Enterprise Development Coordinator at Heifer International

Heifer International's mission is to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. Dan West was a farmer from the American Midwest and member of the Church of the Brethren who went to the front lines of the Spanish Civil War as an aid worker.

Function
The Enterprise Development Coordinator will share his or her agribusiness technical expertise and operational experience with Farmer Owned Agribusinesses (FOABs) e.g. farmer cooperatives, self-help groups, and other growing enterprises: to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to develop and run successful enterprises 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 & Deliverables
Enterprise Development (50%)

Design and manage the implementation of the enterprise development strategy, along with reviewing and updating it as appropriate.
Work closely with the field coordinators and technical experts to design and update training packages/modules, business plans, and sustainability models, and training materials for different levels.
Conduct assessments of local enterprises and FOABs within the target market systems to identify training needs and opportunities for capacity development.
Mentor and coach producer organizations on business and entrepreneurship development.
Offer technical support in exploring business opportunities along the value chain of the selected commodity and in preparing business plans for cooperatives, self-help groups, common interest groups, and farm families.
Build innovation in business development for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, etc., to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Coordinate value chain studies of selected commodities as required.
Coordinate economic analysis of proposed enterprises along the relevant value chain.
Offer technical support in establishing and operating market structures (e.g., collection centers, market centers, processing facilities, chilling centers, etc.).
Provide support in establishing marketing information systems among value chain actors.
Prepare periodic reports and document best practices and lessons learned.
Build the capacity of project staff, partners, and stakeholders in enterprise development principles and practices through training and mentoring.

Stakeholder Management (20%)

Actively facilitate and monitor pre-cooperative/producer association orientation activities in the self-help groups and clusters as they develop into Farmer Owned Agribusinesses (FOABs) and Cooperatives.
Facilitate farmer groups in the formation of cooperatives and FOABS.
Design, develop, and deliver training packages/modules.
Provide technical support in formalizing FOABs.
Develop an institutional framework for FOABs with clear linkages to the self-help groups.
Develop 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.
Foster innovation and entrepreneurship within partner enterprises by promoting new ideas, technologies, and approaches to business development.
Facilitate the partnership between the producer organizations and other partners/stakeholders.
Represent the organization in relevant forums, networks, and working groups to share knowledge, build partnerships, and promote collaboration in enterprise development efforts through guidance from the project manager.

Cooperative Values and Principles (15%)

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 non-Heifer members to fully understand 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 PSRP and reinforcing values.

Planning, Reporting, and Documentation (10%)

Develop and share monthly, quarterly, and annual Business performance and progress reports, success stories, case studies, lessons learned and best practices with the Project Manager for submission to the Country office.
Participate in project team and national business meetings, to help plan, and deliver on the project objectives as appropriate.
Participate and represent the organization in learning and development forums at the county and regional level, and ensure best practices are documented and shared.

Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor (5%)

This will be dependent on the specific duties assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in the fields of Agriculture Economics, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Rural Development, Enterprise Development, or another related field.
Five (5) years of field and technical experience with a commercial sector, farmer cooperatives and/or agribusiness development in a mix of economic growth/trade,
Experience in the implementation of projects within value chain competitiveness or market systems development approach.
Demonstrable experience in value chain and blended financing is essential, and experience in access to finance or investment promotion will be an added advantage.
Demonstrable innovation in the area of agricultural value chains.

Preferred Requirements

Experience in identifying and building public/private partnerships, preferably in the agricultural sector.
Strong marketing, financial analysis, and management skills.
Strong hands-on experience in managing or providing technical support to producer organizations.
Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based projects.
Excellent command of report writing, analysis, and presentation skills using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Track record of building strong client and stakeholder relationships.

Most Critical Proficiencies

Clear understanding of the Poultry and Livestock value chain.
Innovative, analytical, and solutions oriented.
Knowledge of enterprise development, market systems approach, and linkages to poverty alleviation.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, and proficiency in English and other local languages.

Essential Job Functions & Physical Demands

Preparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with great attention to detail.
Ability to understand, appreciate, and implement Heifer’s Value-Based Holistic Community Development.
Demonstrated creativity with the ability to incorporate innovative solutions and systems thinking.
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 tight deadlines.