ZOA is an international non-governmental organisation with its head office in the Netherlands. ZOA has been working in Sudan since 2004. Its current focus is on post-conflict recovery and rehabilitation and ZOA operates programmes in North Darfur, East Darfur, South Darfur and Gedaref State, covering the sectors of food security and livelihoods & Economic Development, Integrated Water Resources Management and Education. 

PURPOSE of the POSITION:

The Agricultural Business Advisor will be responsible for the technical design for both the rainfed agricultural approach of the programme and the promotion of inclusive partnerships between smallholder producers and agro-businesses. The technical design should contribute to the increase in production and income of smallholder producers. 

S/he will ensure the capacity of smallholder farmers and agro-MSMEs is developed and learning mechanisms are established that guide field activities, facilitate evidence-based adaptive programming, and contribute to good practice and policy recommendations on building food systems resilience through the development of inclusive, equitable and nutrition-sensitive food systems. The Agricultural Business Advisor builds up and maintains a strong network with the private sector and other stakeholders. 

This is a hands-on advisory role in which the Agricultural Business Advisor works closely together with the team members during implementation. 

• Provide technical guidance to program staff and consortium partners, ensuring that the programme’s technical approach, methodologies, and activities are technically sound, feasible and contribute to the success of the programme 
• Develop or adapt practical training manuals (in collaboration with research stations, climate smart centres, research and learning institutions, etc.) to fit the context and scope of the SIPRA project on Climate Smart Agriculture, agricultural Value chain development, market information systems, food system resilience and natural resource management
• Provides and facilitates training to programme staff and partners staff on food system resilience, good agricultural production practices with a focus on Climate smart agriculture, agricultural Value chain development, market information systems and natural resource management
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with all consortium partners staff, national and local authorities, international and national organizations as well as technical focal points in food security and agriculture business
• Responsible for establishing and supporting Business 2 Business platforms, facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and strengthen relationships with relevant stakeholders
• Provide advice and technical support to smallholder farmers and agro-MSME’s on business planning, routine operational and financial management 
• Conduct forums to engage with business owners’ representatives, producer associations, government policymakers to deliberate on how to make the policy environment more conducive for collaboration with smallholder farmers and agro-MSME’s
• Engage with Food Security and Livelihoods Coordinators of all consortium partners, donors and other agencies to ensure consistency with cluster priorities and for effective collaboration  
• Contribute to the national food systems dialogue in Sudan and lobby for the establishment of a dedicated Multistakeholder Platform for Food System Resilience
• Provide business coaching and mentoring to the Challenge Fund grantees and assess and monitor field reports on their progress 
• Contribute to the technical review, presentation and active dissemination of SIPRA knowledge products through relevant fora and events
• Collaborate with the MEAL team to ensure that FSL relevant indicators are tracked and accurately reported 
• Support in the technical tools’ development for project monitoring as well as actively engage in supportive field morning and joint monitoring with partners and relevant government stakeholder 
• Contribute to and review project reports 
• Engage with other organisations (NGOs, UN agencies, business etc.) about agriculture and private sector engagement 
• Any other task assigned by the supervisor 

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• The employee is responsible for the security of the activities that belongs to his/her own position and duties. The employee is also responsible for reporting security incidents in accordance with the process description for reporting data incidents of ZOA. 
• The employee has her/his own responsibility to work in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation in her/his position.
• The employee will handle careful with personal data, confidential information and (information) systems.

AUTHORITY:

SUPERVISES:

• Inclusive Business Officer – Khartoum

CONTACTS: 

External contacts

• Relevant INGOs, UN agencies, and government stakeholders as deemed necessary for the smooth implementation of the project 
• As directed by the Supervisor

Internal contacts 

• Team members from the programme department of ZOA and consortium partners in Khartoum and the programme offices
• ZOA Headquarters personnel as required
• Operational staff (finance, HR etc) in Khartoum

COMPETENCIES:

Identity:

• The candidate is expected to support the identity, vision, and mission of ZOA

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Science, Economics or any related field from an internationally recognized University; Master’s degree preferred
• At least 5 years of experience working on international development programmes to improve production and incomes 
• Demonstrated experience in the rainfed agriculture value chain development, private sector engagement, Markets for Poor (MP4) approach in the Sudan context 
• Demonstrated experience of successfully linking smallholder farmers and agro-SMEs to private and public sector actors and markets
• Demonstrated experience in developing the capacity of staff and partner 
• Proven experience on coaching and mentoring agricultural businesses 
• Good facilitation skills in trainings, workshops including developing and delivering training and group consensus building
• Good command of English and Arabic is essential

SKILLS:

• Advanced MS office skills
• Ability to work with programme staff of different background and skills in a productive and cordial manner
• Ability to communicate lessons learned and findings in a constructive manner
• Being able to work under pressure and meeting deadlines
• Independent, self-starter; makes informed decisions without constant direction
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to report good quality report

ATTIUDE:

• Being flexible to adjust to different contexts and requirements
• Advisory and participatory attitude
• A highly ethical work standard
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-religious setting. 

 SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Up to 50% of time required to travel to programme locations in Sudan (including those of the consortium partners)

The candidate will subject to Membercheck /COTER procedures, which is against Government Sanction lists to verify that the candidate is not on any of these lists. This counter-terrorism check is a requirement of Donor Government Regulations and is therefore an important part of an employee’s ability to fulfil his/her employment requirements before signing the Employment Contract with the Organization.

Full applications must include the following:

1. A motivation  letter stating the reasons for applying.
2. CV including educational, professional training and work experience.

WE OFFER:The salary scale for this position is K7,USD2059 per month.

Do you need more information: 

For more information: El Tayeb Omer El Tayeb, email: eltayeb.omer@zoa.ngo , and please make sure that you mentioned the job title in the email.

• Interested and you want to apply:

Applicants should submit full documents before 01/12/2022 to HAC Labour Office at Khartoum or through Sudanjob.net

ATTENTION: 

• Females and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Females and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• High flexibility to work on weekends, holidays and after office hours when required.
• This position is for one year subject to renewal based on performance and availability of funding.

This position is only for Sudanese