Program 

Sustainable AgriFood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS)’ program aims to promote gains in food security and livelihoods through a demand-driven approach, with locally appropriate value chains developed in a co-creation process with communities and organizations. SASAS will deliver a range of activities in Kassala state engaging private and public sectors to create demand-pull agricultural development, induce technology change and sustainable value chain development. The project is funded by USAID.

General Position Summary 

Mercy corps is looking for an experienced, qualified and business oriented Sudanese to fill in the position of Agribusiness Development Officer. Reporting to the Program Manager, the holder of this technical position will implement aspects related to agribusiness development and ensure synergy with other components. She/he will ensure commercialization of small holder farming practices and enterprises and link farmers to markets for products and other market-oriented opportunities such as contract farming. 

The incumbent’s responsibilities will include businesses’ capacity assessment and research; capacity building support to program targeted agribusinesses including technical assistance, mentorship and coaching; and facilitating linkages to supporting services. He/she will also use market systems development approach to stimulate economic growth to create increased income and build wealth for farmers while maximizing investment from the private and public sectors. Additionally, he/she will work with key market players to ensure capacity building of farmers, agribusinesses and farmer institutions and linkage to market players. He/She will contribute to analytical thinking and innovative approaches and will support integration of all SASAS program components.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (implementation, partner capacity development and oversight).

• With support from the Project Manager, periodically conduct detailed analysis
  of the capacity, key opportunities &constraints for agro input trader, commodity traders, tree nursaries and cooperatives.
• Identify the capacity gaps of small and medium businesses, design and implement most feasible, tailored capacity building interventions based on identified gaps.
• Offer continuous technical guidance, capacity building support, mentoring and coaching to agribusinesses that the program is working with.
• Facilitate the formation and development of farmer institutions (groups, cooperative societies and unions) into viable business units and capable of meaningfully interacting with market actors
• Participate in markets systems assessment, validation workshops and stakeholder platforms/events in in collaboration with program manager.
• constraints 
• Support market actors to develop approaches/modalities to support the establishment and/or expansion of the high potential MSME to improve last mile service delivery of inputs, financial services, information, output markets etc. 
• Facilitate the development and implementation of short-term strategies to create linkages between market actors (i.e., training providers, technology providers, inputs suppliers, PHH equipment suppliers, producers, traders, processors, cooperatives, financial service providers) to improve outreaches in the target communities for increased production, income and resilience.
• Facilitate the implementation of the impactful activities by market actors to create job opportunities for youth and women in target areas.
• Conduct regular field visits to assess activity implementation progress, give technical advice / mentor and provide feedback(s) to farmers, partners, staff for further improvement.
• Closely work with supervisor and MEL team to develop of results chains, monitoring tools/ measuring indicators, milestones development, and monitoring/ reporting of output and outcomes.
• Ensures the program properly captures, documented and updated relevant information including through weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual and activity reports and contribute to donor reports.
• In collaboration with supervisor, work to build and maintain close relationships with key partners, (government, private sector, associations and local authorities.
• Engage relevant stakeholders (government, extension services providers etc.) to ensure farmers receive adequate quality trainings and adopt Resilient Agricultural practices.
• Facilitate program partners in development and capacity building of support establishment of last mile agricultural supply points and networks.
• Any other tasks assigned

Security 

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning 

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. 

Accountability to Beneficiaries 

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically 
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability 

Reports Directly To: SASAS Project Manager

Works Directly With: Director of Programs, Program Performance & Quality Director & MEL Manager

Knowledge and Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness, OR Degree in crop production or Agriculture with advanced degree in business studies or economics OR any related discipline.
• A minimum 5 years’ experience with INGOs and small holder farmers in production and marketing.
• Experience working in market support/strengthening programs or MSD approach is a big advantage.
• Experience in working in the private sector, specifically agriculture input, output and post-harvest materials, or financial services or related field is an added advantage. 
• Experience in Climate smart interventions, agriculture projects and resilience is an added advantage
• Familiarity with national agriculture and livestock sector strategies, tools and approaches is required.
• Strong negotiation, representation, skills and the ability to work comfortably with a vast audience.
• Experience of gender dynamics in target areas and knowledge of national gender policy frameworks
• Demonstrated commitment to women’s rights, human rights and social justice.
• Proven skills in networking, collaboration, community consultation; teamwork and problem-solving.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English and Arabic and representation skills is required.
• Good computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Word, Excel and Power Point 
• Commitment to working with program participants in need regardless of race, religion or gender.

Success Factors 

The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary. A professional standard of program, finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential. The post must be willing to travel to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites. 

Females are highly encouraged to apply.

Please submit:

• Application Letter
• Copy of educational certificates
• CV
• Experience certificates

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. 

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today. Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.