Agribusiness Coordinator at Self Help Africa Soroti, Uganda

Job Description

Job purpose

The purpose of the job is to facilitate the establishment, nurturing and development of sustainable and profitable agri-enterprise that are aligned to Self Help Africa enterprise development programmes.  The Agribusiness Coordinator will apply market system approaches to improve the competitiveness of small holder farmers to respond to new and expanding market opportunities.

The Agribusiness Coordinator will enhance SHA Uganda’s ability to deliver high impact market and enterprise development programming including: assisting farmer organisations, such as farmer groups and cooperatives in on-farm and off-farm business development; value chain development; developing innovative financial inclusion models and approaches; brokerage of deals between public and private sectors actors (PPPs) and promoting inclusive businesses.

Responsibilities and Activities

R1: Support the development of dynamic and inclusive SMEs that are aligned to Uganda Country enterprise development programmes:

Exploring and developing partnerships with public private sector actors to provide production and market services to smallholder farmers
Supporting the Project Team to facilitate farmer  organizations to evaluate market requirements and develop production plans responsive to market demands.
Facilitating market driven linkages between farmers, input suppliers, off takers of agro commodities, and other value chain actors by establishing business relationships and facilitating deals (both formal and informal) which open new market channels for the farmers.
Providing technical backstopping for the MSMEs through provision of business development services (BDS) and linking MSMEs to BDS services providers.
Provide technical oversight on Farmers Group business plan development  and implementation.
R2: Support institutional and enterprise development for smallholders famers, including off-farm and on-farm businesses

Map and lead surveys of farmer organizations to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Contribute to the development and strengthening of farmers’ Groups  and improve their competitiveness
Conduct refresher and specialized trainings as needed with staff and partners and design necessary didactic materials (manuals, handouts etc.).
Conduct continuous market intelligence and assessments to inform programming including identification of sectors and value chains that have high potential to benefit the smallholder farmers
R3: Facilitate access to financial services for smallholder farmers:

Facilitate the adaptation and operationalisation of rural financial inclusive model e.g. Rural SACCO (RuSACCO), Saving with a Productive Purpose (SWAPP) and Savings and Loan Associations (SLA) financial services model being advanced by SHA Uganda.
Identification and training of institutional and/or individual VSLA services facilitators and/or providers;
Monitoring and ensuring quality of VSLA services delivery to ensure it is in accordance with the adapted model;
Lead the documentation and sharing of lessons learnt on financial inclusive models for this Project
Explore and develop relationships with financial services providers to improve access to mainstream services by smallholders
Undertake exploratory studies/analysis on a broad range of financial services products and their potential suitability for poor targeted by SHA’s work in the region;
Consider and facilitate transfer of standardised financial products (franchise-style) and/or adaptation and adoption of existing financial services products to poorer people targeted by this program in the regions;
Monitor product adoption rates for new or modified financial services products in the
R4: Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL):

With support from the MEL Advisor, ensure enterprises indicators related to SHA RBF are integrated in projects, tracked and annually reported on.
Document and disseminate case studies, best practices on market development activities and lessons on working with private sector for innovative services
Conduct pilot studies and research relevant to the program and aimed at informing implementation and learning.
Support the Project Team with enterprise related data collection, analysis and reporting.
Keeping up-date with new knowledge and developments in inclusive businesses through on-line research and networking, and ensuring these development are understood and included in the project work.
R5: Network and Relationship building

Initiate and manage cooperative and productive linkages with external partners and the donor by ensuring a high level of SHA visibility and branding according to donor guidelines
Support the project partners to understand and practice ethical codes of conduct, that are in line with SHA’s own core values
Participate in national or regional initiatives related to the project sector/theme and this could include planning and other action beyond the project level, and initiate collaboration in these areas with partners and other stakeholders, when appropriate.

Qualifications/Other Requirements:

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agribusiness, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Enterprise Development or related field,
At least 3 years of working experience NGO, private sector or government, at technical level across development programmes focusing on any of the following fields: enterprise development, value chain development, value addition, pro-poor financial services, business management  or agri-business with strong private sector linkages,
Experience and knowledge in the design and implementation of both on-farm and off-farm enterprise development projects for individuals and groups
Experience with a wide range of stakeholder and partner management with national/regional companies; international agencies; community-based organizations; agribusinesses, etc. needed.
Working experience in agriculture marketing with excellent analytical/problem-solving and  research skills,
Skills in training/facilitation of development processes including organisation and mobilization of communities, enterprise development and networking among different development partners,
Strong skills in speaking and writing English with solid computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, power point and email.
Key Relationships

Internal

Project Manager, the Project Team, Technical Coordinators & other project staff
Self Help Africa Uganda Country Programme Staff and administrative staff
External

Farmer groups, youth and women groups, government departments, private enterprises, donors, Civil society organisations
Most Critical Proficiencies:

Excellent communication skills
Ability to work as part of team across different cultures.
Ability to work with minimum supervision and take initiative
Ability to solve problems and take corrective action.
Commitment to international and humanitarian NGO codes, standards and practices