Horticulture Value Chain Management Development Specialist

About the role

FAO is seeking a Horticulture Value Chain Management Development Specialist to support Rwanda’s fruit‑tree based restoration programme. The specialist will translate national climate‑resilient agriculture strategies into concrete field‑level results, focusing on large‑scale fruit production systems that restore degraded land and boost farmer incomes.

Key responsibilities

• Design and oversee the establishment of climate‑resilient fruit production systems across Rwanda.
• Ensure appropriate selection and matching of priority fruit tree species to agro‑ecological conditions and market demand.
• Coordinate with FAO technical officers, Better Environment Leads, and national partners to align technical work on the horticulture value chain.
• Support the development and strengthening of nursery systems and the supply of quality planting material.
• Facilitate linkages between farmers, especially youth and women, and structured markets.
• Monitor progress towards targets such as planting up to 20 million grafted fruit trees over five years.

Required profile

• Relevant academic background in horticulture, agronomy, environmental science or a related field.
• Experience working on fruit‑tree production, value‑chain development, or climate‑resilient agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with government agencies, NGOs and international partners.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills to track programme outcomes.

Required skills