Latest Jobs at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Job Summary

• We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and MSME Development Expert to lead initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen MSMEs in Yobe State.
• The ideal candidate will drive capacity-building programs, enhance access to finance and markets, and develop strategies to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Capacity Building: Oversee training programs for entrepreneurs and enterprises, providing technical advice on financial and market linkages.
• MSME Growth Strategies: Develop and implement approaches to enhance MSME scalability, including business development services (BDS), market access, and financial inclusion.
• Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development: Design and execute strategies to strengthen local entrepreneurship ecosystems, foster innovation and new MSME creation.
• Business Model Development: Create viable business models for beneficiaries and establish partnerships with institutions offering entrepreneurship training and BDS.

Selection, development and prioritization of value chains as follows: 

• Market analysis
• Mapping the value chain
• Analysing value chain technical capacities
• Analysing economic performance and benchmarking competitiveness
• Analysis of external sources of competitiveness
• Analysis of economic parameters
• Formulation of an upgrading strategy for selected value chains
• Identifying constraints to chain performance
• Value chain upgrading strategy Definition of roles and responsibilities
• Implementation of upgrading strategies Monitoring and impact assessment
• Assist the project management team in the market analysis and mapping of the value chains.
• Identify constraints and propose possible interventions in response to the addressed needs and demands.
• Support the project management on the development of the agribusiness value chain as follows:
  • Business environment.
  • Institutional support.
  • Improving access to business development services.
  • Strengthening the role and capacities of business membership organizations.
  • Compliance with health, safety, quality management systems, and environmental requirements.
  • Specific direct interventions and programs.
  • Cluster and network development.
  • Support to small and medium agri-enterprises.
  • Investment promotion.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in entrepreneurship development, MSME support, or economic empowerment programs.
• Proven expertise in business development, financial inclusion, and market linkage strategies.
• Strong understanding of Yobe State’s entrepreneurial landscape and challenges.
• Excellent partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Fluency in English (Hausa/Kanuri proficiency is an advantage).

go to method of application »

Job Summary

• The IGA Officer will be responsible for promoting and supporting income-generating activities (IGAs) in food processing and value addition for women and youth groups in rural Potiskum.
• The focus will be on high-impact value chains such as rice milling, groundnut processing, vegetable dehydration/canning, and oil extraction using shared processing facilities.
• The officer will provide technical training, business development support, and market linkages to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability of rural enterprises.
• This role is critical to reducing post-harvest losses, creating jobs, and improving rural incomes through sustainable agro-processing. The IGA Officer will empower women and youth to transform raw produce into profitable, market-ready products

Key Responsibilities
Program Implementation and Capacity Building:

• Conduct assessments to identify viable food processing opportunities for women and youth groups.
• Train beneficiaries on improved processing techniques, food safety, packaging, and quality standards.
• Facilitate access to and efficient use of common processing facilities (e.g., rice mills, oil presses, dehydrators).
• Promote cooperative models for shared resource utilization and collective marketing.

Business and Market Development;

• Support groups in developing business plans, cost analysis, and pricing strategies.
• Link producers to buyers, agro-processors, and financial institutions for sustainable market access.
• Introduce value-added products (e.g., fortified rice, groundnut paste, dehydrated vegetables) to increase income.
• Organize trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meetings to enhance market visibility.

Technical and Operational Support:

• Oversee the maintenance and optimal use of processing equipment in rural hubs.
• Advise on energy-efficient, climate-smart processing technologies (e.g., solar dryers, low-cost oil extractors).
• Monitor compliance with hygiene, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g., NAFDAC, SON).

Monitoring, Reporting and Advocacy:

• Track group performance, sales, and income growth using digital tools.
• Document success stories and challenges for program improvement.
• Advocate for policies supporting rural agro-processing and women/youth economic empowerment.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Work with government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, SMEDAN), NGOs, and private sector actors.
• Mobilize stakeholders to invest in rural processing infrastructure and training.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of beneficiaries trained and utilizing processing facilities.
• Increase in group income and product diversification.
• Number of market linkages established.
• Adoption of improved processing technologies.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Agribusiness, Agriculture, or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in agro-processing, livelihood programs, or MSME development.
• Strong knowledge of rice, groundnut, vegetable, and oil value chains.
• Proficiency in Hausa/Kanuri (local language) and English.
• Gender-sensitive approach with experience working with women/youth groups.

go to method of application »

Job Summary

• The Assistant IGA Officer will support the implementation of income-generating activities (IGAs) in food processing and value addition for women and youth groups in rural Potiskum.
• Under the guidance of the IGA Officer, the assistant will help facilitate training, monitor processing activities, and ensure the smooth operation of shared processing facilities for rice, ground nuts, vegetable dehydration, canning, and oil extraction.
• The role focuses on field-level execution, beneficiary engagement, and operational support, with less autonomy than the IGA Officer.
• The Assistant IGA Officer ensures smooth on-ground execution of food processing activities, enabling the IGA Officer to focus on strategic program growth.
• This role is ideal for early-career professionals gaining experience in rural livelihoods and agro-processing.

Key Responsibilities
Program Support and Field Implementation:

• Assist in mobilizing and organizing women and youth groups for training and processing activities.
• Support the IGA Officer in delivering technical training on food processing, safety, and equipment use.
• Help monitor the day-to-day operations of common processing facilities (e.g., rice mills, oil presses).
• Conduct field visits to assess group progress and report challenges to the IGA Officer.

Business and Market Linkage Assistance:

• Assist groups in basic record-keeping, production tracking, and sales documentation.
• Support market linkage efforts by gathering price data, identifying local buyers, and organizing product displays.
• Help groups adhere to packaging and labelling standards under supervision.

Technical and Operational Assistance:

• Ensure processing equipment is used correctly and report maintenance needs.
• Assist in demonstrations of energy-efficient processing techniques (e.g., solar drying).
• Monitor hygiene and safety practices at processing sites.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Collect data on group participation, production volumes, and sales.
• Maintain records and prepare basic reports for the IGA Officer’s review.
• Document field observations and success stories.

Coordination and Community Engagement:

• Act as a liaison between beneficiary groups and the IGA Officer.
• Support community sensitization on the benefits of value addition.

Qualifications and Skills

• Diploma or degree in Agriculture, Food Technology, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1–2 years of experience in agro-processing, livelihood support, or community development.
• Basic knowledge of rice, groundnut, and vegetable value chains.
• Proficiency in Hausa/Kanuri (required) and English (basic).
• Willingness to work in rural settings with women and youth groups.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Number of groups regularly supported in processing activities.
• Timely reporting of field issues and maintenance needs.
• Accuracy of data collected for monitoring.
• Beneficiary satisfaction and participation rates.

go to method of application »

Key Responsibilities
VSLA Formation and Capacity Building:

• Assist in forming and training Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
• Train group members on savings, loans, financial literacy, and business skills.
• Support VSLA groups in record-keeping and governance.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Track VSLA group performance, savings, and loan repayment rates.
• Document success stories and challenges.
• Submit regular reports to the VSLA Officer.

Livelihoods and Economic Recovery:

• Link VSLAs to income-generating activities and market opportunities.
• Support small business development among group members.
• Support financial literacy training and linkages to financial institutions of VSLA members
• Promote digitalization of the VSLA groups in partnership with Airtel

Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding:

• Promote inclusive participation (women, youth, marginalized groups) in VSLAs.
• Integrate peacebuilding dialogues within VSLA meetings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma/Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in VSLA, microfinance, or community-based savings programs.
• Strong facilitation and training skills.
• Proficiency in Hausa/Kanuri (local language required).
• Experience in conflict-affected settings is an advantage.

General Conditions for this position:

• Willingness to travel frequently to rural communities.
• Adherence to project policies on gender equality and conflict sensitivity.
• Collaborate with other project teams (peacebuilding, Forestry and Natural Resources Management, Nutrition, etc.).