Business Development and Market Linkage at SNV Netherlands Development

Job Description

• The Western region Business Development and Market Linkages Advisor will be responsible for facilitating market linkages for start-up entrepreneurs and/or existing MSMEs. S/he will closely coordinate and work together with the Skills Development Advisors in the GrEEn team, the Energy and Agriculture Advisors in the regional offices, as well as the Incubation/Acceleration Advisor at the national level.

Duties & Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Business Development and Market Linkages Advisor will include the following:

• Provide support on conducting and updating market scans and analyses, as well as in the identification of potential strategic partners.
• Support in awareness-raising on business and investment opportunities in the Green and Circular Economies, including the dissemination of business models and success stories across SNV’s three focal sectors (Agriculture, Renewable Energy and WASH).
• In close collaboration with the Energy and Agriculture Advisors, as well as the Incubation/Acceleration Specialist, facilitate linkages to relevant businesses in the respective value chains (matchmaking), relevant Business Development service providers, as well as authorities and financial institutions.
• Develop strong relationships with start-ups and MSMEs, identify opportunities for growth and upscaling, contribute to the preparation of investment proposals and plans as necessary.
• Support team members and service providers in the creation and running of a Challenge Fund to support the testing of green and inclusive business models.
• Assist team members in monitoring and evaluation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in one of the following: Agribusiness; Economics; Business Administration; Finance and/or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years working experience in developing and facilitating inclusive business models.
• Working experience in market systems development and facilitation.

Competencies

• Ability and demonstrated experience of designing and appraising business cases.
• Strong analytical and risk assessment skills, including financial modelling skills.
• Knowledge/Experience in the following areas desired:
• Value chain and supply chain analysis and development
• Working with youth, women and/or migrants
• Agri-business
• Training and coaching
• Experience in youth and women entrepreneurship programs.
• Ability to build productive internal and external working relationships, good networking skills
• Pro-active work attitude and 'can do', solution- and results-oriented attitude.
• Ability to prioritise multiple assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, to meet deadlines, to exercise good judgment and to effectively communicate with management.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Affinity with SNV’s mission, as well as with the Agriculture, Renewable Energy and WASH sectors.