Business Development Officer at Ethnocentrique Limited

Project Summary

The Fashion Future Program (FFP), implemented by Ethnocentrique, is a skills and local economic development initiative aimed at equipping young fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, particularly women, with the resources and opportunities needed to excel in the competitive garment, footwear, and leatherwork segments of the Nigerian fashion industry. Through apprenticeship training, mentorship, cluster development, and advocacy, FFP aims to enhance local production and drive sustainable development within local communities. 

Position Overview:

As the BDSP Officer, you will play a crucial role in managing and delivering business development support services to MSMEs within the fashion cluster. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance the growth and sustainability of MSMEs, managing the business development providers and fostering market access, and facilitating financial resource opportunities. A results-oriented, strategic individual with a passion for empowering businesses and driving economic growth is ideal for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement tailored business development strategies to support MSMEs within the fashion cluster, focusing on growth and sustainability.
• Identify key growth areas, expansion opportunities, and market access initiatives for MSMEs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with MSMEs, the service providers, cluster participants, and external stakeholders.
• Understand the needs of MSMEs and provide tailored business development solutions to help them achieve their growth objectives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure MSME sustainable growth
• Facilitate market access opportunities for MSMEs by identifying potential buyers, markets, and distribution channels.
• Support MSMEs in lead generation, networking, and establishing connections with industry players.
• Guide MSMEs through the sales process, providing mentorship and support to help them meet or exceed business growth targets.
• Coordinate with internal teams to execute projects and initiatives that foster MSME growth and development.
• Facilitate partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance the delivery of business development support services.
• Prepare detailed reports on business development activities, MSME progress, and market access initiatives.
• Analyze key metrics and performance data to evaluate the effectiveness of business development interventions and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of proven experience in business development, market access, or similar roles, ideally within MSME support programs or the NGO sector.
• Strong understanding of business development principles, market access strategies, and financial inclusion practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for empowering MSMEs through economic development initiatives.