FUNCTION
The Enterprise Development Coordinator will be a key lead in supporting the project through his or her operational and technical experience working with off-takers and agribusinesses to ensure that various market actors within the selected value chains have the knowledge and skills to develop and run successful enterprises that include farmer-owned Agribusinesses and cooperatives. The Enterprise Development Coordinator will report to the Project Manager.
ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS
Heifer International Kenya is looking for an energetic, positive, team player, result-orientated, quality-orientated, collaborative, pragmatic, and inspirational leader.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES
Enterprise Development (40%)
Lead in the design and manage the implementation of the enterprise development strategy for the project, along with reviewing and updating it as appropriate.
Work closely with the other project coordinators and technical experts to design and update capacity building packages/modules including business plans for the various market actors in the project.
Facilitate capacity assessment and develop capacity development plans for the farmer-owned agribusinesses (FOABs).
Facilitate and offer technical backstopping on the mentorship and coaching of FOABs programs through a sustainable and efficient model.
Support the farmer-owned agribusinesses in enterprise prioritization by coordinating economic analysis of proposed enterprises along the relevant value chain as and when necessary.
Offer facilitative technical support in establishing and operating market structures (e.g. aggregation centers, processing facilities,)
Provide support in establishing marketing information systems among value chain actors.
Facilitate the development of innovative business models for rangelands within the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) region for the red meat value chain along natural resource management, fodder, pasture and water management mechanism
Stakeholder Management (30%)
Initiate the process of potential client identification; recruitment; selection and screening using an agreed project eligibility criteria in the red meat and poultry value chains.
Manage FOABs and other market actors' relationships through regular visits to identify their capacity needs.
Linking FOABs to relevant market actors, building sustainable business relationships, and market systems and ensuring consistency in business engagement between FOABs and relevant partners.
Facilitate farmer groups in the formation of cooperatives and FOABS.
Design, develop, and deliver training packages/modules.
Provide technical support in formalizing FOABs.
Facilitate in development of the institutional framework for FOABs with clear linkages to the self-help groups.
Facilitate in development of guidelines for the formation, management and governance of FOABs.
Facilitate the capacity building of the FOABs and management in effective and efficient decision-making, financial management, human resource management, operation, strategic planning and implementation, conflict management and democratic governance.
Facilitate the partnership between the producer organizations and other partners/stakeholders.
Participate in policy dialogues with relevant stakeholders within the red meat, poultry and rangelands to identify relevant policies affecting the projects for redress.
Cooperative Values and Principles (10%)
Actively facilitate the development of a producer association values and principles orientation kit that incorporates Heifer's Cornerstones and Cooperatives Act and by-laws.
Facilitate the producer/cooperative associations in the orientation of new members to understand cooperative principles and values.
Guide cooperatives in establishing a system for the fair distribution of benefits.
Guide cooperatives to be competitive in the ecosystem.
Guide cooperatives in conducting periodic Participatory Self Review and Planning (PSRP) and reinforcing values.
Planning, Reporting, and Documentation (15%)
Coordinate relevant research within the project along the selected value chains including market research, and competitor analysis to identify new business trends, to inform project implementation and market actors' support.
Prepare periodic reports and document best practices and lessons learned as required.
Coordinate with FOABs and other market actors in the collection, collation and entry of business performance data into Heifer's Integrated Project Management System (IPMS).
Participate in all project team planning meetings.
Participate in learning forums at the county and regional level, sharing project implementation models, successes and lessons learnt.
Proactively promote and market the KLMP project objectives, model and successes amongst various stakeholders.
Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor (5%)
Contribute to business development/ resource mobilization activities.
This will be dependent on the specific duties assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Agriculture Economics, Business Administration, Rural Development, Enterprise Development, or another related field.
At least seven (7) years of field and technical experience with the commercial sector, agribusiness development in a mix of economic growth/trade, value chain competitiveness, investment promotion, or SME development.
Demonstrated experience in the implementation of development projects using a market systems approach is highly desired.
Preferred Requirements
Significant experience in providing business development services and enterprise capacity building to SMEs, Cooperatives and other businesses, preferably in the agricultural and livestock sector.
Strong consumer marketing, financial analysis, and management skills.
Strong hands-on experience in managing or providing technical support to producer organizations.
Experience working within the livestock industry.
Experience working with agropastoralists and pastoralists within the ASAL areas.
Experience in supporting and working on field-based projects.
Track record of building strong client and stakeholder relationships.
Demonstrated creativity with the ability to incorporate innovative solutions and systems thinking.
Knowledge of enterprise development, market systems development approach, and linkages to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Most Critical Proficiencies
Clear understanding of the Poultry and Livestock value chain.
Innovative, analytical, and solutions-oriented.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and the Internet.
Demonstrated proficiency in English and other local languages, both oral and written.
Excellent command of report writing, analysis, and presentation skills using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with great attention to detail.
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands
Ability to understand, appreciate, and implement Heifer's Value-Based Holistic Community Development.
Understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation and ability to communicate concepts clearly with leadership, partners, and staff at all levels.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout project areas.
May require constant sitting and moving, working at a computer for extended periods.
Working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to manage and execute multiple tasks with little supervision while meeting inflexible deadlines.