Consultant (Marketing Agent) at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Scope of Work
Entrepreneur Networks:

• Assist Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) in Benue/Kogi State to connect with quality input suppliers
• Work with the Seed Entrepreneurs Network (SEN) in the State to help CSEs in identifying profitable output markets for Certified Stems
• Undertake demand mapping and marketing activities to create additional demand for certified cassava stems utilizing National SeedTracker and similar tools that would be assigned.
• Facilitate the aggregation of CSEs production of Certified Stems to fill orders from clients,
• Coordinate with actors (including IITA GoSeed, Umudike Seeds, Nigeria
• Cassava Growers Association, National Agricultural Seeds Council) to ensure timely delivery of inputs and services for the CSEs and SENs.
• Work with the CSEs and SENs to regularly update their basic farm and network records.
• Provide linkage services for cassava processor towards and stem buyers
• Demand creation activities for the sale of stems and roots
• Create market outlets for cassava stems and roots
• Assisting CSEs to build customer databases and use same to increase sales

Expected Monthly Deliverables:

• Monthly activity report indicating work done in respect of the scope of work itemized above including:
• Number of CSEs engaged with
• Number of CSE records updated
• Number of new clients successfully delivered for the SEN
• Number of bundles contracted/sold
• Number of meetings/ training or engagements held for the SENs
• Number of bundles of stems sold
• Quarterly activity report summarising activities performed in respect of 1a-e above.

Selection Criteria / Conditions

• Should have a Degree or HND in Agriculture, Agricultural Education
• Familiar with local and improved cassava varieties in Benue and Kogi states
• Familiar with local farmer groups and their operational dynamics
• Good knowledge of Kogi rural communities
• Basic adult learning skills and ability to facilitate training for semi-literate farmers
• Agricultural Commodities marketing skills