Post-Harvest Management and Processing Lecturer

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 engineering professional with expertise in post-harvest management and agricultural structures to join a world-class team of educators and researchers at RICA. Ideal candidates will have a passion for education with a focus on conservation agriculture and systems thinking and will actively engage with students in the learning environment by demonstrating technical skills and mentoring students. Such a candidate will commit to the RICA teaching philosophy, which celebrates experiential learning that is founded in research and extends to the community. This position is a comprehensive teaching position whereby the successful candidate is a stakeholder in all aspects of the program, including but not limited to, the responsibilities listed below. This is a temporary, full-time position, but could lead to permanent full-time employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate instruction for the course AGM 301 Post-Harvest Management and Processing (AY23 Term 1).
  • Storage and handling of grain and other agricultural products to minimize loss and preserve quality.
  • Operation and maintenance of equipment used in handling, storage and processing of food products.
• Collaborate with RICA faculty and staff in installation, operation and maintenance of RICA grain storage and feed production center.
• Advise and mentor students with interest in agricultural engineering and mechanized systems.
• Champion Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles in teaching and mentoring.
• Join the extension team in providing solutions to post-harvest issues for RICA and the community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluent speaker of English.
• MS in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanized Systems, or other relevant degree in agriculture or natural resources.
• Teaching experience (at least three years).
• Enthusiasm for conservation agriculture, experiential learning, and team teaching.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanized Systems or relevant agricultural disciplines.
• Experience teaching higher education agriculture students.
• Experience in active and experiential learning and team teaching.
• Experience in curriculum and course design.
• Experience or academic qualifications in post-harvest handling, storage and processing of agricultural products, manure handling systems, mechanized feeding and watering systems, livestock housing and handling systems, air quality maintenance in agricultural structures.
• Demonstrated success in research and/or extension (e.g. presentations, publications, awards).

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.

Please combine your resume/CV with your degree certificate as one PDF file before you upload.

• Cover Letter summarizing intent and suitability for the position.
• A resume or CV.
• Official degree certificate for highest degree obtained.
• Summary of the applicant’s teaching experiences (500 words max).


• The applicant’s philosophy of 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/

Application review will begin July 21, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Website: https://www.rica.rw/