Market Development Officers x9 GOAL

The Market Development Officer will be responsible for planning, implementation and monitoring of market development activities in coordination with MSD Coordinator within the Busoga and Lango region. The Market Development Officer will support private sector actors to design, test, and deliver a wide range of appropriate services that increase small holder farmers’ employment and food security within the agricultural market system. The Market development officer will be a core member of the INSPIRE Program Team, working in a matrix environment as a technical resource person for integrating market development best practices into the program. This position will join market development officers based in different districts of operation and will closely work with other INSPIRE project staff to ensure proper integrations of all the interventions. This specific position will focus on market systems in agriculture, natural resources and climate adaptation and will also contribute to expertise in having smallholder farming systems more sustainable, productive and resilient to shocks. The Market Development officer will support in development of tools, resources and conduct training and coaching to partner staff to support cross-project learning and the overall technical of inclusive markets portfolio.

Job functions
1. Planning, developing, and implementing market development activities.
• In coordination with the Technical Specialists and local partners, plan, implement and monitor market development activities within the assigned district.
• Support private sector actors to design, test, and deliver a wide range of appropriate services that increase small holder farmers employment and self-employment within the agricultural market system.
• Assist in developing capacity building materials for business, technical and financial capacities as well as participate in capacity building sessions.
• Help execute related field activities to ensure that the programme results are achieved to the highest standard, and that project deliverables are completed as planned.
• Support mobilization and engagement of targeted small holder farmers to fully participate in the programme for sustainability.
• Support partners to identify small business activities for seed support through basic improvements or inputs.
• Identify value-addition opportunities that strengthen economic opportunities, for smallholder farmers in the livestock and agriculture sectors

2. Collaboration/Networking
• Strengthen linkages between targeted groups, private sector actors, farmers associations, micro and small business owners, government agencies, microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and banks.
• Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with Partners and district leadership and local government departments, representing GOAL in district coordination meetings and soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate and as directed by the line manager.
• Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as local government departments, NGO’s and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line manager.
• Participate in the planning of learning and review meetings that bring private and public sector entities together to collectively review and discuss technology developments and innovation.

3. Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Work closely with the district monitoring and evaluation team to capture the required data for measuring output and impact of the programme.
• Ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field and entry in the program PSA tracker and CommCare database and for preparation of communication materials.
• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation. Respond to queries if and when necessary.
• Maintain proper filing system in regard to market development activities of the program.

4. Representation and Coordination
• The MDO is expected to be the focal person for all coordination, partnership and related activities with local level private sector services providers, and related stakeholders within the district of jurisdiction.
• Liaise with local government officials, local NGOs and civil society organizations, and other notables to ensure support for and acceptance of Markets for Small holder farmers market-based interventions.
• Maintain close working relationships with development organizations, and local partners, including representing the programme at district coordination meetings as assigned.

Essential Criteria
• A bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry, Development Economics, Rural Development,
• Minimum of 2 -years’ experience working with the private sector actors
• . Knowledge and experience in business financing for SME’s.
• Highly motivated and motivating individual who can lead SME’s from both the front and behind (depending on the situation)
• Partnership management skills and knowledge

Desirable Criteria
• Some practical experience in working with both very small and medium sized companies in a development setting,
• Knowledge of the agricultural sectors highly desirable
• Experience with market facilitation, supporting systemic change and promoting supporting services indirectly
• Strong communication skills
• Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.