Alan & Grant - Our work is focused on creating innovative HR and Organizational Development Solutions aimed at Performance Improvement & Business Growth. We currently serve clients across various sectors of the Economy in from locations in Jos, Port Harcourt and Lagos.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Agro-Processing Lead
Location: Abuja
Industry: NGO/Social Services
Job Description
The Agro-Processing Lead will be assigned to work with the Office of the Vice President to help to establish enterprises for agro-processing and provide technical and business development services to service centre operators and cooperatives to ensure they are functional, sustainable, and able to meet food safety and regulatory standards.
The role will require travel across Nigeria, and potentially to a few international locations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop recommendations for how to increase investment in agro-processing in the targeted value chains and states based on knowledge of industry and market needs, present and future to support crop production
Promote agro-processing investment by the private sector in the targeted value chains and states; including post-harvest handling, aggregation, storage and certification.
Develop guides / templates for service centre operators on packaging and presentation of products based on industry knowledge
Support the smooth and effective rolling out of the programme to secure private investors in the service centre operators and assembly plants under the Green Imperative
Work with industry to understand how post-harvest products can be converted to value
Ensure a strong market link between agro-processors and input providers (farmers)
Ensure a supportive business development eco-system for service centres to perform market-oriented processing for value addition of target commodities
Assist service centre operators, including farmers’ organisations, in identifying and applying appropriate value addition and processing technologies
Ensure a supportive eco-system of support for strengthenng of community-based groups, associations, cooperatives, and enterprises for processing
Requirements
Experience, Qualification and Skills:
At least 8 years’ professional experience in agribusiness market systems, agro processing and supply chain management, food safety, preservation and storage, agriculture, and/or fortification including deep private sector experience, including in a manufacturing setting, preferred
Undergraduate degree in Business, Management, Agriculture, Food Sciences, Nutrition, Food Engineering, or Food technology, Agricultural Economics, or related disciples
Master’s degree in, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural mechanisation, Business, Management, Finance or related disciplines
Deep understanding of the agro-processing sector, with knowledge of relevant topics, such as: food production and processing, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), worker safety, finance for growing businesses, and food systems value chain development
Firm knowledge and experience of Quality management systems certification such as ISO
Experience setting up agro processing businesses
Proven track record in providing technical and/or business solutions to agro-processors, with experience implementing or advising on smallholder sourcing models
Excellent understanding of value chain analysis, development and Good Agricultural Practices
Strong project management, construction coordination and analytical skills preferred
Proven track record in planning, implementing, and promoting farm mechanisation projects, plans or programs
Strong team leader with proven field operations management experience
Strong administrative and organization skills, commitment, attention to detail and strong forward planning skills
Hands on approach to work, with the ability to deliver on deadlines in a fast-paced and fast-changing environment, with minimal or no supervision
Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Effective inter-personal and leadership skills with an ability to develop and foster relationships across a wide range of diverse and senior stakeholders
Ability to operate and succeed in a highly political environment;
Strong analytical and management skills, including sound knowledge of strategic planning and project management tools;
Ability to use own initiative and actively look for opportunities to have an impact rather than simply be reactive
A decent understanding of how governments, businesses and international development organisations operate and how to succeed in them
Good knowledge of Microsoft Office products Word, Excel and PPT and other relevant software and tools
Drive, motivation and ability to consistently achieve results in a fast-paced environment.
Experience of living and working in developing countries is desirable but not essential.