NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

ABOUT FAIRTRADE AFRICA

Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is a member of Fairtrade International and the umbrella network organization representing Fairtrade-certified Producer Organizations in Africa and the Middle East. It has four (4) regional networks – Eastern & Central Africa; Southern Africa; West Africa; and the Middle East & North Africa. FTA currently represents 1,354,294 farmers and workers in 660 producer organizations spread across 28 countries in Africa and the Middle East by providing services to them that contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods.

ABOUT THE JOB

To work with Fairtrade-certified producers to develop new products [from concept to customer] that meet market demand. Offer advocacy and resource mobilization support and interface with key global stakeholders for target Fairtrade products. To optimize producer income streams for increased impact in the medium and long term.

The role requires at least 40% travel to target stakeholders; mainly locally and regionally.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Performance Areas

New Product Development

• Lead and manage the execution of the New Product Development (NPD) process with target organizations, ensuring successive roll-outs of value-added profitable products, to achieve the Directorate’s 2025 growth targets.
• Primarily work with smallholder farmers to develop profitable products for local and regional markets
• Manage consultants and third-party partners as necessary to deliver various aspects of the NPD process.
• Support other stakeholders product launch activities needs as per the marketing workplan
• Onboard incubation hubs to support the New Product Development process

Market Access and Development

• Interface with commercial managers to deliver products for sale as per route-to-market strategy
• Organize entrepreneurship training for farmer organizations in line with the NPD process
• Map out on a continuous basis all market opportunities, consumer trends and competitor activities for Fairtrade products and actively match the markets to the products for onward communication with the producer networks
• Develop company weekly, monthly, quarterly & annual business plans, in conjunction with the Commercial team.
• Track sales and number of products using provided platforms
• Promote Fairtrade products to the target audience through strong linkages as guided by line manager
• Ensure effective communication of NPD process and outcome with relevant stakeholders as guided by the line manager

Stakeholder Management

• Strategic management of key stakeholders’ relationships like commercial managers, programme managers, National Fairtrade Organizations, buyers, government agencies and donors across the globe.
• Collaborate with programme teams to understand and offer business capacity support.
• Through the programme teams, ensure producer involvement in market access strategies
• Represent Fairtrade Africa at various meetings within the Fairtrade network, attending relevant conferences and interactions as required.

Fundraising

• Provide support during market access and value additional project proposal writing opportunities.
• Budget Management – optimize the budget with smart spending by tracking, controlling, and evaluating all spending.
• Actively participate in the Social Impact working group to match producer needs to potential funders.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Key Performance Indicators

• Number of profitable value-added products for sale in the Southern markets
• Sales forecast fulfilment
• Successful funding proposals

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or a related field.

Professional Qualifications

• Project management will be an added advantage

Experience and Knowledge

• At least 5 years of experience in new product development and brand management
• Key account and stakeholders’ relationship management experience
• Experience in working in a matrix organization
• Product launch experience

Skills and competencies

• Demonstrated financial and project management skills
• Strong conceptual and negotiation skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong writing and research skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong business relationships
• Planning and organization skills
• Team player.