Apply Now For the 2023 Training of Trainer Programme of the Rice Miller Business Academy(Fully-funded)

Introduction to the Training Program

Technical experts based in West Africa are invited to apply to participate in a training program that will enable them to become certified trainers for the newly founded Rice Miller Business. Academy (RMBA). The Training of Trainer programme aims to build a community of certified trainers who can deliver practical business development coaching to the growing rice sector in West Africa.

What is the Rice Miller Business Academy?

The Rice Miller Business Academy will provide business-oriented training to rice millers in West Africa. Milling staff, if desired, can attend training programs in 5 important areas:

1. Practical Marketing for Rice Mills – crucial skills for marketing rice as markets grow and develop.
2. The Business of Rice Milling – the economics of rice milling, good manufacturing principles, and the impact on building a sustainable business.
3. Finance Essential for Rice Mills – Key financial skills include cash flow management, accessing finance, and becoming more bankable.
4. Developing Profitable Farmer Services – the business case and essential operations for services such as irrigation, mechanisation, and seed provision.
5. Mastering Milling Operations – technical operations in a rice milling environment

Why was the Rice Miller Business Academy created?

Rice is one of the most important staple crops in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in West Africa. The Competitive African Rice Initiative (CARI) was launched in 2013 to meet the demand for rice in the region. In 2022 CARI merged with the Competitive African Cashew Initiative (ComCashew) and became the Oriented Value Chain for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE – former CARI & ComCashew). The project aims to work with the ECOWAS Commission and selected member states to build more sustainable rice & cashew sectors. The Rice Miller Business Academy specifically hopes to improve the capacity of rice companies as they tackle some of their most pressing issues which include:

1. Competing in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
2. Improving operations so that mills are more competitive at producing quality rice.
3. Proactive, fact-based commercial business planning.
4. Active management of financial operations.
5. Developing commercially sensible farmer services to source a consistently better quality of paddy.

Details of the Course rollout:

Two courses are rolling out in 2023:

• Practical Marketing for Rice Mills – crucial skills for marketing rice as markets grow and develop.
• The Business of Rice Milling – The economics of rice milling, sound manufacturing principles and the impact on building a sustainable business.

In 2024, 2 additional courses will roll out

• Finance Essential for Rice Mills – critical financial skills including cash flow management, accessing finance and becoming more bankable.
• Developing Profitable Farmer Services – the business case and essential operations for services such as irrigation, mechanisation, and seed provision.

While the training for these courses will happen in 2024, the trainers who get accepted for the programme will be expected to participate in the virtual classroom (online training) happening from 25 Sept – 20 Oct 2023. Note that the Mastering Milling Operations Course is excluded from this request for applications.

Eligibility Criteria for the Programme

• Technical experts with relevant skills & experience in any of the thematic areas of the Rice Miller Business Academy, as per the four courses above, excluding Mastering Milling Operations.
• At least a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in related subjects such as Marketing, Management, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Agribusiness etc.
• At least 10 years experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 5 years experience with a masters degree.
• Experience as trainers, training designers, facilitators & coaches for adults in the business environment is valued.
• Women are specifically encouraged to apply.
• Applicants should reside in Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone or Senegal.
• Demonstrated skills in French and/or English in the business environment. Applicants who are skilled in both these languages will receive additional preference.

What is the application and selection process?

1. Publication of the request for application for trainer: 22 Aug 2023
2. Submission of applications by candidates. Deadline: 6 Sept 2023
3. Evaluation of candidates: 3 days
4. Selection & invitation to participate in the training of trainers: 11 Sept
5. Blended learning training of trainers course (adult learning approaches, training and facilitation skills etc.). All accepted trainers will be expected to attend the virtual classroom.
6. Certificate of completion (successful candidates)
7. Invitation of selected candidate trainers to participate in the in-person training
8. In-person training (2 days per training course focusing on how to facilitate the specific training courses)
9. Graduation as a qualified Rice Miller Business Academy trainer.
10. Practical Marketing for Rice Mills training with mill marketing practitioners (Nov2023: exact date TBC)
11. The Business of Rice Milling with mill managers and leaders (Nov 2023: exact date TBC)

What is the Program Process?

Phase 1:
Virtual Classroom: 25 Sept – 20 Oct

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for more than 1 technical skills area?

The number of seats is limited. However, technical experts will be able to indicate their preferred thematic areas. This can be 1 or multiple areas. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient skill and experience in at least one of the topics covered by the training of trainer
courses. This will enable them to lead training courses that may be entrusted to them.

2. What is the cost of the training?

There is no fee to participate in this training. For in-person training transport, logistics and accommodation costs will be paid for by the program.

3. Is there a fee for leading training after graduation?

After successful completion of the in-person phase (Phase 2), candidates will be eligible for assignments to deliver courses as a part of the Rice Miller Business School. These are paid assignments. Phase 3 is thus a paid assignment.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can submit their online application HERE. Please note that the deadline to submit your application is 6th September 2023. Successful candidates will be notified 1 week after applications close.

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