Business Development Officer - Nou Forest Ecosystem Management Project

Farm Africa’s mission is to reduce poverty permanently by unleashing African farmers’ abilities to grow their incomes and manage their natural resources sustainably. A core part of our strategy is to ensure that our interventions are both economically sustainable and scalable. The Sustainable Nou Forest Ecosystem Management Project is a partnership programme jointly implemented by Farm Africa, Tanzania Forest Service and the District Council Authorities of Babati and Mbulu. The project’s overall objective is to alleviate poverty of forest-dependent communities in Babati and Mbulu Districts, Manyara region. Specifically, the Project will empower forest-dependent communities as co-managers of the Nou Forest ecosystem through sustainable land use planning, participatory forest management and implementing livelihood activities, therefore enhancing their resilience to climate change. We are currently seeking a Business Development Officer to lead project efforts to support farmers living in and around the Nou Forest to develop sustainable forest-friendly enterprises in beekeeping, mushroom farming, raffia weaving, tree nurseries and other sustainable forest conserving enterprises linking them to long term market opportunities. She/he will support participatory forest research groups (PFRGs) in the 33 villages to develop environmentally-friendly income generating options. Ensuring sound business plans for each enterprise with the view of capturing good profit margins, Identification of new market opportunities, facilitating farmers to supply to new markets, and training farmers on how to add maximum value to their products. Strengthening leadership and management of farmer associations oriented around these businesses, Support establishment of savings and credit schemes and link with finance providers such as PRIDE, FINCA, SEDA and FAIDA MALI which are able to offer relatively large loans. Close collaboration with the government extension officers. We are seeking someone with a proven track record in INGOs with at least 3 years practical and proven experience and knowledge of working in marketing and business development, value chain assessment, linking small holders with viable markets and also with experience in group mobilization and development of group savings products A Prospective applicants should have a degree level qualification, preferably in business development, agri-business, marketing, rural development or related issues If you are interested in this role, more information can be found in the job description. If you would like to apply, please submit a maximum 3-page Curriculum Vitae, a one page application letter with the reference: ‘2015 BDO – Nou Forest’ in the subject line to: Country Director Farm Africa Tanzania through email jobstanzania@farmafrica.org

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