The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture is a higher education institution established in 2019 with a focus on practical agriculture. Its campus in Gashora (Bugesera) includes working farms, classrooms, a commercial kitchen, offices and residential housing. It also maintains satellite operations at Nasho in Kirehe District (both in Eastern Province).

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language undergraduate institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

In an experiential learning environment, students develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA experience the six Enterprises including Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Food Processing, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Fruit Crops, Irrigation and Mechanization.

The curriculum is designed to incorporate threads of Innovation, Conservation, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship. Communication, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship are woven throughout the curriculum.

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 assume positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda.

POSITION: DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH

Position Overview

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) invites applications for the position of Director of Research. Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, the Director will ensure the institution has the requisite systems, culture, and support mechanisms to develop and sustain a robust practical and applied conservation agriculture research program. The goal is to address key agricultural challenges, such as improving soil health, enhancing farm profitability and professionalism, and strengthening Rwanda’s food security.

This leadership role is central to advancing RICA’s mission to achieve international prominence in applied conservation agriculture research. The Director will provide visionary leadership to position RICA as a regional and global leader in sustainable agriculture, empowering Rwandan farmers with profitable conservation agriculture techniques.

This administrative role offers opportunities to engage in teaching, research, or extension activities based on institutional needs and individual interests.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Faculty and Researcher Support

• Empower faculty to develop and execute impactful applied research programs in conservation agriculture.
• Foster a supportive research environment through mentorship, guidance, and resources.

Research Advocacy

• Champion the importance of conservation agriculture research at RICA and within Rwanda’s agricultural community.
• Promote RICA’s research contributions at national and international forums.
• Support faculty in completing high-quality research projects and securing competitive grants.

Proposal Processing and Approval

• Oversee the efficient submission, review, and approval of research proposals.
• Ensure proposals align with RICA’s strategic goals and meet institutional and governmental requirements.

Grant Acquisition and Compliance

• Identify and share grant opportunities with faculty.
• Assist faculty in preparing competitive grant proposals and navigating submission processes.
• Ensure compliance with funding agency requirements and reporting obligations.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain detailed records of grant submissions, approvals, and funded projects.
• Document and communicate RICA’s research activities, achievements, and publications to stakeholders.

Research Office Management

• Provide administrative leadership to the Research and Extension Advisory Committee and the Institutional Review Board.
• Set and monitor productivity goals for research and grant initiatives.
• Develop and implement systems to track and evaluate research outcomes and impacts.

Policy Development

• Lead the creation and implementation of research-related policies to enhance RICA’s research culture.
• Ensure alignment with institutional priorities and secure necessary internal approvals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD degree in any field of study
• Proven experience of at least 6 years of doing research
• Proven success in writing research proposals
• Proven success in writing grant applications
• Proven competence in preparing research reports and publications

HOW TO APPLY

• Fill the information required, upload and submit the documents in English to the link provided below.
• Cover Letter summarizing intent and suitability for the position.
• List of Recommenders with contact information.

Kindly merge your Resume,CV ,Degree Certificate, and any other relevant documents into a single PDF file before uploading.

Application Link : https://rica.bamboohr.com/careers/115 Application review will begin January 31^st,2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Website: https://www.rica.rw/

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