Background of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) GrowAfrica Internship
GrowAfrica Internship Program is hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, playing a pivotal role in sustainable investment across emerging markets. IFC is committed to fostering private sector development and economic growth, with the ultimate goal of reducing poverty and improving lives worldwide.
IFC aligns its efforts with the overarching goals of the World Bank Group, which include ending extreme poverty by 2030 and promoting shared prosperity in every developing nation. To measure and enhance its impact, IFC has established a comprehensive results measurement system and employs a team of specialists dedicated to assisting operational colleagues in understanding and articulating the development impact of their projects.
At the project level, IFC sets concrete, measurable internal development targets during the design phase. These targets, linked to IFC’s corporate development goals, are regularly reviewed and tracked through a robust monitoring system. Evaluative approaches employing multiple methods are used to assess the long-term impact of interventions, ensuring a systematic approach that tracks project progress throughout their life cycle. This methodology incorporates lessons learned into future operations, improving goal setting and project design, and enhances IFC’s transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
Project Backgrounds
GrowAfrica Internship is seeking six (6) interns to contribute to Upstream and Advisory projects designed to mitigate operational risks in IFC investment projects. These projects focus on strengthening supply chains, addressing food security, increasing collaboration with the World Bank, building farmers’ capacities, improving product traceability, and enhancing food safety. Interns will gain valuable experience in the agricultural sector and contribute to its development under the supervision of the Project Leader and Project Coordinator.
GrowAfrica Project 1: Expanding the capacity of an agri-commodity trader to increase its sourcing from farmers.
GrowAfrica Project 2: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing business management processes for coffee farmers in Uganda.
GrowAfrica Project 3: Promoting agricultural production, specifically in the poultry and coffee sectors in Angola.
GrowAfrica Project 4: Increasing productivity through training and establishing a reliable supply chain to revive the cotton sector in Mozambique.
GrowAfrica Project 5: Developing a food security heatmap to guide IFC investment opportunities in Africa, aiming to reduce dependency on imports across the continent.
GrowAfrica Project 6: Identifying, engaging, and collaborating with World Bank operations that benefit from IFC’s private sector experience.
Objectives of the GrowAfrica Internship
The IFC MAS GrowAfrica Internship Program aims to provide graduate students with a platform to bridge academic knowledge and professional practices, facilitating a smooth transition into their careers. Interns will gain hands-on experience in agribusiness development in Africa, enhancing their skills and knowledge while contributing to significant projects.
Skill Development: Interns will enhance their technical, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills essential for professional growth.
Industry Insights: Interns will gain an understanding of industry practices, trends, and challenges, broadening their perspectives.
Networking: Interns will interact with professionals, mentors, and peers, building valuable connections for future opportunities.
Feedback and Learning: Interns will receive constructive feedback to improve performance and foster a growth mindset.
Adaptability: Exposure to diverse situations and work environments will cultivate adaptability.
Project Involvement: Interns will participate in projects, contributing meaningfully to IFC’s goals and improving their knowledge of agricultural supply chain dynamics.
Resume Boost: Internship experience will enhance their resumes, making them more competitive in the job market.
Scope of the Assignments
Interns will undertake the following responsibilities:
- Assist the Project Coordinator in coordinating and facilitating the training of farmers on Good Agricultural Practices by Robust Agronomists.
- Assist in the training and coaching of Licensed Buying Agents on good record keeping and traceability of the sesame supply chain.
- Support the collection and maintenance of a database of relevant project documents and draft project reports.
- Assist in project planning and quantitative data collection to monitor and track project indicators.
- Monitor and update a risk register, notifying the Project Coordinator/Project Leader of any changes to project risks.
- Assist in establishing demonstration sites in eight Local Government Areas (LGA) for participatory learning by farmers.
- Supervise and guide farmers on producing good quality declared seed for sale under the Community-Based Seed Production Programs.
- Support the program team in preparing materials and content for major activities, launches, and media outreach.
- Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
- Promote the adoption of Sustainable Agro-ecological practices and technologies among smallholder sesame farmers.
- Assist in developing a heatmap for priority crops in Africa and contribute to data collection efforts and stakeholder engagements.
- Support the design and implementation of World Bank operations to develop synergies with IFC.
- Facilitate project meetings and field trips organized for stakeholders and project management.
- Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Project Coordinator/Project Leader.
Qualification Requirements
- Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multitask, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Effective communication skills in multicultural, multilingual (English required, with Hausa for Nigeria projects, Portuguese for Angola/Mozambique, and French for Senegal projects) environments.
- Adequate knowledge of African agribusiness challenges and opportunities.
- Clear, systematic thinking demonstrating good judgment and problem-solving competencies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Results-oriented and a team player.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Preferably a master’s or PhD, with at least two years of work experience.
- Studying agriculture with a specialization in crop science, agricultural economics, agronomy, soil management, social science, or related fields. Experience in fields related to the projects outlined in Section B is advantageous.
Take this opportunity to make a significant impact on agribusiness development in Africa while gaining valuable experience and skills. Join us in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to food security and economic growth across the continent.
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