Director of Extension
The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA will engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing practical hands-on skills, Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
In an experiential learning environment, students will develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA will gain experience in the six Enterprises that include, Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Fruit Crops, Irrigation and Mechanization, and Food Processing. All RICA graduates will be innovative problem solvers able to operate farms and ranches, start agribusinesses, assume management roles in cooperatives, NGOs, and other agricultural enterprises, serve their communities as extension agents and technical and policy experts, or take on positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda.
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an Extension Director to provide leadership and administration for extension programs in Conservation Agriculture, One Health and Natural Resources. Ideal candidates will have a passion for farmer education outreach with a focus on conservation agriculture and systems thinking. The candidate will commit to the RICA teaching philosophy, which celebrates experiential learning that is founded in research and extends to the community. This position includes teaching responsibilities whereby the successful candidate will be part of the teaching faculty and will lead the extension component of the curriculum. His/her responsibilities include those listed below.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide vision and dynamic leadership in the direction, administration and management to grow RICA’s extension model to support local communities, the region, and Rwanda.
- Collaborate with and direct faculty in developing impactful, research-based extension programs.
- Collaborate with faculty and staff in preparing students for careers as extension professionals.
- Proactively establish and manage extension-based partnerships with public, private, and community stakeholders.
- Support innovative applied research as the science base of RICA extension.
- Facilitate the delivery of practical education and problem-solving assistance to Rwandan farmers, farmer cooperatives and agri-businesses.
- Promote interdisciplinary and multifunctional programs with governmental leaders and agencies, NGOs, and the Agricultural Extension System to address the aims of the National Agricultural Extension Strategy, Vision 2050 the National Agricultural Policy, and the Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture.
- Facilitate use of appropriate and innovative technology and methods to reach diverse population bases.
- Set standards for professional extension conduct exemplifying high integrity, openness, and accountability.
- Fulfill other responsibilities and duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Fluent speaker of English.
- PhD in relevant degree in agriculture or natural resources; or a relevant MS and 5 or more years of recent, practical, and relevant experience.
- Experience in developing and delivering extension education.
- Experience in community engagement and mobilization.
- Enthusiasm for conservation agriculture, experiential learning, and team teaching.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in leading teams.
- Fluent in Kinyarwanda.
- Demonstrated extension success e.g. presentations, publications, awards.
- Demonstrated success in applied research supporting extension programs.
- Demonstrated relevant management and leadership experience.
BENEFITS OF JOINING THE RICA TEAM
Staff at RICA will be part of creating something unique in the world. While working with world-class educators and researchers, you will transform agriculture in Rwanda and East Africa for a conservation-minded and food-secure future. RICA staff also receive a salary commensurate with the applicant’s background, and a relocation allowance.
HOW TO APPLY
Fill/Upload the information required and submit the following documents in English to the link provided below.
Please combine your resume/CV with your degree certificate as one PDF file before you upload.
- Cover Letter summarizing intent and suitability for the
- A resume or
- Official degree certificate for highest degree
- Summary of the applicant’s extension and teaching experiences (500 words max).
- The applicant’s philosophy of extension education and how this aligns with the mission of RICA (500 words max).
- List of recommenders with contact information.
Application Link
https://rica.bamboohr.com/jobs/
Review of applications will begin on 1st March 2023 and continue until the position is filled.
