MSME Development Associate at FINDEF

About the Project

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Market Linkages and Access Specialist to support  the \"Strengthening Food Systems to Promote Increased Value Chain Employment Opportunities for the Youth in Nigeria\" project. The project aims to create sustainable job opportunities and income generation for young women and men in the agribusiness sector, focusing on sorghum, millet, groundnut, soybean, and horticulture value chains. It is providing capacity building and training in business development, financial literacy, and technical skills, empowering participants to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities. 

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate collaboration between stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, including government bodies, private sector players and financial institutions, to create an enabling environment for MSME growth.
• Identify and map key actors within the entrepreneurial ecosystem and establish partnerships to support MSME development.
• Promote the adoption of innovative practices, technologies, and business models within the ecosystem to enhance competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs.
• Design and implement capacity-building programs for MSMEs, covering areas such as business development, financial literacy, marketing, and digital skills.
• Organize workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs to strengthen their business skills and scale their enterprises.
• Provide tailored advisory support to MSMEs, helping them identify growth opportunities, improve operations, and access financial services.
• Assist MSMEs in establishing market linkages, connecting them with buyers, distributors, and suppliers to improve market access.
• Work closely with financial institutions and investors to facilitate access to finance for MSMEs through loans, grants, and investment opportunities.
• Develop financial models and business plans to help MSMEs become investment-ready and secure funding.
• Promote the use of digital tools and platforms to enhance the productivity, visibility, and competitiveness of MSMEs.
• Identify opportunities for integrating innovative technologies into MSME operations, such as e-commerce, fintech, and agritech solutions.
• Encourage MSMEs to adopt environmentally sustainable practices and explore green business opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor\'s degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, Marketing, or a related field. A Master\'s degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in market development, market access, and linkages, particularly in the agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains and market systems, with a focus on the Nigerian context.
• Proven experience in establishing and managing relationships with market actors, including buyers and financial institutions.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including farmers, businesses, and government agencies.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

Disclaimer

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. Our organization procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We are an equal opportunity employer. We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities.

Note

• FINDEF does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. FINDEF\'s recruitment process is transparent, and merit based. Lobbying of any form is not allowed and can lead to disqualification.
• FINDEF has zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, at all times (both during work hours and outside work hours).
• Familiarization with, and adherence to FINDEF’s Code of Conduct is an essential requirement for all staff, in addition to related mandatory training.
• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.