Project overview

E4Impact Foundation is one of the implementing partners in the ARABIKA project. ARABIKA stands for Action to Re-launch Agriculture and Branding Internationalization of Kenyan coffee In and out of Africa and the project focuses on the coffee supply chain by acting on the quality improvement component, capacity building of farmer cooperatives and branding / marketing of their coffee produce. We are looking to contract a local expert in commercial networks who will be responsible for implementing the following tasks:

Main tasks

• He or she supports the Project Lead in the development of annual, quarterly and monthly work plans (including Gantt, budget forecasts, travel plans, etc.) related to the Training and Branding components of the project.
• Supports the Managerial Trainers in the conduct of training, mentoring and the creation of links with suppliers, distributors, buyers for the activity “Improvement of the basic managerial skills of beneficiary coffee growers and training on good governance practices dedicated to farmers’ organizations, with particular attention to transparency and product traceability.
• Identifies in each county economic operators with whom the cooperatives can establish commercial networks and partnerships and in particular: Suppliers of inputs such as fertilizers, tools, seedlings and whatever else is necessary to increase the quality and quantity of production and reduce costs; Providers of technologies and technological services relating to the monitoring of cultures; Providers of technological services aimed at improving access to credit for cooperatives and
  their members; Value-added companies capable of providing eco-pulping, roasting, packaging and similar services; Providers of digital platforms for the online sale of agricultural products and coffee in particular; Coffee wholesalers and distributors; Companies active in retail; Any other operator in the coffee value chain who can contribute to adding value to coffee and increasing its selling price.
• Facilitates the structuring of collective agreements between the aforementioned subjects and the cooperatives benefiting from the project.
• Supports the eventual implementation and monitoring of such agreements.
• Supports cooperatives operating in the same county in structuring collaborations aimed at: Buy wholesale services and inputs by reducing their price; jointly negotiate the sale of coffee to obtain better prices.
• Creates relationships with large international coffee buyers operating in Kenya.
• Supports the Brand Manager in conducting the affiliation campaign of the cooperatives and their members to the established brands through the Branding component.
• Supports the Project Lead in the preparation of narrative and economic reports.
• Any other activity that may be required by the project in line with the profile.
• Work closely with finance department to ensure activities conducted are within cost eligibility, in line with the timesheets and within the approved budget.
• Seek and foster collaborations with other actors/partners within specific landscapes to create synergies in activity implementation.
• Ensure implementation of the annual work plan within the set date lines with support of the project manager.
• Build capacities of Farmers organizations and SMEs to comparatively market their produce to structured market channels.
• Develop and implement strategies and interventions that can help in establishing stronger and sustainable linkages between farmers and the formal markets.
• Strengthen business partnerships among the selected commodity value chain actors and service providers.
• Coordinate with consortium members to improve market orientation of production and post-harvest practices.
• Provide support on conducting and updating market scans and analyses, as well as in the identification of potential strategic partners.
• Support in awareness-raising on business and investment opportunities in the select value chains, including the dissemination of business models and success stories.
• Facilitate linkages to relevant businesses in the respective value chains (match-making), relevant Business Development service providers, as well as authorities and financial institutions.
• Develop strong relationships with target producer groups, cooperatives and MSMEs, identify opportunities for growth and up scaling, contribute to the preparation of investment proposals and plans as necessary.

Qualifications and Professional experience required

• Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Economics or related sectors.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in activities related to the development of commercial networks and business development in general in Kenya.
• Proven experience in managing development cooperation projects related to coffee in Kenya.
• Knowledge of the coffee sector in Kenya.
• Extensive network of contacts with operators of the coffee value chain in Kenya.
• Proven teamwork experience.
• Good knowledge of English and oral and written Kiswahili.
• Excellent ability to use the Office package and Internet.

How to apply

If you possess the necessary qualifications and experience, you can apply by sending your cover letter and CV to hr.kenya@e4impact.org before 19th August 2022 with the Subject line: RECRUITMENT – LOCAL EXPERT IN COMMERCIAL NETWORKS.