Zimbabwe- Business Development Specialist 2016
UNDP Business Development Specialist
Strategic Function
The Business Development Manager will report to the Director of Programs and be responsible for ensuring that project participants, self-help groups, cooperatives, and associations have the knowledge and skills to develop and run successful enterprises and cooperatives. In close collaboration and coordination with the Program Managers, the Director of Programs He/she will ensure successful, innovative, efficient, and effective functioning of all enterprise hubs and cooperatives in the program through effective technological use and working in collaboration with other departments towards achieving the common goal.
Responsibilities
Design and track the implementation of the enterprise development strategy, along with reviewing and updating it as appropriate
In collaboration with the Training Manager and technical experts, design/develop/update training packages/modules, business plan models and training materials for different levels
In coordination with the Training Manager, identify institutions, experts and trainers as needed and employ them to implement trainings for capacity development of project partners, cooperatives and farmers according to the enterprise development promotion strategy
Provide support in exploring business opportunities along the value chain of the selected commodity(ies) and in preparing business plans for cooperatives and farm families
Build innovation in business development for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, etc., to increase efficiency and effectiveness
Coordinate value chain studies of selected commodities as required
Coordinate an economic analysis of proposed enterprises along the relevant value chain
Provide support in establishing and operating market structures (e.g., collection centers, market centers, processing facilities, chilling centers, etc.)
Provide support in establishing marketing information systems among value chain actors
Prepare periodic reports and document best practices and lessons learned
COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Facilitate and monitor pre-cooperativeproducer association orientation activities in the self-help groups (SHGs) and clusters of SHGs as they develop into cooperatives/producer associations and Associations
Facilitate SHGs in the formation of cooperatives and support in the registration process
Facilitate primary cooperatives to form Associations or federations
Facilitate Design, develop and deliver training packages/modules
Provide technical support in formalizing cooperatives and Associations
Develop an institutional framework for cooperatives and cooperative Associations with clear linkages with the individual cooperatives and SHGs
Develop guidelines for the formation, management and governance of cooperatives
Facilitate the capacity building of the cooperative/union governing board and management in effective and efficient decision making, financial management, human resource management, operation and strategic planning and implementation, conflict management and democratic governance
Coordinate and build up linkages and networks with the appropriate government Cooperative Office and other organizations, as required
Monitor, support and backstop the cooperatives/Associations for effective functioning
Appropriate Technology Business Development Capacity Building Capacity development Commodities Community Organization Conflict Management Economic Analysis Effectiveness Enterprise Development Financial Management Human Resource Management Information Systems Livestock Periodic Reports Producer Associations Technical Support Training Manager Training of Trainers Trainings Value Chain
COOPERATIVE VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
Facilitate the development of a cooperative/producer association values and principles orientation kit that incorporates Heifer’s Cornerstones
Facilitate the cooperative/producer associations in the orientation of new non-Heifer members to fully understand cooperative principles and values
Guide cooperatives in establishing a system for the fair distribution of benefits
Guide cooperatives in conducting periodic PSRP and reinforcing values
COLLABORATION TOWARDS THE COMMON GOAL
Serve as a team motivator in the CP team
With the Program Manager – Animal Well-Being, develop the business hubs of the cooperatives with backward and forward linkages into the total value chain
Work in close coordination with the Program Manager – Animal Well-Being on quality assurance and control for all livestock-based products for processing, packaging, marketing, and distribution
Develop capacity building and operationalization of the business and marketing plans of the business hubs through joint planning, monitoring, and evaluation with the Program Manager – Animal Well-Being Director of Programs Manager
Coordinate with Program Managers and Director of Program in providing facilitating/backstopping services for capacity building and developing linkages
Participate in the organization and implementation of enterprise development related Training of Trainers for project partners, cooperatives and project farmers
In coordination with the Program Manager and Director of Programs, support families and cooperatives to develop marketing plans for their enterprises
Seek continued growth in the knowledge of Heifer International programs and issues of hunger and poverty
Perform other job-related responsibilities as requested.
Most Critical Proficiencies
Knowledge of and experience in agro-enterprise, commodity value-chain and cooperative development
Knowledge of and experience with or within community organizations
Knowledge of the non-profit sector and the context in which non-profit organizations operate
Fluent in national language/s and English, both spoken and written
Good leadership qualities
Good communication skills
Excellent organizational skills including strong attention to detail
Skills with Microsoft Office Suite, internet browser, and other appropriate technology
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands
Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision
Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner
Produce and present reports in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail
Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public
Constant sitting, standing and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time
Sound judgment, professionalism and a positive attitude with the ability to demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity
Ability and willingness to work with a flexible schedule
Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both locally and abroad
Required Experience
Minimum Requirements
A Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness, plus at least (5) years proven experience in setting up and running an Agribusiness Enterprise(s), specifically livestock enterprises and cooperative developments.
Job Location Harare, Zimbabwe
Position Type Full-Time/Regular