Program Officer, Business Development (PO - BD) at Sasakawa Africa Association

Job Description

• The PO BD, assists the BD Coordinator in carrying out activities that contribute to the implementation of value- chain extension approach to attain SAA goal.
• S/he complements the job of the BD Coordinator and is tasked with specific technical responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities

• In Collaboration with BD Coordinator, leading a team of extension officers, coordinating, supervising and monitoring field-based activities related to the value- chain Development;
• Organize training of the Commodity Associations Trainers (CATs) to ensure that they are efficiently and appropriately trained to undertake the requirements of their responsibilities as trainers and developers. Share back to office reports with BD Coordinator;
• Support the development and emergence of VC business services providers to support CA5/FBO development;
• Encourage the establishment of village saving and loan associations and facilitate linkages between finance/credit institutions and farmer groups;
• Train farmers, CAs and FBO5 on contract negotiation and management. Strengthen farmer access to extension services from input suppliers and project partners;
• Assist BD Theme Coordinator to develop Financial packages /models in collaboration with agro processors, input dealers, traders, and micro finance institutions (MFI) to increase farmers access to credit and other services;
• Assist BD Theme Coordinator to develop and strengthen market information system, e-extension among key stakeholders in the value chain;
• Build strong farmers /CNFBOs in villages participating in the value-chain;
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisors.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's or MA / M.Sc Degree in Agri-Business, Agriculture Economics, Agriculture extension, Business Management, or in any other related field;
• 5/7 years of experience on relevant field respectively
• English Proficiency: Level C2 (Especially writing skills)
• English proficiency: Intermediate
• French Proficiency: Advanced
• Strong oral, analytical, writing and presentational skills.
• Microsoft Office: Advance knowledge of Power point, Word and Excel
• Knowledge of Econometrics and statistical analysis and good reporting skills
• Excellent project coordination and management skills
• Skills on using ICT (GPS and e-extension tools)
• Agri-business skills.