Business Development Officer – Southwest Nigeria at KickStart International

Functional Area: GIP Nigeria

Reports to: Country Manager – Sales and Partnerships

Location: Southwest Nigeria (Based in Ibadan, Oyo State)

Job Purpose

The Business Development Officer will drive the growth of KickStart’s operations in Southwest Nigeria by developing strategic partnerships, expanding sales channels, and promoting the adoption of our MoneyMaker irrigation pumps. This role focuses on building sustainable relationships with stakeholders, identifying market opportunities, and delivering measurable social and economic impact for smallholder farmers.

Key Responsibilities

Market Development & Sales

• Conduct market research and identify high-potential areas for KickStart’s irrigation products.
• Engage directly with farmer groups to promote and sell MoneyMaker pumps.
• Organize and conduct farm demonstrations to showcase product benefits.
• Maintain accurate records of prospects, leads, and sales activities using the CRM (Salesmate).

Partnership Building

• Develop relationships with international and local NGOs, UN agencies (FAO, WFP), research institutions (IITA, CRIN), government agencies, out-growers, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with distributors and dealers to strengthen the sales network and increase adoption.
• Support innovation testing for new products from KickStart’s Innovation Hub.

Program Management & Reporting

• Implement sales and marketing plans in collaboration with the Country Manager and distributors.
• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly activity reports.
• Track and document social impact data from end users.
• Ensure compliance with KickStart policies and prudent management of organizational resources.

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of sales and impact targets.
• Number and quality of partnerships created.
• Strength and reach of dealership networks.
• Accurate and timely collection of end-user data.
• Effective use of CRM tools to manage engagements.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Agriculture, Agronomy, or Agribusiness.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in Sales, Partnerships, Business Development within agricultural or social enterprise contexts dealing with smallholder farmers.
• Proven ability to manage a demanding workload and deliver results.
• Experience engaging rural farmers and working with distributors, agro-dealers, or retail networks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Willingness to travel up to 60% of the time.
• Valid driving license.