FAO Business Development Specialist (National Expert)

Title: Business Development Specialist (National Expert)
Duration: 34 person-months
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall technical supervision of the Chief, AGS, Lead Technical Unit (LTU), the immediate supervision of the CTA and the operational guidance of the FAQ Representative in Kenya, will be responsible for management and implementation of project activities.
In particular, will:

  • serve as deputy to the CTA for the day to day management of the project and coordination of planning, implementation supervision of activities to ensure efficient provision of both administrative and technical support services;
  • participate in workshops and planning exercises, contributing to the planning process on issues related to business models appraisal, business planning, business services provision, and strengthening of producer-SMAE linkages;
  • take immediate responsibility for timely and high quality implementation of the pie- and post-intervention surveys and participatory stakeholder appraisals;
  • organise and provide oversight for institutional assessments, value chain benchmarking, and business models appraisals; provide technical support as needed by project partners;
  • identify training needs and design trainer-of-trainer and frontline training programmes in collaboration with project partners and

  • service providers in aspects of business management, marketing and value addition;
  • assist in the training of target clients in management aspects of group organisation and technical matters relating to the provision of business services;
  • arrange and organise study tours both within and outside the business development pilot sites;
  • facilitate the organisation of the stakeholder meetings and workshops;
  • prepare work plans, periodic progress reports and a Terminal Report as and when required;
  • maintain close liaison with implementing partners and advise the CTA on the most appropriate partners for involvement in project implementation.
Qualifications and experience:

Essential:
  • advanced university degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics or a related field;
  • seven years of relevant experience relating to enterprise, value chain, agribusiness or agro-industries development.
Selection criteria:
  • extent of relevant experience in enterprise, value chain, agribusiness or agro-industries development in developing regions;
  • depth of understanding of agribusiness development with specific reference to producer-buyer linkages and SMAE management;
  • demonstrated ability to work effectively with the public and private sectors induding NGOs;
  • extent of experience in supporting implementation of field projects;
  • quality of both oral and written communication skills.
Duty Station: Nairobi with extensive travel in-country
FAQ is an equal opportunity employer; qualified women are encouraged to apply.
Acknowledgements will only be sent to applicants in whom FAQ has a further interest.
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications may send their application letter, and a detailed CV clearly marked Business Development Specialist not later than 21st June 2010, addressed to:
Office of the FAO Representative in Kenya
No. 12 Peaceland House
Hill View Rise, Hill View Estate
Off Lower Kabete Road
P0 Box 30470, 00100
Nairobi Kenya

Email: Vacancy-Kenya@fao.org