Market Linkages Manager at TechnoServe

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

TechnoServe is currently looking for Senior Food Processing Advisers for a potential USAID-funded Agriculture Competitiveness Project in Nigeria. The Project is designed to strengthen agriculture productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers. The Project comprises three main components: (i) design of the Agriculture Competitiveness Fund for private sector partnerships and funding to catalyze technological innovations; (ii) administration of the Agriculture Competitiveness Fund to develop private sector partnerships and provide grants; and (iii) technical assistance that directly supports, coordinates, and organizes qualifying recipients (i.e., partners and grantees) to achieve the Mission’s food security objectives. The Project will contribute to the Mission’s Feed the Future strategy, which looks to improve agriculture competitiveness of smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Market Linkages Manager will facilitate upstream and downstream relationships for processors of nutritious foods in Nigeria, toward creating a more inclusive sector. Specifically, s/he will be the driving force behind assisting selected project-supported food processors in the following key area:

Identification and building of positive linkage opportunities between assisted processors and smallholder farmer suppliers of raw material. Expected outcomes will include: increased effectiveness and efficiency of processors’ supply chains; increased consistency and quality of raw material sourced in accordance with the processors’ requirements; and the establishment of more direct and longer-term trading relationships between smallholder farmer suppliers and selected processors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Smallholder Supply Chains

Make a compelling business case for processors to integrate smallholder farmers into their supply chain. Support processors who source from smallholder farmers to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of these linkages for mutual benefit.
Facilitate purchase agreements between processors and smallholder farmer groups/cooperatives. Encourage processors to invest resources in smallholder farm production to support quality and reliable supply.
Ensure smallholder farmer groups / cooperatives understand processor product requirements.

Low Income/BoP Markets

Through both secondary and primary information gathering, develop an understanding of and document low-income markets. Map existing distribution chains and informal retail capacity, determine pricing and product demand. Conduct market surveys and assessments as required.
Coordinate with Senior Food Processing Advisor to facilitate access to appropriate technical assistance and business finance for processors.
Oversee case studies of BoP marketing. Assess the strongest opportunities and build the business case for processors.

Sector Wide Training

In collaboration with the Project Team, provide technical input, with local service providers, on the development of Sector Wide Trainings on informal marketing and retail approaches.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

In collaboration with the M&E Manager, identify appropriate pathways to impact, progress and impact indicators and develop monitoring systems.
Monitor progress toward project objectives, manage the collection of relevant reporting data, review data and make recommendations to adapt program approach as necessary to maximize impact.
Provide anecdotal evidence of impact, including success stories, case studies, and lessons learned.
Contribute well-written, cohesive sections of narrative reports for submission to the donor.
Ensure activities carried out are in accordance with TechnoServe and donor requirements.

Representation

Coordinate with local stakeholders, participating in relevant business or industry forums and represent the program at the country level in order to collaborate and share learnings.
Work with stakeholders operating in the same space ensure that the program contributes to the national agenda on smallholder supply chains and low-income marketing.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Economics, Business or related area, or equivalent experience in food market systems. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 7 years’ professional experience in food market systems, including experience working in the private sector.
• Successful experience linking smallholder farmers with buyers, particularly processors.
• Proven experience expanding access to food for BoP populations.
• Demonstrated an understanding of agriculture or market systems.
• Experience with agricultural commodities/product pricing and contract structures preferred.
• Exceptionally strong project management and analytical skills, as evidenced by leading roles on successful initiatives engagements of significant scale.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills.
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills and good computer skills in business software (Excel, MS Project and PowerPoint).
• Fluency in English.