PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
In this program, TechnoServe is working to achieve the goal: Improved livelihoods and sustainable development in Mejang Zone, Gambella Region.TechnoServe’s is currently supporting the value chains of three non-timber forest products coffee, spices and honey. We are working with many players in these market systems (men and women farmers, cooperatives, local government offices, traders, buys, banks, and input suppliers, research centers) to make these markets work better for the poor.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The role of Business Advisors may include:
Building the organizational, operational & financial management capacity of cooperative(s) in Godere and Mengeshi woredas to improve performance and better serve male and female members, with a focus on sustainably increasing members’ incomes. This many require training, coaching and supervising Associate Business Advisors.
· Setting up and implementing effective Farm College smallholder farmer program for coffee, honey, spices; this requires training, coaching and supervising Farmer Trainers.
· Collecting and support the analysis of information about the three priority value chains: coffee, honey and spices, to inform the program’s evolving strategy and plan
Success Factors:
Competency is a combination of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) directly related to successful performance on the job.
Core Competencies include:
Job Specific/Technical Competencies include:
The agronomy BA will lead Farm College activities in his/her assigned areas. S/he will also be required to support cooperative capacity building efforts as well as data collection and analysis related to market systems, upon request.
Establish and implement Coffee Farm College
· Recruit Farmer Trainers; train Farmer Trainers, prioritizing gender balance and gender awareness
· Supervise and support male and female Farmer Trainers
· Support the development/adaptation of training materials
· Form Farmer Groups and establish training schedule, reporting
· Oversee implementation with regular training observations and spot checks of demo plots
Cooperative Capacity Building and Support
· Facilitate access to finance based on the realities and capabilities of the cooperative and banking partner
· Provide practical support and troubleshooting and advice to cooperatives to support them to effectively aggregate and market their produce (coffee, honey and/or spices)
· Facilitate relevant and tailored trainings for cooperatives on business plans, financial management, good governance, post-harvest handling and quality
· Develop and closely manage relationships with local government agencies, and other key stakeholders
· Supports/facilitate growth in cooperative membership, services offered to members
· Support cooperatives to officially register as well as develop business plans and operational plans in a detailed and structured way
· Support formation of a Cooperative Union
Support Ongoing Analysis of Market System for Strategy design and planning
· Research relevant market systems and value chains (coffee, honey and spices) and establish relationships with key market actors, including buyers, in support of the larger program research plan;
· actively contribute to evolving project strategy and plan with new insights, learning and questions
Management and Reporting
· Submit weekly field reports to the Agronomy Program Manger; support impact monitoring and evaluation activities;
· Participate in regular team training activities to build own training skills, including monthly team meetings in person;
· Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Business Advisor or Agronomy Program Manger
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
· Willingness to be based in one of the three assigned remote locations: in Mejang Zone, Mengeshi Woreda or Godere Wordea and willingness to spend significant time in rural areas; · Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field – business, agriculture, the sciences, economics, etc. May accept experience in lieu of four-year degree; · At least two to four years of professional experience— ideally private sector— in one or more of the following areas: business or cooperative management, SME development, agriculture, training or extension, finance, or engineering · Strong planning skills and experience working to strict time-guidelines; · Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and well as negotiation and problem solving skills; · Willingness to drive a motorcycle; · In addition to Amharic, excellent English oral & written presentation skills · Computer literacy, including Word and Excel · Business acumen |
. PREFERRED SKILLS:
· Familiarity with Mejang/Gambella area
· Ability to speak in relevant local language(s) & Motorcycle license
· Experience working in promoting and supporting gender strategies