Business Advisor- Prosper Cashew at TechnoServe

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Regional Business and Certifications Manager, the Business Advisor will deliver capacity-building efforts targeted at improving the profitability of cashew processors and other emerging value chain enterprises such as local equipment repair services and manufacturers, supply chain management companies, and by-product processors. S/he will support up to 10 processing units to develop robust supply chains, from sourcing of raw nuts to sale of processed kernels. S/he will implement tailored technical assistance plans that focus on building profitability, supporting processing units to scale up their processed volumes and increase their sales.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Identify new cashew processors to be enrolled in the project programs.
• Advise and encourage the adoption of strategies by processing units on risk management, currency risk mitigation, raw material sourcing strategy, etc.
• Support the implementation of direct supplier programs with interested farmers’ groups/cooperatives/traders and processors.
• Guide processors to procure and implement ICT-enabled systems to help manage these relationships.
• Contribute to the development of a market information system to keep processors updated on market trends and prices.
• Advise processors to develop organic and fair-trade certification programs with interested value chain stakeholders.
• Support processors to promote and market their products at large regional and international food fairs, trade shows, and conferences.
• Ensure aid for processors to access international markets through obtainment of relevant food safety certifications.
• Support/prepare local processors to receive visits from international buyers.
• Assist processors to conduct market analysis and develop new product lines, including cashew byproducts.
• Participate in market analysis and ensure project efforts to develop local markets for domestically processed cashew kernels.
• Identify and support entrepreneurs to launch new processing units and other ecosystem enterprises such as local equipment repair services and manufacturers, supply chain management companies, and by-product processors
• Coach management on best practices to make cashew processing units supportive and empowering places to work for women and youth

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or other related discipline, with 3 years’ experience in food processing, agribusiness, or supply chain management, or Master’s degree with 1 year’ experience.
• Experience providing business model training to people of diverse levels of education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the cashew processing industry

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent oral/written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet demanding deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills
• Proficiency in MS Office & presentation skills are required

Travel: As required by program activities.  Willingness to spend up to 40% of time travelling domestically.

Required Languages: 

• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
• Proficiency local languages is preferred.
• Knowledge of local languages is a plus.