Local NGO

Deadline: 14 May 2021

Duty station: Gweru

Reports to: Programs Manager

A local non-profit making organization is seeking suitable trained and qualified applicants to fill the post of Business Development Officer. The organization is a national membership private voluntary organization that was formed in 1978, with the main goal of promoting, facilitating and supporting the achievement of socio-economic rights of women in Zimbabwe. It is registered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare as a PVO (W.O.45/78) and has a membership of over 25 000 women countrywide. Since its inception, it has adopted a pluralistic, participatory, sustainable and holistic approach to women’s empowerment and development. Through its programmes in agriculture and food security, entrepreneurship and business development, capacity strengthening, research, information dissemination as well as advocacy and lobbying. The organization has contributed to policy changes and made a life changing positive impact to thousands of households around Zimbabwe.

Overall duties

To plan, coordinate, facilitate, implement and monitor the Business and markets development components of the GREEN EBDP in order to achieve set project goals. Activities include implementation of the, start and improve your business concept Internal Savings and Lending (ISALs), facilitating market development and linkages, study circles methodology, ICT based market information, linking ISAL groups with Formal Financial Institutions and promotion of commodity associations and Savings And Credit Co-operatives.

Specific Duties

Responsible for mobilising, supporting, training, supervising and technical backstopping of ward facilitators on Start and Improve your business, Internal Saving and Lending (ISAL), Financial literacy, SACCO, Commodity associations and study circles; Facilitate formation and implementation of Internal Savings and Lending groups; Facilitate awareness and formation of SACCOS; Mobilisation of entrepreneurs into commodity groups; Establishment and training of district commodity associations for commodities identified and entrepreneur associations for renewable energy and rural housing; Facilitating market development and linkages for entrepreneurs; Identification of lead entrepreneurs; Facilitate establishment of demonstration sites; Facilitate linkage of entrepreneurs with public and private extension service providers; Facilitate specialised training for lead farmers; Facilitate linkage of ISAL groups with Formal Financial Institutions; Organise Rural youth and woman Entrepreneur of the year competitions; Liaison and ensuring good relations with all relevant stakeholders in the district including, public and Private Sector and traditional leaders especially at ward and district level; Training of ward facilitators in on use of android tablets; Training of entrepreneurs in use of ICT for market information; Facilitate establishment of district market linkage associations; Facilitate establishment of information centre; Implementation of study circles methodology; Plan and facilitate internal and external exchange visits for district entrepreneurs; Participate in the production of audio visual materials related to farmer activities in the Green EBDP; Participate in district coordination meetings and attend any key stakeholders meetings where organisation presence may be required; Compile reports narrative monthly, half yearly and annual reports as may be required.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience required

Degree in Business Studies, Agricultural Economics, Finance, Commerce or any other related field; At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role in the NGO Sector; Excellent training and communication skills; Clean class 3 driver’s licence and riding experience.