Enterprise Development Coordinator Job ID 1604

Description

Heifer International is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.    The Organization The Organization Since 1944, Heifer International has supported more than 36 million Small Holder Farmer (SHF) families globally lift themselves out of hunger and poverty while caring for the earth in partnership with the communities we serve including Youth & Women. Heifer International is now accelerating its strategic approaches to closing the Sustainable Living Income (SLI) gap for 10 million additional SHF households globally by 2030 using the Sustainable Locally Led Development (SLLD) approach.  In Kenya, we aim to reach 625,000 smallholder farmers, including women and youth against Heifer Africa's target of 6.745 million. Heifer does this through the Sustainable locally led development approach.   The Project  The Transforming Yield through Feed and Fodder Access in Dairy (TYFFAD) Project is part of the Heifer International Kenya (HPIK) Signature Program, Practice for Change (P4C), that aims to increase dairy productivity through enhanced feed production and conservation for increased farmers' incomes. It is a wide-reaching initiative that seeks to create a sustainable and coordinated impact on the wealth and resilience of smallholder dairy farmers in the target locations. As the most important sector in the target counties, the project will prioritize the dairy value chain as the primary driver of resilience while simultaneously supporting alternative livelihoods and fodder/pasture enterprises that will become increasingly important in the region's future. The Theory of Change is structured around three critical outcome areas necessary for a transformative shift in the dairy value chain:

Increased adoption of feed conservation practices in the dairy sector.Improved access to high-quality dairy feeds and fodder.Strengthened feed and fodder supply system that responds to growing demand. The project activities will be implemented in 7 counties (Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Narok, Laikipia and Nakuru) in Kenya, with an operational office in Eldoret.   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.    The Enterprise Coordinator will drive the business development component of the TYFFAD Project by providing technical expertise in developing and strengthening business models and market linkages across the feed and fodder value chain. 
The incumbent will work closely with producer organizations (e.g. Dairy Cooperatives), youth and women entrepreneurs, fodder producers, agrovets, and private sector partners to enhance availability and access to inputs, mechanization, finance, and sustainable business growth.    This role will play a pivotal part in building viable fodder enterprises, promoting cooperative-based business models, and facilitating market-driven solutions that increase smallholder dairy farmers' incomes through enhanced feed and fodder access.    Essential Character Traits Heifer International Kenya is looking for an energetic, positive, team player, result-orientated, innovative, quality-orientated, collaborative, pragmatic, and inspirational leader.    Responsibilities & Deliverables   A. Enterprise Development (30%)  Lead in the design and manage the implementation of the enterprise development strategy for the project, along with reviewing and updating it as appropriate. Facilitate capacity assessment using appropriate Capacity assessment tools and develop capacity development plans for the fodder enterprises Support the establishment and strengthening of fodder enterprises, including producer organizations (POs), youth groups, and SMEs involved in feed production and processing. Facilitate development of business plans, operational manuals, and governance charters for POs and entrepreneurs to ensure sustainability and accountability. Build the entrepreneurial and financial management capacities of farmer organizations and feed/fodder businesses through training, mentorship, and coaching. Support cooperative-based feed production and aggregation models that improve economies of scale and profitability.    B. Market Systems and Private Sector Engagement (25%) Coordinate relevant research within the project along the feed and fodder value chains including market research, competitor analysis to identify new business trends, to inform project implementation and market actors' support. Identify and engage private sector actors (e.g., commercial fodder producers, mechanization service providers, agrovets, and processors) to strengthen market linkages. Facilitate structured supply contracts and co-investment partnerships between farmer organizations, feed processors, dairy Cooperative, fodder producers/entrepreneurs and others, as appropriate. Support development of last-mile input distribution networks and agent-based business models to expand access to affordable feed and fodder. Promote digital platforms that enhance market access, price transparency, and transaction efficiency in the feed and fodder value chain. Collaborate with financial institutions and fintech partners to design and promote innovative financial products for fodder enterprises, youth, and cooperatives, with guidance and leadership of the Heifer's Access to Finance team In liaison with the Access to Finance team, facilitate investment pitch sessions, linkages with microfinance institutions, and blended finance opportunities to stimulate private investment in feed businesses.    C. Inclusive Business Models and Youth/Women Empowerment (20%) Facilitate the development of innovative and scalable business models for feed and fodder availability and access in the dairy value chain amongst the youth/women  Promote youth and women participation in enterprise leadership, value addition/conservation, and last-mile distribution networks. Support the creation of agribusiness fodder production and conservation hubs and mentorship programs to enhance skills, access to technology, and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth and women. Facilitate in collaboration with the access to finance team, design of gender-responsive financial solutions and business models that remove barriers to women's participation in the dairy value chain.    D. Technical Backstopping and Coordination (10%) Provide technical input to enterprise and business components in collaboration with the Livestock Coordinator and Project Manager. Support integration of climate-smart and digital innovations in business operations and value chain interventions. Participate in project planning, review meetings, and technical backstopping visits to ensure quality implementation.    E. Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning (10%) Coordinate with dairy cooperatives, fodder producers, and other market actors in collection, collation and entry of business performance data into Heifer's Integrated project management system (IPMS).  Support collection and analysis of data related to enterprise performance, profitability, and market outcomes. Participate in all project team planning meetings  Participate in learning forums at the county and regional level, sharing project implementation models, successes and lessons leant.  Document case studies, success stories, and lessons learned for internal learning and donor reporting. Collaborate with the MEL Officer to monitor enterprise-level indicators and adapt strategies for continuous improvement.    F. Other Duties (5%) Contribute to business development and resource mobilization efforts by leveraging learnings and evidence generated from the project.    Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Management, Cooperative Development, Enterprise Development, or related field. 
(A Master's degree will be an added advantage.) At least six (6) years of demonstrated 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 enterprise development, agribusiness, or market systems development programs in the agriculture/livestock sector highly desired. Strong background in private sector engagement and facilitating partnerships between farmer organizations, off-takers, processors, and input suppliers. Proven record in promoting inclusive business models, particularly for youth and women in agribusiness. Experience in donor-funded programs with results-based management and reporting.    Technical SkillsProficiency in enterprise development tools, cooperative governance, and business modelling. Understanding of dairy sector dynamics, feed and fodder systems, and market linkages. Knowledge of digital agriculture tools and ICT-enabled business solutions. Strong analytical, facilitation, and networking skills.    CompetenciesEntrepreneurial and results-oriented mindset. Excellent communication, negotiation, and partnership-building skills. Strong commitment to Heifer's values of inclusivity, transparency, and local ownership. Ability to work effectively in a multi-county, multicultural, and multi-partner environment. Innovative, analytical, and solutions oriented. Excellent oral and written communication skills Excellent command of report writing, analysis, and presentation skills using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.     Essential Job Functions and Physical DemandsPreparing and presenting documents in a well-designed and attractive format with great attention to detail. Demonstrated creativity with the ability to incorporate innovative solutions and systems thinking. Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout project area. 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 sometimes.    Key Behavioural CompetenciesAccountabilityProfessional Excellence HumilityCustomer OrientationEmpathy Innovation  

Deadline for Application: 26th December 2025 

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