Land O'Lakes Venture37
Land O’Lakes Venture37: is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening local agriculture, helping agribusinesses create jobs and linking farmers to markets. Since 1981, it has implemented over 315 integrated dairy, livestock and crops development programs in nearly 80 countries — creating lasting impact by linking farmers, businesses, and the public and private sector in local and global contexts.
Land O’Lakes Venture37 is the lead project implementer for the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance (NPA) project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The purpose of the NPA project is to establish commercially viable and sustainable forage markets that equitably strengthen the regional competitiveness of the dairy industries in Kenya and Ethiopia. The NPA project in Kenya will be implemented across Central and Rift Valley regions, with an office in Nakuru.
The Forage Business Development Officer will:
- Develop training materials and organize trainings targeting dairy and forage producers and micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) servicing them, in strengthening their business skills and financial literacy.
- Develop capacity building and operationalization of business and marketing plans for MSME’s and forage/dairy farmer businesses
- Build the business case for forage production by developing pricing models and cost of production models.
- Facilitate market linkages between dairy producers, forage producers, and agribusinesses in the project’s target areas.
- Contribute to implementation of improved regulations impacting businesses in the forage sector, including seed certification and importation.
The Forage Business Development Officer will report to the National Coordinator and will be based in Nakuru.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Extension or other relevant fields.
- At least four (4) years of experience in business development, preferably in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
- Experience working in the private sector on topics of business strategy or operations.
- Demonstrated understanding of the policy/regulatory landscape impacting businesses in the livestock/feed sector, such as seed registration.
- Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops and training days.
- Experience in working with different partners, particularly women and youth, demonstrating effective communication and professionalism with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints.
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
This position is open to Kenyan nationals only and is compensated according to Venture37’s local compensation plan in Kenya.