Job pack: Entrepreneurship and Market Linkage advisor

Transcription

1 Job pack: Entrepreneurship and Market Linkage advisor Country Zanzibar - Tanzania Employer Commercial Agriculture for Smallholder Farmers in Horticulture Project Duration 12 Months Job purpose providing technical assistance to local partner organizations in strengthening horticulture producers technical capacity to access market. Contents: 1. Job Description Personal considerations Background and contextual information... 5 Page 1

2 1. Job Description Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge Building and Sustaining working 1. Provide technical advice and coordinate training and ongoing coaching in horticultural entrepreneurship with a focus on value addition and certification to lead producers (ToT) and producer groups. relationships The social skills to build and actively maintain working relationships that foster teamwork and collaboration with others for the benefit of a common goal. 2. Provide technical advice and assistance to partner organizations in the promotion of horticultural commodities, marketing systems and awareness 3. Provide technical assistance and advice to partner organizations to conduct market research and associated studies about market projections, trends and conditions relative to prices and other market factors in order to determine market potentials and improve marketing prospects for horticulture commodities. 4. Provides technical assistance and advice to partner organizations, producer groups, buyers and others in order to develop program operations or resolve problems associated with farmers market programs or marketing systems. 5. Provide technical assistance and advice to partner organization on researches and assembles data in order to support planning, organizing, and development activities associated with new or existing marketing systems. Page 2 Objectives will be confirmed in a three way discussion between the volunteer, employer and VSO in the first three months of the placement. Open Minded and Respectful A non-judgemental approach that values other people and culture. Seeking and Sharing Knowledge Recognition that learning is a twoway and continuous process. Facilitating Positive Change The ability to analyse problems and develop lasting solutions in line with VSO approaches. Adaptability A flexible approach and the ability to adapt behaviour to different situations. Resilience The self-confidence to work with a variety of situations, diverse people and ambiguity. Essential - Qualified graduate (degree or above) in marketing/economics/business administration/ Agri-Business or related subjects with at least 4 years of experience in agricultural development ideally supporting producer groups/ associations - Knowledge of the business practices and agricultural economics - Knowledge of marketing systems and operations in relation to agricultural commodities applied to horticulture markets. - Knowledge of promotional marketing methods and techniques as related to the development and expansion of new or existing markets for agricultural commodities. - Ability to review and analyse statistical data on commodity prices and other market factors in order to project trends and determine market prospects. - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials and the general public in order to promote agricultural commodities. Desirable - Previous experience of working on similar project in developing countries, particularly East Africa - Experience in value chain development methodologies - Experience in Fair-trade and Organic

3 Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge 6. Provide technical assistance and advice in preparation and implementation of marketing strategies with the focus on facilitating market linkage for producers. 7. Provide technical assistance and advice to partner organization in the facilitation of producer-buyer negotiations and provide guidance to forge mutually beneficial agreements/contracts horticulture - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit. - Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. - Listens to others and responds appropriately. - Knowledge of horticulture as applied to the production, processing, and distribution of horticulture product. - Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in order to summarize research and make promotional presentations. Responsible to: CASH Project Manager [Guidance notes delete once complete]: Should be broken down in to Essential and Desirable. Any language requirements should be highlighted here. Page 3

4 2. Personal considerations In addition to the job description, the following information should be used when considering whether a placement is suitable for you. Personal health considerations If you have a significant current or past medical condition and/or you have general concerns about staying healthy as a volunteer, please use this information to assess whether this placement will be suitable for you. All volunteers require medical clearance from a VSO medical adviser before they are able to take up a placement with VSO. Occasionally, VSO may consider that this placement is too great a risk for you in terms of your personal health and you would be advised to consider a different placement. For further guidance about medical assessment and volunteering with a medical condition please see the frequently asked questions on VSO website. Access to medical care and support The standard and quality of local medical care and support available at this placement will depend on its location within the country. Health facilities are likely to be more poorly resourced in rural areas in terms of medical expertise, equipment, infrastructure and regular supplies of medication. However, this may not be the case in the capital city or in a larger town, where in some countries there may be a reasonable standard of medical care. The following gives you an indication of where the placement is in relation to the country office and how easy it would be to make the journey if you were ill. This placement is: In a small town 8 kms from the capital 30 min to travel on good/ bad/ mixed roads. If you wish to discuss your personal circumstances or health concerns in confidence with VSO s medical team before you apply for this placement please contact medical@vsoint.org. Accompanying partner or family: If you have a partner or children who are planning to accompany you to your placement, please use this section to assess whether this placement will be suitable for you. The placement is suitable for volunteers with accompanying partners or children and there are no any restrictions requirements. Motorcycle requirements YES Security information Security guard is required at your accommodation. Also, avoid walking out alone after dark. Avoid displaying expensive cameras etc when walking around. Keep money and valuables in secure bags rather than open pockets when visiting the market or shops. Page 4

5 3. Background and contextual information With the support of EU, VSO started a commercial Agriculture for Smallholder farmers (CASH) project to increase income and Food Security for the poor and marginalized groups in Zanzibar ( January February 2018). Overall, the project intendeds to empower smallholder farmers to participate in higher return markets and transform agriculture from a subsistence activity to a profitable enterprise. The CASH project is being implemented in communities found in Unguja and Pemba Islands in Zanzibar. Specific Project Objects: a) Enhanced sustainable production of vegetable products by smallholder farmers groups for household food security b) Strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers groups for enhanced income generation and capital accumulation through saving and better market access and linkages Expected Outcomes: a) Increased and sustainable supply of vegetable products by smallholder farmers group b) Improved access to and consumption of diverse, sufficient and quality foods by target smallholder household members c) Improved savings and investment levels in the vegetable sector d) Increased volume of sales and mark-up profit levels from vegetable product The main interventional components include: a) Improving smallholder farm production, productivity and quality through extension services and establishment of farmer field school or demonstration gardens on Good Agronomical Practices (GAP) hosted by a group member, farmer exchange learning visits; b) Making optimal use of available cold storage facilities at West District Vegetables Farmers Association (UWAMWIMA) office-one of the partner organizations; c) Agribusiness entrepreneurship skills trainings and market research d) Facilitation of direct market linkages between producers and local hotels or via brokers e) Provision of agricultural soft loans to farmers to increase access to appropriate irrigation infrastructure and larger volumes of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers and relevant equipment and addressing issues of food security and malnutrition in target communities Further information on VSO s work in each of the countries we work in can be found on the VSO website. Page 5