The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an international    non-profit organisation working with diverse partners to develop agricultural solutions to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. IITA is headquartered in Nigeria, with offices located in other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana.

Job Summary

IITA-Ghana is seeking a Business Development Officer to work on the Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) and Putting Nitrogen Fixation to Work for Smallholder Farmers in Africa (N2Africa) projects respectively.

Responsibilities

•   Establish strategic framework for sustainable agricultural input business development.
•   Identify existing partnerships and initiatives in agricultural input business sector.
•   Identify business opportunities and prospective and potential successful business alliances.
•   Establish multi-stakeholder platforms on legume crop value chains and establish business incubation partnerships.
•   Prepare technical and non-technical reports.
•   Supervise and train research technicians on appropriate data collection.
•   Assist with organising workshops and meetings with partners and stakeholders.
•   Identify opportunities for fundraising and assist in applying for grants for business development.
•   Conduct and oversee advocacy for business development and promotional campaigns.
•   Report to project management on development and achievement in promoting business development.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   MSc in business economics, agricultural economics, agribusiness management, business administration, entrepreneurship, development economics and other related disciplines from a recognised university.
•   A minimum of 4-5 years of experience in agribusiness development.
•   Demonstrated skills in facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms in the context of input-output markets.
•   Ability to manage and satisfy multiple and sometimes conflicting organisational, partners and other stakeholder demands.
•   Good writing and verbal communication skills in English and other local languages in northern Ghana.
•   Excellent computer skills and knowledge of statistical packages for agribusiness analysis.
•   Good team player and adaptable to working in multi-cultural team.
•   Demonstrated skills in developing strategic plans and partnerships in the agricultural sector.

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Applications which must include covering Setter, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to:

The Country Representative
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

by email to:

iitaghana@gmail.com

Closing Date: 31 December, 2014

•   Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply
•   Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted