Clinton Presidential Center "Clinton Hunter Development Initiative Jobs"

In Rwanda, the Clinton Hunter Development Initiative (CHDI) operates in the Eastern Province where the economy is dominated by small-hold farming of subsistence crops as well as some cash crop production. CHDI has initiated pilot programs for economic development focused on import-substituting crop production and value-added export crop production, targeting a specific community of some 6500 small-hold farmers for its initial work. In year two, CHDI is seeking to add to its team a newly created position of Rural Development Director. This position will be a core part of a team that will plan, direct, and coordinate activities in Rwanda to ensure the successful implementation of the Clinton Hunter Development Initiative (CHDI).

This role’s first project will be to design, plan, manage, and execute a marshlands project to develop a highly productive irrigated valley capable of supporting processing plants to serve as a model for rural development. This role will collaborate with our Agriculture Head and hire and direct functional employees or contractors in areas such as irrigation, land development, and farmers associations.

Specific responsibilities include:

Collaborate with our Agriculture Head to obtain highest yielding seeds and keep current on the latest agricultural, horticultural, and agroforestry research
Work out land ownership issues and develop a model for creating industrial scale farms from small holder parcels in wetlands and elsewhere
Develop a management scheme that maximizes output from the farm and maximizes revenue for the farmers associations
Develop production schemes that optimize crop yields in order to sustain the farmers and provide surplus yields partly to supply a local multipurpose processing plant
Import and purchase the fertilizer required as part of an overall inputs program. Work out all financing mechanisms to procure inputs
Plan and oversee construction of irrigation system including dam for lowest possible cost.
Codify a rural development model that is sustainable and scalable

The Rural Development Head will also be charged with supporting and creating partnerships between various entities and individuals to focus effort, maintain political will, and foster collaboration in rural development. This will be an opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of people. Our mission is to help meet goals set by the government of Rwanda and partners. Accordingly, the RDH must demonstrate a commitment to the program as part of an overall national plan.

Consequently, the foundation seeks a creative, business-minded individual with outstanding leadership and project management skills as well as entrepreneurial drive and vision. A successful track record in business or rural development is a prerequisite as are personal qualities of resourcefulness, responsibility, tenacity and diplomacy. In-country experience is a plus, and the individual must be comfortable in working and spending significant amounts of time in rural areas.

Skills Required:

10-15 year successful track record in rural development in Africa and/or entrepreneurial ventures
Exceptional leadership, project management, writing and analytical skills
Financial and business acumen
Effective communication and relationship-building skills, both with colleagues and partners.
Administrative experience in management of budgets, accounts, and staff
Fluency in English; knowledge of Kinyarwanda, French, or Swahili a plus
Confidence to meet and drive conversations with senior officials, both within and outside government.
Ability to gather, absorb, and synthesize a broad range of information
Ability to effectively articulate rural development needs and priorities to directors, staff, colleagues, policy makers, funding agencies, media, and other collaborators
Comfortable and motivated to work and live in rural areas in Africa
Goodwill, enthusiasm, and an entrepreneurial approach
Experience in dealing with local governments, bi-lateral and multi-lateral organizations, and grassroots organizations.

Education:

Undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in rural development and entrepreneurial ventures is desired. Graduate degree (e.g., MBA, PhD) a plus.

TO APPLY: Please email resume, cover letter, writing samples and references to jobs@clintonfoundation.org. Please write CHDI in the subject field.