Job Description

Background

AGRA is a not-for-profit organization that collaborates with African governments, other donors, NGOs, the private sector, and farmers to enhance the productivity and incomes of resource-poor smallholder farmers in Africa. AGRA aims to catalyze an inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa by increasing incomes and improving food security for millions of smallholder farmers across the continent. For more information about AGRA, please visit www.agra.org.

Horticulture offers significant potential for economic growth, including increases in rural incomes and employment opportunities, across the 21 Member States of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Given this potential, the Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA), a Specialized Agency of COMESA mandated by heads of State and Government to integrate smallholder farmers into domestic, regional, and international markets, has prioritized building the capacity of the horticulture sub-sector across the COMESA region in its 2021-2031 Strategic Plan. ACTESA has been mandated to coordinate the regional horticultural markets and increase access to innovative agricultural credit systems, as demand for horticultural products skyrockets with urbanization and increased income. The potential of horticulture has also been recognized by the East African Community (EAC) Member States, as reflected in the EAC’s Fruit and Vegetable Strategy 2021-2031.

Objectives

The proposed position seeks to:

• Enhance Board efficiency by supplementing CEHA’s management team with specialized governance expertise.
• Develop high-impact partnerships with industry, development partners, and national agencies.
• Ensure data-driven decision-making by improving board reporting, documentation, and presentation quality.
• Improve governance structures by establishing effective coordination and performance-tracking mechanisms.
• Support CEHA board resolutions and strategic initiatives by providing structured and timely documentation.
• Institutionalize governance best practices to support CEHA’s long-term sustainability.

Scope of Work

The Partnerships and Board Advisor will support the CEHA Regional Coordinator (CEHA RC) and actively engage with the private sector and governments to accelerate the growth of the horticulture sub-sector. The CEHA PABA will also provide support for the CEHA Secretariat to ensure it is fit-for-purpose, properly staffed, and funded throughout the first year. S/he shall be responsible for supporting the ACTESA and CEHA Board of Directors, working with each of the technical committees to facilitate agenda setting, the establishment of National Platforms, and arranging general assembly meetings to develop a community of practices that are engaging and active.

Under the direct guidance of the CEHA RC, CEHA PABA shall provide technical and administrative support by preparing high-quality board papers, designing compelling presentations, and organizing relevant materials to ensure informed and efficient decision-making by the CEHA Board.

Key Responsibilities of the Consultant

The selected consultant will have the following key responsibilities:

i. Board Support and Documentation

• Organize directors’ and committee meetings according to agreed-upon procedures.

• Prepare and mail notices of meetings, draft meetings, draft and dispatch agendas and supporting reports and documentation, and consider those matters that should be handled at directors and committee meetings.

• Prepare and refine high-quality board papers tailored to agenda items.

• Create visually engaging and professional presentations to support board discussions.

• Gather, organize, and summarize relevant reports, data, and stakeholder inputs for decision-making.

• Develop briefing notes and summaries to accompany board papers and presentations.

• Assist in preparing the agenda and coordinating inputs from stakeholders.

• Provide logistical and administrative support during board meetings.

ii. Relationship Cultivation and Management

• Build, cultivate and maintain mutually beneficial, strategic relations with key partners and ensure ongoing communication and collaboration.

• Support in negotiating terms and agreements with partners.

• Work closely with national Chapters, alliance partners, and the board to ensure that partnerships are leveraged effectively across CEHA.

iii. Strategy Development and Implementation

• Building and managing strategic partnerships and alliances, ensuring ongoing communication and collaboration.

• Identifying potential partners and negotiating agreements that align with CEHA’s overall goals and objectives.

v. Follow-up Documentation

• Prepare and circulate minutes, action points, and resolutions for dissemination and action by CEHA Management.

• Deliver post-meeting reports summarizing key decisions and action points.

• Support for Board and Technical Committee Meetings

• Function as secretary to the CEHA Board, Board Committees and Partnership meetings; take and circulate minutes.

• Assist in preparing the agenda and coordinating input from various stakeholders.

• Provide logistical and administrative support during board meetings as required.

vi. Performance Analysis and Reporting

• Use metrics and data to evaluate the success and impact of partnerships.

• Provide reports to management and the Board, offering insights and recommendations for future strategies.

DEADLINE: APRIL 22, 2025