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District Markets Coordinator – LFSP: Practical Action

Deadline: 24 July 2018 (5pm)

Practical Action, an international technology development organization head quartered in the United Kingdom and with offices in Asia, Bangladesh, East Africa, Southern Africa, Latin America and Sudan, seeks to fill this position in our Agriculture Systems and Innovation Department.

Location: Mutasa / Makoni / Mutare
Job family / Department: Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods
Reports to: District Supervision

Team purpose
Improve food and nutrition security for the smallholder famers using simple technologies, increasing their knowledge and access to markets.

Job purpose
To ensure effective programme implementation and delivery of MD deliverables, provide guidance on value chain development, as well as private sector engagement for the consortium and to supervise markets linkages and access aspects of the LFSP APN project at District level.

Key deliverables
Develop, coordinate, oversee and implement a clear Markets and Markets linkages strategy for LFSP in the consortium at district level; Guide the development of district level work plans for market linkage and value chain development; Coach and mentor the district level staff on market linkage and value chain development; Review training material to make it as simple and accessible as possible and guide the development of farmers organization including delivery of training; Document and publishing of case studies and most significant change stories including dissemination project experiences with support from the district staff; Mentor and support Farmer Organisations (FOs) implementing business models in view of future replication and facilitate cluster and district level commodity group and value chain meetings; Focus on promising VCs to develop/strengthen platforms with all the actors involved and establish/develop market linkages with a priority on small holder farmers’ benefit and on value addition along the chain; Facilitate linkage between farmers and off takers and the engagement and inter-action between farmers (groups), and all other appropriate/relevant entities (actors) in specific value chains for rural produce; Provide linkages between Farmers Organizations and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs); Undertaking gross margin analysis and contribute to specific financial and business management training, capacity building on quality, grading standards; Advising on training of farmers in business methods, development of transparent price setting procedures within the value chains and coordinate the agro-dealer associations in input and output distribution; Supporting farmer groups and agrodealers in aggregation and identify new market opportunities with medium and small businesses; Represent the district in the Markets Hub, Market Linkages Association (MLA) and the Agriculture Coordination and Information Forum (ACIF); Conduct analysis of the value chains which connect rural farmers to markets, agricultural inputs and established financial services; Work with partners to establish a functioning market and link farmers to agricultural services (market/weather information, input dealers, buyers, financing, insurance etc.); Participate in proposal development for SAL and work closely with the Project Manager and Provincial Markets Coordinator to finalize proposals through making contributions to consolidated projects; Support the M&E team in the development of a log frame with respect to the market linkages and value chain related activities; Coordinate and communicate value chain development/market linkage activities to technical team in Harare; Conduct performance management review meetings quarterly with line staff and complete final annual appraisal; Carry out monthly coordination meetings focusing on market linkages and value chain development; Attend quarterly review meetings for the programme and conduct support and supervision visits monthly; Generate own leave plans and ensure accrued leave is taken according to plan; Participate, plan for performance management and ensure that set objectives are achieved according to the performance plan; Stakeholder engagement at district level; Reporting – weekly, Monthly quarterly, Annual compilations; Ensure time sheets are completed and submitted to HR monthly; Participate in Recruitment, Selection and Talent management as assigned and ensure compliance with HR any related policies; Contribute to the Quarterly Procurement Plan in liaison with the Project Manager; Project/forecast vehicle, cash and procurement requirements where necessary.

Key qualifications
BSc in marketing management, business, economics or agricultural economics; MSc in development will be an added advantage.

Key competences
A proven record of excellent management, leadership, decision-making and interpersonal skills; Demonstrated ability to ensure gender integration in project design, implementation and ME; Effective English oral and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally in English; Ability to navigate politically sensitive terrain and maintain constructive relationships with a diverse set of key stakeholders; Demonstrated ability to think strategically and transmit vision to partners and colleagues; Budget, programme and project monitoring, management and evaluation; Capacity in developing and writing proposals; Good communication in written and spoken English as well effective project and people management skills; Budget management and monitoring.

Essential
A proven record of personal knowledge of formal and informal marketing; Excellent capacity building skills – the ability to work with people of different technical abilities and support them to gain confidence in areas of expertise; Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to build good relations both internally and externally; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to dialogue, network and negotiate with industry professionals such as FAO, Govt, research institutions and private sector business professionals; Proven experience in liaising with government officials, other NGOs and donors; Analytical and strategic planning skills; strong organizational skills and an ability to plan projects and timetable activities; Strong team leadership skills and the ability to motivate and facilitate the work of programme teams; Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, SMART, Epi-Info and/or other relevant statistics packages; Demonstrable understanding and experience of cross cutting issues i.e. HIV/AIDS, gender equity issues, Child Protection and their relevance to development work.

Relevant job experience
3+ years related to marketing and business practices especially in the agriculture sector; 3+ years’ experience working on feasibility studies and business plans especially with firms in the agricultural sector; Experience conducting financial analysis of agro-enterprises; Experience working in the private sector and / or with private sector development projects; Clean Class 4 Drivers licence; Ability to drive a motorbike

To apply
Qualified and innovative applicants may submit 3 page CV along with names of at least three professional references and a supporting statement of not more than two pages outlining how their qualifications and experience will equip them to succeed in the specific role. Applications should reach The Human Resources and Administration Officer at: [email protected]

Please note this is an urgent recruitment and shortlisting shall be done as applications are received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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