PROGRAM OFFICER INCLUSIVE MODERN MARKETS (IMM)

Antenna Arusha, Tanzania

Job purpose
To enhance inclusive and durable trading relationships between FOs and pri-vate companies

Reports to: Regional Coordinator IMM
Position in the organization: implementation at antenna level
Responsibilities
-plan, implement, monitor and adjust innovation/change pathways in inclu-sive business models in selected pilot chains within the IMM program in the country
-plan, coordinate, implement and monitor actions leading to set structural changes for inclusion of smallholder farmers at national level
-for Uganda: possible contact point for government

Outputs/services at pilot level
-develop, strengthen and support business linkages between FOs and private companies (facilitation and brokering role)
-strengthen the entrepreneurial attitude, skills and capacities of FOs (business plan development, offer of business support services to its mem-bers, commercial accounting, access to finance, quality control systems, Global Gap approval, production planning, …)
-provide strategic and technical guidance to FOs ensuring their inclusion in the chain
-design, test, and validate change/innovations in the linked business mod-els
-monitor and document the change/innovations processes in the business mod-els, the changes in behavior at the level of the involved FOs and compa-nies, and the results of these in terms of improved small-holder livelihoods, and draw lessons
-make inventory and document experiences of other organizations with inclu-sive business models in the country
-Contribute to the organizational development and strengthening of farmer organizations and export companies.

Outputs/services at structural change level
-document and translate the outcomes of the pilots as evidence for achiev-ing structural changes and up-scaling at national level
-coordinate/implement the actions of/with the various partners in the achievement of the structural change agendas
-build up a close relationship with other private companies interested in sustainable sourcing from smallholder farmers
-network with other organizations that have a stake in the structural change agendas
-analyze and document the changing national context in relation to the business environment, the value chain, the market … and with regard to op-portunities with/demands from other companies
-monitor and document the achievement of the national structural change agendas
-provide information, analysis, lessons learned to allow program management to readjust its programs

Knowledge and skills :
-Has an in depth understanding of the functioning of value chains from pro-duction to consumption and of their institutional environment
-Has a good understanding of sourcing policies of companies
-Has a good understanding of and experience working with Farmer Organisa-tions
-Has a good understanding of national and global market dynamics
-Can apply methods to improve professionalism in all parts of the chain.
-Communicates clearly in a variety of settings and styles and has good net-working skills
-Listens actively
-Can persuade and inspire individuals and groups.
-Can get messages across that have the desired effect
-Is creative and has a sense for innovation and experiments
-Experience in the horticultural sector and various types of certifications particularly Global GAP.

General skills:
-Good computer operation Word, Excel, PowerPoint
-Good proficiency in English (speaking and writing)
-Good knowledge of Swahili for the function in TZ

Attitude:
-Entrepreneurial approach
-Communicative networker
-Systematic and analytical
-Result-oriented
-Facilitating
-Flexible
-Sensitive, perceptive
-Team-oriented
-Learning-oriented

Education:
Masters in Agriculture, Economics, or equivalent by experience

Experience:
-At least 3 years in value chain development in East- Africa, working with Farmer Organisations and private companies.
-Experience as entrepreneur or farmer is an asset.

Apply through mary.ngido@veco-eastafrica.org, Addressing the
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
P.O.BOX 14665,
ARUSHA,TANZANIA

Deadline
11th April 2014

VREDESEILANDEN EAST AFRICA
Plot 15A Sekuo Ture Road-Uzunguni Area, Ben Bella Street
P.O. Box 14665, Arusha, Tanzania; Tel. +255272545070
veco-ea@veco-eastafrica.org / www.veco-eastafrica.org