The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, is a pioneer in sustainable investment within emerging markets. IFC fosters private sector development and economic growth to alleviate poverty and enhance livelihoods. It endeavours to fulfil the World Bank Group’s overarching objectives of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030 and fostering inclusive prosperity across all developing nations. To gauge its impact, IFC has established a results measurement framework and assembled a team of specialists dedicated to assisting operational colleagues in comprehending and articulating the developmental effects of their projects.
At the project level, IFC aims to achieve tangible, measurable internal developmental objectives outlined during the design phase and periodically reviewed if necessary. These objectives are aligned with IFC’s corporate development targets. Progress towards these objectives is continuously monitored through its tracking system, followed by evaluative methodologies employing various approaches to assess the long-term impact of interventions. This deliberate, systematic approach enables IFC to monitor project progress throughout their lifecycle, integrate lessons learned into operations to enhance future goal setting and project design, and adopt a more results-oriented approach while improving transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
In its dealings with private sector clients, IFC’s priorities in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (MAS) include: (i) enhancing productivity and access to goods and services while safeguarding the environment, promoting low-carbon growth, and enhancing resilience to climate change; (ii) positioning IFC as the preferred financing partner for targeted clients by leveraging its unparalleled industry expertise; (iii) supporting selected local companies to enhance transparency, efficiency, and sustainable competitiveness; (iv) catalyzing foreign investment, including mobilizing B loans and parallel loans; and (v) developing solutions at the client, sector, and country levels that can be scaled and replicated, with a particular emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
GrowAfrica is seeking six (6) interns to contribute to Upstream and Advisory projects aimed at reducing operational risks in IFC investment projects by strengthening supply chains, addressing food security, enhancing collaboration with the World Bank, building the capacities of farmers, improving product traceability, ensuring food safety, etc. By participating in these projects, interns will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the agriculture industry and gain valuable field experience. The interns will be under the overall supervision of the Project Leader and directly supervised by the Project Coordinator.
Benefits
Interns are expected to:
- Support the Project Coordinator in organizing and conducting training sessions for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices led by Robust Agronomists.
- Assist in coordinating and providing training and coaching to Licensed Buying Agents on effective record-keeping and traceability within the sesame supply chain by Robust Agronomists.
- Aid in maintaining a database of pertinent project documents and drafting project reports under the guidance of the Project Coordinator.
- Assist with project planning and quantitative data collection to monitor and track project indicators.
- Monitor and update a risk register, promptly notifying the Project Coordinator/Project Leader of any changes to project risks.
- Contribute to the establishment of demonstration sites in each of the eight Local Government Areas (LGA) to facilitate participatory learning by farmers.
- Provide supervision and guidance to farmers in producing high-quality declared seed for sale to sesame farmers as part of the Community-Based Seed Production Programs.
- Assist the program team in preparing materials and content for major activities, launches, and media outreach efforts by the Communications team.
- Participate in the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned to support planning and knowledge building.
- Promote and encourage the adoption of Sustainable Agro-ecological practices and technologies among smallholder sesame farmers.
- Contribute to the development of a heatmap for priority crops in Africa and participate in data collection efforts and stakeholder engagements.
- Support the establishment of synergies with the World Bank by contributing to the design and implementation of World Bank operations.
- Assist in coordinating and facilitating project meetings and field trips organized for stakeholders and project management to project sites.
- Undertake other relevant duties as assigned by the Project Coordinator/Project Leader.
The internship package will be structured as follows:
- Working hours will not exceed 40 hours per week, with a maximum of 160 hours per month.
- The internship stipend will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications.
Requirements
- Preferably hold a master’s or PhD degree, with a minimum of two years of professional experience.
- Pursuing studies in agriculture with a focus on crop science, agricultural economics, agricultural science, agronomy, soil management, social science, economics, or related fields. Experience in specialized fields related to the projects outlined in Section B, Project Backgrounds, is advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, multitask, and perform well under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Effective communication skills in multicultural, multilingual environments (at least English for all projects, Hausa for projects in Nigeria, Portuguese for Angola/Mozambique, and French for projects in Senegal), and the Capacity to collaborate effectively within a diverse team environment.
- Proficient understanding of the challenges and opportunities in African agribusiness.
- Clear and logical thinking, exhibiting sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media platforms.
- Able to work autonomously or cooperatively within a team setting.
- Results-oriented mindset and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
Method of Application
Expected Starting Date: The internship is expected to commence between June 1st and July 31st, 2024, with a minimum duration of two months and a maximum duration of six months.
Reporting Structure: The intern will report to the Project Leader (PL) and will be directly supervised by the Project Coordinator for each respective project.
For further details and to apply,
Application Deadline: May 30, 2024.
