Job Description
| Reports to: | Country Manager |
| Contract Term: | 2 Years (with possibility of extension) |
| Status: | Full-time |
| Annual Salary: | $17,000 to $20,000 CAD |
| Work Location: | Lilongwe, Malawi |
Formed in 1947, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has focused its efforts on advancing self-reliant, member-owned co-operatives on a global scale. The strength of CDF Canada is grounded in its mission – Acting on Co-operative principles, we partner with communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development – and is at the heart of all strategic activities the organization undertakes. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do! We recognize the immense value that different experiences and perspectives bring to our organization.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Business Linkages Officer will be responsible for facilitating and strengthening business linkages among cooperatives. This role aims to enhance the capacity of smallholder farmers to access existing and new markets and financial services, improve their value chains, and foster sustainable economic growth. The Business Linkages Officer will be critical in strengthening market linkages, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainable business relationships within the Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture Malawi (IAAM) Project. The Officer’s primary objective is to enhance the economic viability of smallholder farmers by facilitating access to markets, financial services, and value-added opportunities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Market Linkages and Value Chain Development
- Collaborate with the Country Manager, Value Chain Specialist, local cooperatives, agribusinesses, and financial institutions to create robust market linkages.
- Identify potential buyers, processors, and distributors for agricultural and aquaculture products.
- Collaborate with farmers and cooperatives to identify and address gaps in their value chains.
- Facilitate partnerships and collaborations to improve production, processing and distribution efficiencies.
- Promote value addition through processing, packaging and branding.
Cooperative Strengthening and Capacity Building
- Work closely with existing and newly formed cooperatives.
- Develop and implement training programs to enhance business skills, cooperative management, governance, and financial literacy.
- Provide one-on-one mentorship and technical support to help farmers and cooperatives improve their operations, marketing, and financial management.
- Facilitate cooperative members’ access to credit and financial services.
Business Development
- Assist cooperatives in developing business plans and strategies to access new markets.
- Support cooperatives in identifying and securing funding and investment opportunities.
Private Sector & Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish partnerships with private companies, including input suppliers, processors, and exporters.
- Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including cooperatives, businesses, government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
- Negotiate fair contracts and pricing arrangements.
- Advocate for inclusive business models that benefit both smallholders and private enterprises.
Market Research and Development
- Conduct market research to identify potential business opportunities and trends.
- Analyze the market environment to understand the needs and challenges faced by smallholder farmers and cooperatives.
- Monitor trends, demand patterns, and pricing fluctuations.
- Conduct feasibility studies for potential value-added ventures.
- Share relevant information with farmers and cooperatives.
- Support smallholders in diversifying their income streams.
- Explore agribusiness opportunities beyond traditional crops and aquaculture.
Networking
- Facilitate networking events, workshops and meetings to connect stakeholders.
- Advocate for policies that promote fair trade, market access, and rural development.
- Build relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Documentation
- Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of business linkage activities.
- Maintain accurate records of business linkages, cooperative activities, and market transactions.
- Prepare regular progress reports on progress and outcomes of business linkages initiatives for project management and donors.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors or Masters in Business Administration, Agribusiness, Economics, Marketing or related field.
- 5 years experience in business development, market linkages, or agribusiness.
- Strong understanding of market dynamics, value chains, supply chains, business development principles and market dynamics.
- Proficiency in negotiation, contract management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and networking skills.
- Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Sound organizational and project management skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies.
- Ability to work in rural settings and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- High level of proficiency in written and oral English.
COMPETENCY & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
- Experience in project design, implementation, and monitoring.
- Results-oriented mindset with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage budgets and timelines effectively.
- Willingness to travel to remote areas.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and learn from setbacks.
- Prepare regular reports for donors, government agencies and project stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel to various field sites and work in diverse environmental conditions.
- Valid driver’s license.
TO APPLY
We require all applications, including cover letters and resumes, to be submitted through CDF Canada’s web portal.
Application Deadline: Monday, July 29, 2024 4:00 p.m. CAT
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Applicants must be Malawi Citizens or have legal authorization to work in Lilongwe, Malawi. Please note that we are unable to provide visa assistance or offer relocation support for this position.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and unsolicited communication will not be accepted.
CDF Canada is committed to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or age.