AGRA and its Work
AGRA is an African-led institution that actively supports the drive towards inclusive agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems. We do this by empowering the continent’s 33 million smallholder farming households to transform their agriculture from a struggle to survive to profitable businesses. The continent’s farmers regularly face challenges, and we aspire to provide uniquely African solutions that respond to their agricultural and environmental challenges, leading to increased harvests for reduced hunger and more income.
Working in alignment with the development priorities of our focus countries, we enable farmers to access improved and high-yielding seeds, gain knowledge on sustainable farming, and linkages to profitable markets.
In our work, we aspire to build the alliances, partnerships, and networks required to drive an inclusive agricultural transformation. We work with our partners to create an equitable youth-friendly environment that harnesses the youth dividend on the continent to drive growth and facilitate open employment opportunities for young women and men. We achieve our key objectives through a focus on the following four areas of intervention:
- and state capability – We support governments in creating an enabling environment for private sector involvement in agricultural transformation.
- systems – We trigger higher productivity by increasing the availability and access to improved seeds by farmers allowing them to increase their harvests for food security and better incomes.
- farming – We support farmers in building resilient farming systems for sustained high yields through interventions such as mechanization and irrigation.
- markets and trade – We work to increase the linkages between farmers, and other market actors for a positive, sustained cycle of commercialization and reinvestment.
Why Join Us?
People are the heartbeat of our organization and remain the true drivers of our delivery, impact, and success. We have cultivated a workplace that fuels Depth in Collaboration, Excellence in Execution, Constructive Engagements, and a spirit of being Increasingly Entrepreneurial; all underpinned by our cherished I-RISE Values (Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship, and Equity)
We work with incredible people and partners who have roots in farming communities across the African continent combined with an inclusive, diverse, and talented workforce from over 25 nationalities. Our commitment to a call to action goes beyond ourselves as we arise to catalyze African Food Systems transformation and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
We are looking for people who are passionate about being part of a mission-driven team that is making a real difference on the continent; love to work on cutting-edge technologies; and can grow their skills, and expertise, and experience career growth, while enjoying very competitive compensation and benefits.
Are you ready to embark on this exciting transformative journey with us?
The Position
Private Sector Partnerships Interns
Reporting to the Head of Private Sector Partnerships, the intern will work closely with relevant staff within AGRA to contribute to and strengthen the delivery of the Private Sector Partnerships results and overall AGRA’s efforts. The intern will support the team to ensure a smooth flow of activities in the areas of administration, coordination, logistics, finance, and procurement.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Event management and participation: Under the team’s guidance, provide support in organizing conferences, webinars, and workshops, including managing invitations. Additionally, assist in coordinating the team’s participation in these events.
- Database management: Maintain a database of contacts (address and telephone numbers of institutions that the unit deals with and any other relevant information).
- File management: Maintain an online shared folder/filing system for all correspondence, and documentation.
- Partner engagement: Under the team’s guidance, initiate/ organize in-house unit meetings with partners, record the meeting, take notes, and manage follow-ups and monthly reports.
- Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the Unit operations, responding and/or re-routing general requests for information, electronic communication, and facilitation.
- Support the preparation of PowerPoint presentations for different stakeholders with the Partnerships team.
- Additional duties may be assigned to support the Unit.
Key Qualifications and Experience Required:
- Currently a postgraduate student or a recent graduate with a degree in IT, Business, Commerce, Business Administration or Economics, Finance, or a related field.
- Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet search skills, PowerPoint, and the ability to learn new applications quickly.
- At least 1 year of relevant experience in providing administrative or operational support.
- Experience in research and preparation of reports would be an added advantage.
- Strategic thinking, with strong analytical and research skills
- Presentation skills with knowledge of tools such as PPT, and Canva.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills; courtesy, tact, patience, and team orientation
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize work amidst competing demands.
- Planning and Organizing: Strong administration skills.
- Results-driven and attention to detail: ability to deliver in a short period, high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and thoroughness.
- Ability to maintain a timely and efficient workflow.
- Commitment to AGRA’s mission and core values.
