Capacity Development Officer at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Tasks of the expert

• We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Business Development Officer to join our team.
• The ideal candidate will have a passion for financial inclusion and a strong background in business development, particularly within food processing, vocational skills training, and the formation and management of VSLA groups.
• This role will involve identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with key stakeholders, and developing strategies to enhance our impact on the community.
• Conduct capacity development of participants (training of trainers, business model design and implementation, establishing linkages to additional business development services).
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with partner institutions and additional business development service providers.
• Oversee implementation of training and provision of additional business development services to MSMEs and ensure all activities are planned and delivered according to WFP standards.
• Support the formation and digitalization of VSLA groups
• Promote innovative food processing along the millet, sorghum, groundnut, horticulture and horticulture value chains
• Promote the creation of decent jobs for youths through agri-vocational skills training.

Key Responsibilities
Market Research and Analysis:

• Conduct thorough market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges within the food processing sector.
• Analyze competitor activities and market dynamics to inform strategic decision-making.

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with our mission of creating decent jobs for the youth and financial inclusion.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand our participants' client base and increase revenue streams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions that meet the needs of the participants' target markets.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and food processing businesses.
• Represent the organization (COOPI) at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to promote our initiatives and establish partnerships.

Program Development:

• Work closely with the program team to design and implement initiatives that support financial inclusion for youth and food enterprises run by the participants.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to ensure alignment with program objectives.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare regular reports on business development activities, market trends, and program outcomes for management review.
• Maintain accurate records of stakeholder interactions and business development efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Agricultural Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in business development, preferably in VSLA and food processing in an INGO.
• Strong understanding of financial inclusion principles and practices.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing business strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software.