Business Sustainability & Upgrading Specialist (BSUS) - Processors

• Support implementation of the VINES Project with an emphasis on cross-market functions, tailoring assistance to partners, conducting due diligence and monitoring implementation.
• Build the capacity of targeted actors through the provision of Business Development Services covering technical, managerial, business and advocacy capacity.
• Facilitate innovation and pilots that promote inclusive business models (establishing/strengthening smallholder sourcing networks, improving distribution efficiency to increase access for marginalized populations) and enhance linkages among market actors.
• Build the managerial capacity of actors in business planning, marketing strategy development, governance of the board, improved member relations and development of members in the Farming as a Business concept.
• Provide clients (processors) with technical assistance, training, tools and methodologies to ensure their optimal performance and sound management.
• Contribute to facilitating stakeholder engagements, meetings and forums.
• Provide sector-wide training in market analysis, profitability analysis, value proposition design and testing, business planning, financial record preparation and supply chain upgrading plan preparation.
• Identify and deliver technical and financial training and BDS support required to complement commercial finance for the partners’ co-investment.
• Provide customized business and technical advisory support to partners.
• Contribute to project activity reports and TechnoServe internal monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL).
• Collect and report data and support Microenterprise Counselors to collect accurate data from beneficiaries based on the project MEL plan, plus any other duties assigned by your supervisor.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, economics, business or a related field with an excellent academic record.
• At least 5 years of experience in the agricultural value chain, rural development and/or rural finance; private sector experience preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding, skills and experience in market systems development programs and facilitative approaches.
• Experience working with MSMEs, producers, producer organizations, traders, wholesalers, retailers and consumers.
• Experience facilitating linkages and relationships between the private sector and government.

Skills & Competencies:

• Detail-oriented, with strong project and team management, organizational, analytical and quantitative skills.
• Significant interpersonal and communication skills, especially in multicultural and multi-ethnic contexts; adept at building relationships with multiple stakeholders and developing high-level relationships.
• Strategic thinker, strong team player and consensus builder.
• Highly computer literate with excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Preferred: financial and business modeling, facilitating multistakeholder platforms, and fluency in at least one local Ugandan dialect.

The role is based in Kasese with frequent travel to remote rural locations.