Operations - Career Accelerator Program at Babban Gona

Job Summary:

• The Operations Career Accelerator Program is an entry-level position strategically designed to provide in-depth training and facilitate rapid professional growth within Babban Gona's critical field operations. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals who deeply resonate with our passionate commitment to our transformative mission and who are eager to rapidly develop into impactful Team Leads. As a valued member of the Career Accelerator Program, you will gain hands-on exposure to a diverse range of responsibilities across our operational spectrum. This includes client management of our dedicated smallholder farmers and vital agro-processing companies, the intricacies of efficient supply chain management, the rigour of internal audit processes, the importance of effective human resource management, strategic procurement of essential resources, and the proactive management of our facilities. Throughout this immersive program, you will receive dedicated mentorship and invaluable guidance from experienced professionals, specifically designed to cultivate essential leadership and management acumen. Our core objective is to rapidly develop you into a highly capable Team Lead, where you will have the responsibility of leading and empowering a team of field officers within a specific and crucial area of our operations, consistently insisting on the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and meticulous execution.

Responsibilities (Training and Development Focus):

Farmer Recruitment and Onboarding (Support):

• Assist in the critical process of recruiting and registering new member farmers, recognising that this is the fundamental bedrock of our ability to create widespread impact.
• Support the seamless coordination of comprehensive farmer onboarding activities, ensuring that every new member receives all necessary information with clarity and understanding, directly embodying our "Member First" principle by proactively ensuring all their questions are answered comprehensively.
• Be relentlessly curious and actively learn the detailed and systematic farmer data collection processes, deeply understanding the paramount importance of accurate and reliable data as "Data is Reality" for informed decision-making and effective interventions.

Input Distribution (Support):

• Assist in the vital operational task of distributing high-quality agricultural inputs to our dedicated member farmers, directly understanding how this critical function profoundly impacts their yields and livelihoods.
• Take proactive ownership of diligently learning and meticulously maintaining accurate records of input distribution and inventory levels, ensuring we deliver tangible results with utmost efficiency and unwavering precision.
• Observe and diligently learn the proper and effective storage and handling protocols for all agricultural inputs, consistently striving to maintain our "Insisting on High Standards" for unparalleled quality and effectiveness.

Farmer Support and Monitoring (Learning):

• Actively participate in insightful field visits to closely observe farmer activities and meticulously track their progress, diving deep into the granular details of their daily operations to gain a comprehensive understanding of their specific needs and challenges.
• Learn the essential skills to effectively collect and rigorously analyse crucial data on  optimal input usage and farm yields, deeply understanding how these critical metrics inform our overall understanding and drive our strategic decision-making, aligning perfectly with our principle of "Sound Judgement and Planning".

Harvest Operations (Assistance):

• Assist in the efficient coordination of all harvest-related activities, recognising this as a critical stage in ensuring our members successfully realise the full value of their hard work and dedication.
• Learn the intricate processes of produce aggregation and stringent quality control, deeply understanding our unwavering commitment to "Insisting on High Standards" throughout every stage of the agricultural value chain.
• Provide crucial support to post-harvest handling and effective storage activities, continuously looking for innovative ways to improve efficiency, minimise loss, and reduce complexity, actively aligning with our principle of "Continuously Innovate".

Produce Management and Sales (Observation):

• Observe the systematic storage and secure warehousing of all harvested produce, deeply understanding the fundamental importance of proper management to consistently deliver optimal results for our valued members.
• Learn the comprehensive sales process and effective interaction strategies with potential buyers, deeply understanding the critical importance of securing a fair and profitable market for our members' dedicated efforts, a cornerstone of our "Member First" approach.
• Assist in the meticulous maintenance of accurate and up-to-date records of all produce inventory and sales transactions, fully recognising the fundamental importance of precise data for sound judgement and informed decision-making.

Team Development:

• Be relentlessly curious and wholeheartedly embrace a love for continuous learning by actively and enthusiastically participating in all comprehensive training programs thoughtfully provided by the company, consistently seeking opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge.
• Learn to communicate effectively, clearly, and respectfully with all team members and our dedicated farmers, deeply understanding that transparent and open communication is absolutely essential for successful operational execution.
• Begin to develop a thorough understanding of the multifaceted role of leadership within a dynamic field operations environment, recognising your potential to "Think Big" and contribute meaningfully to our long-term vision for widespread impact.
• Demonstrate genuine eagerness to learn and grow rapidly into a capable team lead role, consistently exhibiting your "Passionate Commitment" to Babban Gona's transformative mission.

Reporting and Administration (Learning):

• Assist in the accurate preparation and timely submission of comprehensive reports detailing field activities, understanding the critical importance of timely and accurate information for effective decision-making processes.
• Learn to meticulously maintain accurate and organised records of all transactions and operational activities, directly contributing to our "Insisting on High Standards" for data integrity and operational transparency.
• Gain a foundational understanding of operational budgets and responsible expense management, keenly recognising the fundamental need to "Do More with Less" to maximise the reach and effectiveness of our impactful work.
• Learn and strictly adhere to all established company policies and procedures, deeply understanding the importance of clear guidelines for ensuring efficient and effective operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• A profound interest and an unwavering passion for agriculture and rural development, aligning intrinsically with Babban Gona's core transformative mission.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to listen attentively, speak candidly and respectfully, fostering a consistently "Trusted" environment built on mutual respect.
• Strong organisational and exceptional learning abilities, demonstrating inherent curiosity and a genuine love for continuous learning and improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively in rural areas and a willingness to travel frequently, exhibiting a strong commitment to going the extra mile to directly serve our members.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in both English and the relevant local language(s) to facilitate effective communication with our diverse members and teams.
• A strong and intrinsic desire to learn, develop, and rapidly grow into a leadership role, consistently demonstrating a proactive commitment to taking ownership and diligently driving impactful results.
• A deep and unwavering passion for Babban Gona’s core mission of sustainably transforming the lives of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous practical exposure to agricultural practices or direct engagement with rural communities.
• Demonstrated leadership potential, showcasing a natural ability to inspire, motivate, and effectively guide others towards achieving common goals.