the project period.
• Organize study tours for association members in best practices in post harvest in Africa.
• Monitoring and evaluation of performance of ware and seed storage facilities together with farmers.
• Participation in capacity building activities with consultants/technicians and farmers on storage and marketing practices, including business planning.
• Together with project colleagues at the district level, collaborating organizations and farmer groups, identification and implementation of strategies for scaling out storage capacity among low income farmers, with special attention to integrating women’s groups in the storage and marketing systems.
• Conduct sensitization campaigns in all the parts of the country to create awareness about investing in post harvest facilities.
• Provide information on better technologies for good preservation and processing the materials for local and international marketing as suggested by international experts.
• Develop/suggest preservation practices to maintain quality by using the local resources viable technologies.
• Identify and facilitate farmers to access both local and international markets for the post harvest products from Rwanda.
• Develop a detailed post harvest implementation plan with two key focus areas but not limited to :

— Rising interest of entrepreneurs to invest in storage facilities ;

— Management of subsidies for entrepreneurs that invest in storage facilities.

Interested candidates must fulfill the following requirements :

• At least a Bachelors’ Degree in Agriculture Economics, Economics, Business Administration, and Public Administration or in a related discipline, relevant to the project with a sound knowledge of post harvest issues in the agriculture sector in Rwanda.
• At least 3 years of working experience at a senior level in a relevant public institution, private sector or international organization, with proven skills in the management and coordination of internationally financed development programs.
• Proven technical ability with at least five years of relevant experience in coordinating and liaising with organizations at both District and National levels.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Good command of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer)
• Fluent in Kinyarwanda and full working knowledge of English.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Experience with international organizations
• Ability to work independently, organize and coordinate work.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation Manager (1)

Offering an excellent career growth, we are looking for a qualified individual to join an exciting team at PSF to Head Monitoring and Evaluation.

Job Title : Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

Reporting to : CEO

Duty Station : PSF Headquarters

Role Purpose :

Under the supervision of the CEO, the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of a comprehensive, efficient and effective system of monitoring and evaluation (M&E System) that will enable PSF mechanisms to track progress, evaluate effectiveness, and assess the impact of its projects. The incumbent will also act as resource for all PSF project staff - with emphasis on Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution program support - to enhance program design, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Among other duties, he /she shall perform the following :

• Organize the revision of the PSF project log frame matrix, particularly in the areas of the objective hierarchy, indicators and monitoring mechanisms.
• Assist the PSF to develop the Annual Work plan and Budget.
• Develop the overall framework for project M&E, particularly the annual project reviews, participatory impact assessments, process monitoring, operations monitoring and lessons- learned workshops.
• Guide the process for identifying and designing the key indicators for each component, to record and report physical progress against the Annual Work plan and Budget.
• Guide the process for identifying the key performance questions and parameters for monitoring project performance and comparing it to targets and design the format for such performance reports.
• Clarify the core information needs of central project management, the steering committee (or similar body), funding agencies and partners of PSF. With stakeholders, set out the framework and procedures for the evaluation of project activities.
• Review the quality of existing social and economic data in the project area, the methods of collecting it and the degree to which it will provide good baseline statistics for impact evaluation.
• Based on the review of existing data on the area, draw up the Terms of Reference (TOR) for, design and cost out a baseline survey and a needs assessment survey.
• With the members of PSF, review their existing approaches and management information systems and agree on any required changes, support and resources.
• Identify other M&E needs in terms of capacity strengthening.
• Monitoring of Districts and BDS projects.
• Guide and supervise organizations that are contracted to implement special surveys, trainings and studies required for evaluating project effects and impacts.

Interested candidates must fulfill the following requirements :

• At least a Master’s degree or higher in relevant studies (for degrees and courses in Monitoring & Evaluation, Business Administration, Organizational Studies, Information Design, Statistics, Economics, NGO Management and related fields).
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience related to the above duties and responsibilities.
• Experience with a proven track record in monitoring and evaluation work, conducting assessments and surveys, proposal development, program design, selecting indicators, implementing monitoring plans, and data analysis Good knowledge & skill in monitoring & evaluation activities.
• Strong analytical skills.
• A strong background in statistics or quantitative skills.
• Experience working in a private organization.
• Strong oral and written communications skills (both technical and diplomatic writing).
• Ability to work effectively in a busy, high pressure team environment.
• Ability to build and manage strong working relationships among diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize workload and demonstrate outcomes on strict deadlines.
• Ability to use the latest data management systems.
• Ability to act with sensitivity and discretion while working with highly confidential information.

4. Project Coordinator (1)

Offering an excellent career growth, we are looking for a qualified individual to join an exciting team at PSF to work as a Project Coordinator/Manager.

Job Title : Project Coordinator

Reporting to : CEO and Chamber Chairperson

Duty Station : PSF Headquarters, with frequent visits to districts and provinces

Duration of Assignment : 1 year renewable

Role Purpose :

The project coordinator will perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to, coordinating all project resources and PSF stakeholders, implementing, controlling and completion of specific projects ensuring consistency with company strategy, commitments and goals.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Among other duties, he /she shall perform the following :

• Develop and maintain contacts at the appropriate level with the Government and its specialized agencies, agricultural institutions, and with the international community to promote exchange of information and coordination of agriculture cluster related issues ;
• Ensure the systematic collection, analysis, and reporting of routine data for project improvement. Lead annual reviews of LIFAM Project Performance Measurement Framework to ensure that indicators are still relevant, targets still realistic, and risks/assumptions still mitigated/valid ;
• Provide oversight and guidance to the Project Management Unit (PMU) in the Project provinces on all matters pertaining to the smooth operation of the Project, in accordance with procedures and obligations specified in the donor’s Agreement and implementation arrangements detailed in the Project Document ;
• In close collaboration with the Project Management Team (PMT) prepare the Annual Work Plan and Budget in relation to the Project design and available financing, and oversee the implementation of the activities as per the approved annual plan ;
• In addition to the internal documentation (technical reports, financial documentation and accounts, procurement requests, etc.) prepared at the local level, coordinate the submission of other internal documentation (payments, background documents, financial reports, replenishment requests etc.) per requirements of the PMT and the donor ;
• Ensure implementation of the participatory, iterative, multi-faceted approaches of the Project that are crucial to maintaining its focus on agribusiness promotion and wider concerns in agricultural development affecting the Project area ;
• Represent and promote the Project in national and international arenas as required and maintain close continued collaboration GoR agencies, Development Partners (DPs) and other strategic partners on agricultural development issues relevant to the Project ;
• Keep abreast of contemporary issues in agriculture development in Rwanda, assessing their relevance to and implications for the Chamber interventions ; In collaboration with the PMT, commission studies and surveys that involve assessments across the whole Project areas ;
• In collaboration with the PMT, arrange for the recruitment and direction of project staff, national and international consultants and consulting service providers (engaged for special studies and surveys) ;
• Receive and arrange for reproduction and circulation of reports, studies and other Project documentation from consultants as appropriate ; Ensure the completion of the procurement process and full compliance with the PMT recommended procurement guidelines ;
• Coordinate the contract administration of PMU Staff and assess their performance on a regular basis ; and report back to management when needed ;
• Secure the submission of a detailed expenditure report on advance payments received, in accordance with the donor Financial Rules and Regulations ; Coordinate and direct the usage of the project equipment, including the vehicles, procured for the project.

Interested candidates must fulfill the following requirements :

• At least a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration or in related discipline, relevant to the project with a sound knowledge of contemporary issues in the agriculture sector in Rwanda.
• A minimum of 5 years working experience at a senior level in a relevant public institution, private sector or international organization.
• Proven skills in management and coordination of internationally financed development programs.
• The selected candidate would be expected to have a creative, energetic but pragmatic approach to problem-solving and an appreciation of the respective roles of the public and private sectors in agriculture development.
• Proven technical abilities in coordination and liaising with organizations at both District and National levels.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Good command of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer)
• Fluent in Kinyarwanda and a working knowledge of English.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently, to organize and coordinate work.

5. Director of Internal Audit (1)

Offering an excellent career growth, we are looking for a qualified individual to join an exciting team at PSF and head the Internal Audit functions.

Duty Station : PSF Headquarters

Reporting to : CEO and Board of Directors

Role Purpose :

Provide independent and objective assurance on the management of risk throughout the organization. Plan and execute various financial, compliance, and operational audits in accordance with accepted professional standards in order to determine compliance with PSF’s policies and procedures and adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Key areas of responsibility

Among other duties, he /she shall perform the following

Audit Planning/Design

• Develop an annual audit plan using input from PSF team and stakeholders to identify priorities and resource requirements for the year. Annual audit plan to cover all activities of PSF (Headquarters and field operations).
• Meet with Directors and Managers to discuss needs and propose audits, to build stakeholder requirements into the Federation plans.
• Ensure plan is developed to meet the Audit expectations.
• Schedule and conduct audits ensuring effective and efficient use of resources. Ensure quality control of the Federation’s audit plans on an ongoing basis by reviewing and approving plans as they are developed and communicated to clients.
• Ensure annual audit plans have contingency built in, to provide unexpected audits to clients as they may surface.
• Report to the CEO and Board of Directors at the required intervals on Internal Audit assignments including planned reviews, investigations, risk advisory work and any other ad-hoc activity as required.

Conducting Audits

• Oversee and provide quality control for PSF audits, to ensure business goals are met and that professional standards are maintained at all times.
• Ensure completion of audit assignments to provide independent, objective assurance to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Develop the Audit engagement with and support of major business change programs thus ensuring that appropriate consideration of risk and control is given to all change.

Reporting

• Ensure final reports are issued with all recommendations agreed and accepted by the audited individual/group.

People Management & Development

• Manage and oversee team performance through performance planning with the HR Office.
• Hold direct reports accountable for managing and developing their assignments to ensure PSF goals are achieved and customers satisfied.
• Deal with performance issues, discipline as necessary and address poor standards, ensuring PSF targets and customer satisfaction is not compromised.
• Improving the Practice of Audits/Championing Risk Management
• Build relationships with leaders across the organization to understand issues and identify areas for improvement for the organization as a whole.
• Support and encourage team members to be proactive in identifying opportunities to share best practice with Directors and Managers to improve the control environment.
• Develop new methodologies to improve the audit process, making it “easier” for the Federation to request audits and implement recommendations.
• Provide assistance to the business in meeting regulatory requirements.
• Keep abreast of developments in Corporate Governance practices and advise PSF accordingly.

Interested candidates must fulfill the following requirements :

• At least a Bachelors’ Degree in a business related subject, preferably in accountancy, from a reputable university ;
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience,
• Professional qualification completed or under progress (ACCA, CPA, CIMA etc.) Experience working in a private organization
• Should go through knowledge of Audit techniques and management skills Must have good decision making, report writing and excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently, remain focused and maintain highest integrity and objectivity.
• Having a good background and understanding of International Standards of Auditing and International Accounting standards
• Computer skills Stress management skills Time management skills Be honest and trustworthy

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Interested candidates are invited to apply for the above mentioned position and submit complete applications (only hard copies) made of a CV, a motivation letter, notarized copies of diploma/degree, a copy of identity card, and three persons of reference with their phone numbers to the following address not later than 28th January 2013 :

To the attention of :

The Head of Human Resources

Private Sector Federation

P.O. Box 319 Kigali, located at Gikondo

hr@psf.org.rw

Note : Only candidates qualifying for selection will be contacted for interviews.

The Management