Research Officer - AgriFinance/Investments at Welcome2Africa

Under the supervision of the Senior Programs Director and The CEO, Welcome2Africa International is seeking an research officer who will be responsible for researching and producing the intellectual content for our various agrifinance/investment programs (workshops, trainings, conferences etc) and for recruiting best-in-class speakes for the various programs, whilst also understanding the commercial angles of the programs to deliver comprehensive briefings to the Sales & Marketing teams. The Research officer will have the additional role of identifying topics/sub topics and will involve in-depth market research as well as putting together a commercially viable conference agenda.  To summarise the research officers role will be to research and create current, exciting and commercially viable programmes within Africa’s Agri-finance/investment  industry and this will be in-depth research and definitely much more than simple Google searching! As a research officer you’ll have the opportunity  to talk to key players to find trending in the sector and develop networking and knowledge opportunities for our audience.

Job Responsibilities Include :

• Assess viability of program ideas  and Identify the target audience for a given program idea and the most marketable angle on this topic
• Research content of program programmes through telephone research
• Research markets for conference sponsorship, identify target markets for sponsorship and develop unique selling points (USPs) to drive sponsorship
• Identify influential trade associations and other possible partners and develop relationships
• Write content, marketable programmes based on research
• Identify, approach and confirm suitable speakers and Ensure speakers are briefed on the required content of their presentation
• Negotiate speakers’ expenses where necessary
• Write effective sales copy for conference brochures and other promotional material as appropriate
• Oversee design of the conference brochure ensuring key selling points are emphasised
• Take a strategic view of the positioning of the programs
•  Keep up to date with broader developments in the food and agriculture industry
• Generate new topic ideas and plan research to determine their feasibility
• Identify gaps in the market for W2A to explore
• Generate new topic ideas and plan research to determine their feasibility
• Consider the development of new conference formats
• Work with team members, to secure sales for the Programs.

PERSON QUALIFICATIONS

• Bsc. Degree in any discipline
• Must have a good understanding of Africa’s Agribusiness Sector
• Must have some relevant corporate experience.
• Must have excellent research ability
• Must be responsible, reliable and trustworthy
• Ability to use initiative is essential, as applicant will be required to work with minimal supervision at times
• Must be computer literate as use of databases / IT skill is essential.
• Excellent communications skills (verbal and written) are essential.
• Capable and friendly with strong communication skills and the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Ability to take over existing matters and hit the ground running.
• The successful candidate must be organized and disciplined and have the ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
• Must be mobile and willing to travel within the country and outside of the country
• Must be fluent in English.
• Applicant must reside in Abuja, as the company will not provide accommodation.