Agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire is booming: sectors like horticulture, cocoa, cashew and poultry are developing rapidly. Biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation – e.g. mangroves for coastal protection and agroforestry – are also high on the agenda. The Dutch are considered a key partner in sustainably developing agriculture: during the last edition of the SARA (2023) the Netherlands was guest of honour. Together with businesses, knowledge players and policy makers from both countries, we develop and implement win-win solutions. In order to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture, nature and food quality, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, is looking for an Agricultural Advisor.

Vacancy: Agricultural Advisor, Netherlands Embassy, Abidjan
Interested? Please send in your application before 19 July 2024.

We are looking for an open-minded, curious, purpose-driven and results-oriented colleague with relevant experience and a strong network in the agricultural sector. The candidate is well aware of (policy) developments in areas like horticulture, cocoa, poultry and biodiversity in Côte d’Ivoire, and can place these in a context of regional/global challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The candidate has a keen interest in agricultural cooperation with Europe and Netherlands in particular. The candidate is flexible, pro-active, likes to take initiative and is able to switch quickly between different topics. We offer a dynamic international working environment, team spirit, a good salary and attractive secondary employment conditions.

The Netherlands Agricultural Network

The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) represents the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) in the areas of Agriculture, Food and Nature abroad and maintains intensive contacts with local governments, the NL and local business communities, knowledge institutes and civil-society organisations.
For a century the LAN has been connecting products, services and knowledge of agricultural companies from the Netherlands (NL) and knowledge institutions to partners and projects worldwide. In this way, LNV and LAN contribute to a strong agricultural sector in the Netherlands and sustainable development goals in the agricultural and nature domain far beyond our borders. The LAN makes an essential contribution to strengthening the international position of NL agribusiness and supports agricultural development, dialogue and (bilateral and multilateral) cooperation in the field of sustainable agriculture, nature / biodiversity, food safety, food security and fisheries. Trade promotion, stimulating NL investments abroad, and promoting market access for NL agri-food products and knowledge and technology in the country of representation are also belonging to its core tasks.
The LAN is characterized by a proactive attitude and shows this by actively searching for opportunities for NL agricultural business, knowledge institutes and agricultural makers, being in direct contact with relevant players and by communication via reports, newsletters, social media and the LAN website www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl

Job description

The Agricultural Advisor:

- Is responsible for the translation of LNV policy in the local context in Côte d’Ivoire and to develop a local implementation course of action under the direction of the Agricultural Counsellor;
- Is responsible for the implementation of a subset/special theme of the LNV policy under the direction of the Agricultural Counsellor;
- Is responsible for information gathering and provision in case of preparation of trade missions and import/export related activities. Collects, identifies, analyses, interprets and reports on information and developments in one or more LNV domains that are of importance for the development of LNV policy;
- Identifies bottlenecks in trade transactions and contributes to solutions;
- Has an understanding of the local political/administrative environment, establishes and maintains network contacts for carrying out the above tasks;
- Is responsible for the development of policy implementation plans for their area(s)/theme(s) and ensures timely execution thereof via the LAN annual plan;
- Contributes to the planning, organization and evaluation of bilateral partnership projects in relation to nature, water, environment and sustainable development;
- Is responsible for the preparation, planning, support and guidance of Dutch trade missions and other promotional activities, such as participation in fairs and exhibitions, representing LNV interests and policy. Identifies bottlenecks and makes a contribution to solutions, but also is able to identify new opportunities for the Dutch business, knowledge and technology community;
- Establishes and maintains contacts with relevant parties and holds discussions with organizations for the preparation and carrying out of missions and enabling trade transactions to proceed effectively.
- Is responsible for gathering information on the relevant area of operation by studying literature and reports, contributing to research and advising on the relevant policy, including the independent interpretation and analysis of the data collected.
- Participates in seminars and networking opportunities and (re-)presents LNV interest and policy;
- Keeps track of trade requests, activities and contacts in the relevant databases;
- Writes articles for https://www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl/landeninformatie/ivoorkust/nieuws ;
- Reports proactively to the Agricultural Counsellor who carries final responsibility;
- Is active part of the One Embassy team and contributes to its overall mission through communication, participation in the ‘caravane’ and other shared activities.

Job requirements

General

- Academic working and thinking level;
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience
Knowledge
- Knowledge of and insight into agricultural policy areas, relevant legislation and regulations and agricultural business, sector organizations and knowledge institutes;
- Knowledge of and insights into the Ivorian government structures, society, current agricultural policy developments and trading position;
- Good knowledge of the national and regional agro-environmental policy is recommended, as well as knowledge about veterinary and phytosanitary legislation;
- An appropriate network of contacts in relevant fields is an advantage;
- Good verbal and written command of French and English is required;
- A command of the Dutch language is desirable or a willingness to learn Dutch as well.

Skills

- Good communication (including social media and online communication) and contact skills;
- You are a natural networker with the capacity to build, maintain and expand a network of contacts in all relevant fields and on all levels;
- Ability to work independently within a broad defined task assignment and to determine your approach on your initiative;
- Ability to analyse and translate insights and information into policy recommendation, works plans and reports;
- Good computer skills and experience with various software programs.

Contacts

With LAN HQ at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) in The Hague and with other Agricultural Networks worldwide;
With the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in The Hague and if necessary with other ministries;
With local ministries and authorities, professional organisations and the business community;
With other members of the NL Embassy and especially with team members of the Economic Department;
With independent civil society organisations, such as NGO’s;
With news media for public information, PR and press releases.

Terms of Employment

The appointment will be effectuated on the basis of a local contract according to the LESC rules and regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The contract will be for fixed term for a period of 1 year with the possibility of extension.
The function has been approved for scale 8 according to the NL Local Staff scales. Scales are dependent upon education and experience of the candidate and will range between gross minimum 1,998,028 FCFA and maximum 2,179,667 FCFA.

Diversity and inclusivity

The Netherlands’ Government is an inclusive employer with a focus on diversity. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our
organizational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or any other category protected by law. We promote flexible, family-friendly working conditions, where operational and security needs allow.

Embassy

The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) falls within the organisational structure of the Embassy and the LAN team is part of the Economic Cluster of the Netherlands Embassy in Abidjan. The Agricultural Counsellor is the overall manager of the LAN Abidjan, which consists of an Agricultural Advisor and a Agricultural Support Officer. An annual plan forms the basis for management and activities.

What do we offer?

We are offering a full-time appointment (40 hours) in a dynamic international environment, with a mix of Ivorian and Dutch cultures, the salary scale is 8 and the starting scale number depends on the experience of the candidate, in addition a holiday allowance, 13th month and transport allowance is included. On the basis of an employment contract under local law on the basis of the terms of employment as included in the Legal Status Regulation for locally employed employees and the postal details of the NL Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire.

Are you interested?

Send a motivation letter and CV in English to ABI-LNV@minbuza.nl before 19 July, 2024.
This mail address can also be used to get additional information.
Expected starting date: 15 September