Business Development Officer at Sahei Gender Development Initiative

Purpose of Role

• The Business Development Officer will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of strategies that strengthen market linkages, promote enterprise development, and support the creation of viable business plans for smallholder farmers and cooperatives under the WFP-funded project
• The officer will work directly with farmer groups, local stakeholders, and private sector actors to identify market opportunities, facilitate access to buyers and financial services, and build the capacity of beneficiaries in business management, marketing, and financial literacy.

Job Description / Principal Accountabilities

• Conduct market assessments and value chain analyses to identify opportunities for smallholder farmers and cooperatives.
• Develop and implement strategies that facilitate access to markets, buyers, off-takers, and input suppliers.
• Support farmer groups and cooperatives in the development, review, and implementation of business plans tailored to their production and market potential.
• Provide training and mentorship to beneficiaries on business development, marketing, record keeping, and financial literacy.
• Identify and foster partnerships with private sector actors, financial institutions, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen economic linkages.
• Supervise and coordinate business development activities across Sokoto and Katsina States, ensuring consistency in quality and approach.
• Work with program and MEAL teams to track and report on key indicators related to income generation and market engagement.
• Support documentation of success stories, innovations, and lessons learned from enterprise development activities.
• Represent the organization at local economic platforms, trade events, and stakeholder engagements to advocate for market access and rural enterprise growth.
• Promote inclusive and climate-smart business practices, ensuring that business models are gender-responsive and contextually relevant.
• Ensure proper documentation and timely submission of technical reports, training records, and activity updates.
• Collaborate with the FSL Coordinator and other technical teams to ensure integrated and impactful delivery of project outcomes.

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A Master’s Degree in a relevant field will be considered an added advantage.
• Additional certification in entrepreneurship, value chain development, or financial inclusion is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (3) years of relevant experience in business development, market systems strengthening, or enterprise support, preferably within rural or agricultural contexts.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing business plans for cooperatives, smallholder farmers, or micro-enterprises.

• Demonstrated experience facilitating market linkages between producers and buyers, including engagement with off-takers, agro-dealers, and financial service providers.
• Experience in delivering training and mentorship in business management, marketing, and financial literacy to community-based groups.
• Familiarity with donor-funded projects (e.g., WFP, FCDO, USAID) and a clear understanding of project cycle, compliance, and reporting standards.
• Practical knowledge of agricultural value chains and rural economies in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Katsina States

Skills

• Strong understanding of rural market systems, agricultural value chains, and inclusive business models.
• Proven ability to design and support business plans tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers and cooperatives.
• Excellent facilitation and training skills in business development, marketing, and financial literacy.
• Competence in conducting market assessments and using market data to inform programming.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build partnerships and maintain productive relationships with private sector actors, cooperatives, and community leaders.
• Ability to communicate complex business concepts in a simple and culturally appropriate manner.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report writing skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint); knowledge of digital tools for market mapping or business analysis is a plus.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Hausa is an added advantage.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and alignment with SGDI’s values of service, inclusion, and accountability.

Key Behaviors:

• Interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to align with SGDI’s core values, including empathy, integrity, and a commitment to service.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Social and receptive (active listener).
• High degree of integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of the team, as the situation dictates.
• Pro-active and ready to take initiative.
• Ability to assimilate and handle a wide range of information efficiently and effectively.
• High level of stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.