Business Development Advisor at FINDEF

About the Project

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Business Development Advisor to support  the "Strengthening Food Systems to Promote Increased Value Chain Employment Opportunities for the Youth in Nigeria" project. The project aims to create sustainable job opportunities and income generation for young women and men in the agribusiness sector, focusing on sorghum, millet, groundnut, soybean, and horticulture value chains. It is providing capacity building and training in business development, financial literacy, and technical skills, empowering participants to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.

 Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market analyses to identify demand trends, price structures, and potential buyers for products within the targeted value chains. Develop and implement strategies to enhance market access for project participants, focusing on both domestic and international markets.
• Identify and establish relationships with potential buyers, off-takers, and market intermediaries for agricultural products. Facilitate contracts and agreements between farmer organizations, agribusinesses, and buyers to secure market outlets for produce.
• Support the formation and strengthening of producer groups, cooperatives, and other market-oriented structures.
• Work closely with value chain actors, including processors, wholesalers, and retailers, to strengthen linkages and streamline supply chains. Support the development of efficient and effective value chain models that improve market access and product competitiveness.
• Train and mentor project participants in market-oriented production, quality standards, packaging, and branding. Provide technical assistance on compliance with market requirements, including quality control, certification, and food safety standards.
• Develop and manage market information systems to provide real-time data on market trends, prices, and opportunities to project participants. Ensure that participants have access to timely and accurate market information to make informed decisions.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including private sector actors, government agencies, and development organizations. Participate in relevant forums and networks to advocate for improved market access and policies supporting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of market access interventions, including tracking sales volumes, income changes, and market penetration. Report on outcomes, challenges, and best practices, providing recommendations for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, Marketing, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in market development, market access, and linkages, particularly in the agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains and market systems, with a focus on the Nigerian context.
• Proven experience in establishing and managing relationships with market actors, including buyers and financial institutions.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including farmers, businesses, and government agencies.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.