Enterprise Development Coordinator at Heifer International

FUNCTION

• The Enterprise Development Coordinator will share his or her operational experience with a start-up or a small and growing business with other departments toward the common goal of ensuring that project participants, self-help groups, cooperatives, and unions have the knowledge and skills to develop and run successful enterprises and cooperatives. The Enterprise Development Coordinator will report to the Project Manager.
• This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.  

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 capacity assessment and develop capacity development plans for the producer organizations.
• 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.

 Stakeholder Management (15%)

• 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.
• Facilitate the partnership between the producer organizations and other partners/stakeholders.

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 with the Project Manager for submission to the Country office.
• Participate in all project team and national business meetings, to help plan, and deliver on the project objectives as appropriate.
• Participate in learning forums at the county and regional level, and best practices are documented and shared.

 .Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor (10%)

• This will be dependent on the specific duties assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in the fields of Agriculture Economics, Business Administration, Rural Development, Enterprise Development, or another related field.
• Five (5) 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 agriculture development. Experience in the implementation of development projects using market systems approach is desired.

Preferred Requirements

• Significant experience in identifying and building public/private partnerships, preferably in the agricultural sector.
• Strong consumer 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.
• Ability to generate innovative solutions in work situations.

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
• 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.

Essential Job Functions and 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.
• Understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation and ability to communicate MLE concepts clearly with leadership, partners, and staff at all levels.
• Willingness and ability to assign and review the work of direct reports and to use participatory management skills with junior and senior staff.
• 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.