FAO Rwanda Hiring Horticulture Value Chain Management Development Specialist 2026
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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has opened applications for the position of Horticulture Value Chain Management Development Specialist in Kigali, Rwanda. This exciting 12-month opportunity is part of FAO’s ambitious climate-resilient agriculture and landscape restoration programme that aims to transform Rwanda’s agrifood systems while improving rural livelihoods.
If you are a Rwandan professional with strong expertise in horticulture, agroforestry, and value chain development, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a national programme targeting the planting of up to 20 million grafted fruit trees across the country.
About the Position
The position is based in under the FAO Representation in Rwanda. The specialist will support the implementation of Rwanda’s fruit tree-based restoration and value chain development programme designed to strengthen climate adaptation, restore degraded landscapes, and improve farmer incomes.
This is a non-staff national project personnel position with a contract duration of 12 months. Applications close on 4 June 2026.
The selected candidate will work closely with FAO technical officers, government institutions, and development partners to ensure successful implementation of climate-smart horticulture systems throughout Rwanda.
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About FAO’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture Programme
Food and Agriculture Organization is leading international efforts to achieve a world free from hunger and malnutrition. In Rwanda, the organization collaborates with national institutions such as the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board.
The programme focuses on:
- Restoring degraded land through fruit tree-based systems
- Strengthening climate resilience
- Increasing carbon sequestration
- Improving soil and water management
- Expanding sustainable agroforestry systems
- Supporting rural livelihoods for youth and women
Priority crops include avocado, mango, macadamia, pomegranate, and grapes. The initiative seeks to combine environmental restoration with market-driven agricultural production.
Key Responsibilities
The Horticulture Value Chain Management Development Specialist will play a major technical and coordination role within the programme. Responsibilities include:
- Designing and supporting implementation of the national fruit tree restoration programme
- Developing implementation plans for large-scale fruit tree planting
- Conducting mapping exercises to identify priority restoration sites
- Supporting climate-resilient agroforestry systems
- Creating technical guidelines for nursery development and orchard management
- Strengthening supply chains for grafted seedlings
- Supporting certification and quality assurance for nurseries
- Coordinating with government agencies, districts, private sector actors, and development partners
- Preparing donor proposals and climate finance concept notes
- Ensuring alignment with Rwanda’s national agricultural and environmental strategies
The specialist will also help ensure that smallholder farmers, women, and youth benefit from the programme through improved market access and sustainable income opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this role, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Master’s degree in Horticulture, Agroforestry, Agriculture, or a related field
- At least 10 years of professional experience in horticulture and agroforestry value chains
- Working knowledge of English
- Must be a national of Rwanda
FAO is particularly looking for candidates with practical experience in climate-smart agriculture, nursery systems, agroforestry, and value chain management.
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Preferred Skills and Experience
Candidates with the following additional qualifications will have an advantage:
- Experience working with farmer organizations and cooperatives
- Knowledge of climate finance mechanisms such as GCF, GEF, and Adaptation Fund
- Proposal writing and resource mobilization experience
- Strong communication and facilitation skills
- Experience working with FAO or similar technical assistance projects
- Ability to provide practical and context-specific solutions
The organization is also seeking professionals who can work effectively in dynamic implementation environments and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This role is more than just a technical agriculture position. It is an opportunity to contribute to Rwanda’s long-term environmental sustainability and food security goals.
By supporting climate-resilient fruit production systems, the programme aims to:
- Improve household incomes
- Create opportunities for youth and women
- Promote sustainable land management
- Increase food security
- Restore degraded ecosystems
- Strengthen climate adaptation strategies
Professionals passionate about sustainable agriculture and landscape restoration will find this position highly rewarding.
FAO Core Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate competencies in:
- Results focus
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Building effective relationships
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
FAO emphasizes integrity, professionalism, inclusion, and environmental sustainability across all its operations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official FAO recruitment portal and complete an online profile with updated academic qualifications, employment history, and language skills.
Applicants are also required to attach a motivation letter to their application.
FAO encourages candidates to submit applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues during submission.
Application Deadline
Closing Date: 4 June 2026
Location: Rwanda
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization
Position: Horticulture Value Chain Management Development Specialist
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Final Thoughts
This FAO Rwanda opportunity is ideal for experienced horticulture and agroforestry professionals eager to make a national impact through climate-resilient agriculture. With Rwanda prioritizing sustainable food systems and environmental restoration, the selected specialist will contribute directly to transformative agricultural development initiatives.
For professionals passionate about sustainability, rural development, and agricultural innovation, this role represents a meaningful chance to support one of Rwanda’s most ambitious restoration programmes.
