German Development Cooperation (GDC) in the agriculture sector in Kenya is implemented
by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), following a cohesive and multi-layered approach in Western Kenya and the arid and semi-arid North. In line with the Agriculture Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASTGS) 2019-2029, GDC promotes improved productivity, food and nutrition security, rural infrastructure (roads, markets, irrigation), soil rehabilitation, resilience to drought, skills development, and employment creation in Kenya.
Presently, there are a lot of dynamics in the agriculture sector due to cascade effects of multiple crises at global level including increased global demand for key commodities, geopolitics and disruptions in global supply chains, high energy prices, situational and reactive food policies by governments, among other factors. At national level, sector dynamics evolve around high cost of production, low profit margins, soil fertility loss, proliferation of pests and diseases, strong global currencies, high landing oil prices, net importations, high import prices for food commodities, food insecurity from recurrent droughts and below-par harvests, reactive & adjusted tax, and duty regimes among others.
The conversation at global and national level as well, is constantly around sustainability and
ensuring that the sector, sub-sectors, food systems and sub-systems are more sustainable considering the benefits and balance of trade-offs across ecological, political, economic, and social domains. Addressing key challenges - such as food insecurity, adverse effects of climate change, deteriorating soil health and fertility, youth, and women unemployment (inclusivity), increased vulnerability for low-income populations, food safety and human health concerns, pollution, et cetera, - is more than ever, critical and carries a greater sense of urgency to find adaptable and practical solutions for a sustainable transition.
GIZ is seeking to onboard an intern to support various tasks and activities pertaining to implementation of agriculture-sector and related interventions.
Responsibilities
The key responsibility of the intern is to support organisation of knowledge and information across various themes. This will be accomplished through short desk research, analysis of raw primary and secondary data, rationalizing, logical inferencing, and synthesizing information into a concise summary report. He will also support to build a database of relevant documents, and collating relevant facts, figures, and statistics regarding the sector.
Tasks
Under the guidance and support of the program director and policy advisor, the intern’s
tasks include:
1. Desk research and report / briefs compilation
Upskilling and understanding the statuses, challenges and opportunities for various domains and actors in the agriculture sector
Reviewing raw primary data, existing material, and documents to infer and summarize findings
Use appropriate lenses to delve beyond conventional observations and conclusion of situations, statuses, and possible solutions.
Articulate clearly and concisely findings and discussions.
Provide concise summaries and briefs across topics of interest.
2. Build a database of relevant agriculture-sector documents
Collate relevant documents along portfolio topical coverage.
Consolidate facts and statistics for the agriculture sector and related scope
Creatively present these facts and figures, preferably using an updatable tool
3. Planning and organisation support for various activities in the portfolio
Support ideation and drafting concepts for measures within project scope
Support planning and execution of activities
Support with internal procedures, organisation and facilitation of activities and events
Required qualifications, competences, and experience.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural systems, or agriculture-related course at university level. At least upper honours or projected
Relevant coverage of units in policy, micro- & macro-economics, resource economics, production economics, and market laws & dynamics, actor dynamics, sustainable development and related
Must have completed fourth year, awaiting graduation or a recent graduate within one year of completion
Skills and work experience
Awareness of along global and national policy trends and influences on agriculture sector
Good understanding of agriculture sector landscape, markets, and price dynamics for main food commodities in Kenya
Good desk research and analytical skills
Great writing skills – organisation, flow, structure, clarity, articulate, and concise
Critical & system thinking skills
Attention to detail and a knack for finesse
Knowledge of working with Microsoft office 365 applications.
Good communication and presentation skills
Self-driven with great team-work capabilities
Diversity awareness and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
The position is a full-time paid internship. This role requires a self-motivated and analytical
person with an inclination to understanding global and national trends and with ability to synthesize information and produce presentable results.
Assignment period:
Until 30.04.2024
Duty Station: Nairobi
Vacancy Reference Number: GIZ/AGR/06/09/2023
GIZ is an equal opportunity employer. All interested Candidates are required to indicate their salary expectations in the motivational letter.
