Website: http://www.jobinrwanda.com
Vacancy Announcement
General Manager – Tea Industry
A reputable international organization operating in Rwanda is seeking a dynamic and charismatic industry professional to take up the role of General Manager, managing the day to day operations of a smallholder services company (tea sector) in Rwanda.
The services company will plant smallholder tea, as well as provide a series of agronomic services and inputs through long-term, patient finance, as well as production logistics once the tea comes into bearing. The services company is part of a broader tea venture with a highly reputable multinational tea company that will provide exclusive offtake of the smallholder leaf.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day management of all operational, financial, and administrative matters.
- Oversee implementation of all field activities, including farmer sensitization and awareness; farmer registration; land preparation; nursery development; nursery management; new planting; procurement and application of inputs; agronomic extension; plucking; collection; weighing and transport of green leaf; block management, etc.
- Be accountable for the timely delivery of high-quality green leaf to factory and oversee the maintenance of the transport fleet.
- Support implementation of certification programmes e.g.: Rainforest Alliance and ensure compliance.
- Engage with large groups of farmers and participate in farmers’ monthly and quarterly review meetings.
- Identify, develop, and build an effective field team and manage the team according to a common vision for the smallholder development with clear performance KPIs. Train and develop all agronomists on tea plucking and agronomy and oversee the entire field staffing.
- Engage with key stakeholders on the project including local government, farmers, and the factory company, among others.
- Contribute to the establishment of company policies and procedures, and ensure statutory compliance and fiduciary control within all company matters.
- Participate in the development of annual work plans and budgets, and manage against these to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results. Deliver the business targets aligned to KPIs-volume, cost, and quality.
- Identify and engage with appropriate delivery partners to ensure that the implementation of team-specific activities is undertaken in an appropriate and well-coordinated manner.
Key qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agribusiness, or an equivalent Agricultural Science related field.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in managing the field services component of a large-scale commercial tea operation. Smallholder experience shall be an added advantage.
- Strong practical understanding of new planting, tea agronomy, and production logistics.
- Ability to work in rural settings and communicate effectively across cultural divides.
- Ability to develop, retain, and manage an effective team.
- Experience with preparation and development of commercial tea budgets, work plans, and forward plans, and ability to manage for results based upon key performance indicators.
- Familiarity with Farmer Field Schools, Rainforest Alliance, hillside agriculture, and soil conservation practices.
- Fluency in Kinyarwanda preferred.
- Sound understanding of corporate governance principles.
How to apply:
This position is open for a Rwandan nationals only and applicants are required to submit their CV with contact information for at least two references as well as a covering letter demonstrating how they meet the required qualifications via the “Apply for this job” button below. The deadline for receiving applications is Friday 3rd July 2020.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
