Capacity Development Officer at Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI)

Job Title: Capacity Development Officer

Tasks of the expert

• We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Business Development Officer to join our team.
• The ideal candidate will have a passion for financial inclusion and a strong background in business development, particularly within food processing, vocational skills training, and the formation and management of VSLA groups.
• This role will involve identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with key stakeholders, and developing strategies to enhance our impact on the community.
• Conduct capacity development of participants (training of trainers, business model design and implementation, establishing linkages to additional business development services).
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with partner institutions and additional business development service providers.
• Oversee implementation of training and provision of additional business development services to MSMEs and ensure all activities are planned and delivered according to WFP standards.
• Support the formation and digitalization of VSLA groups
• Promote innovative food processing along the millet, sorghum, groundnut, horticulture and horticulture value chains
• Promote the creation of decent jobs for youths through agri-vocational skills training.

Key Responsibilities
Market Research and Analysis:

• Conduct thorough market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges within the food processing sector.
• Analyze competitor activities and market dynamics to inform strategic decision-making.

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with our mission of creating decent jobs for the youth and financial inclusion.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand our participants’ client base and increase revenue streams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions that meet the needs of the participants’ target markets.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and food processing businesses.
• Represent the organization (COOPI) at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to promote our initiatives and establish partnerships.

Program Development:

• Work closely with the program team to design and implement initiatives that support financial inclusion for youth and food enterprises run by the participants.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to ensure alignment with program objectives.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare regular reports on business development activities, market trends, and program outcomes for management review.
• Maintain accurate records of stakeholder interactions and business development efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Agricultural Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in business development, preferably in VSLA and food processing in an INGO.
• Strong understanding of financial inclusion principles and practices.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing business strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software.

Application Instructions:

The application deadline is on 31st January, 2025. Therefore, qualified and interested candidates can “CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION” It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply successfully for this vacancy.

Website:

Official Job Website: https://www.coopi.org/

Note: Cooperazione Internazionale is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, especially women.