Job at TechnoServe

Job Title: Business Advisor

Business Advisor Conservation Cotton Initiative Program, Northern Uganda
In Uganda, TechnoServe is implementing the Conservation cotton program launched in early 2011. The program is a three-year activity that will support cotton and staple crop farmers. The program goal is to improve the incomes of 8,000 small-holder farmers by enhancing farmer adoption of improved production, post harvest and storage practices; profitably integrating cotton and staple crops; increasing farmer knowledge on quality requirements and standards; and improving farmer access to cotton and staple crops markets, in Amuru, Nwoya and Gulu districts in Northern Uganda.

Position Summary;
The role of this position is to support the developing of farmer groups, training farmers in technical and business skills; and creating links to service providers and markets. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Business Advisor's roles and responsibilities will be;
• Work with smallholder farmers, ginneries and relevant private sector to build capacities of farmers to grow and market good quality cotton and staple crops
• Facilitate small holder farmers' training on technical and business skills/practices; and promote farmer driven innovation and adoption of good agronomical and simple business practices at farm level
• Identify and develop profitable markets for cotton and selected staple crops'
• Provide technical assistance to increase market access for small holder farmers, by advising and guiding in technical decisions
• Facilitate the development of business plans for supported famer organizations, primary societies, and SMEs
• Support organisation of farmers in Producer Business Groups and strengthen their group capacity in management and governance
• Establish productive relationship with financial institutions to foster sustainable linkages with Producer Business Groups'
• Ensuring timely execution of set goals and delivery of program targets


Job requirement

Qualification and Experience:
The candidate must possess a university degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness or a related field of study with 4+ years experience in private sector agribusiness management/marketing/finance, SME development and smallholder farmer organizations at grass roots level. The candidate should have proven knowledge and experience of the cotton sector in Uganda in particular regarding farm production practices, farm labour issues and the cotton supply chain. The role requires a self-motivated individual with strong communication, computer skills, leadership and project management skills. The successful candidate for this position will be one who is passionate about helping the poor; believes in hard work, and capable of effectively leading a diverse team.


How to apply

If you are interested and you meet the requirements, apply by EMAIL ONLY to the Country Director at: ugandajobs@tns.org with the position title placed in the subject line and on the application letter. Send ONLY your application letter and resume with names and telephone contacts of three professional referees. All applications must be received by close of business Friday 05th August 2011.
Note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
TechnoServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Women are encouraged to apply