Network Facilitator

Agri-ProFocus needs an inspiring and entrepreneurial Network Facilitator! 

Agri-ProFocus is an international network with Dutch roots that promotes and drives entrepreneurship among farmers and their organisations. We believe that primary producers worldwide are the key to local economic growth and sustainable agri-food systems, and food security for all. 

Our network is active in the Netherlands as a partnership with 35 member organisations, and in 13 countries in Africa and Asia through local networks called ‘Agri-Hubs’. 

Active network partners include producer organisations, agri-business companies, NGOs, knowledge institutes, financial service providers and government agencies. 

Agri-ProFocus enables local and international agri-business actors to enter into new markets, strike business deals and form effective partnerships. Additionally, the network facilitates its members in professionalising and innovating farmer-oriented services and provides a platform for debate and learning. 

To strengthen the Agri-ProFocus team (9 FTE), of which 4 network facilitators, we are looking for a network facilitator with the following profile: 

Role of the Network Facilitator

As Agri-ProFocus network facilitator, you are based in the Netherlands and facilitate the development of 3-4 Agri-Hubs, together with the country-based Agri-Hub coordinators. This implies working as a team in business brokering, facilitation of knowledge exchange, development of specific (online) innovation communities, and brokering in partnerships among network members. 

Additionally, you support policy and advocacy activities surrounding agriculture and development. Moreover, you proactively connect knowledge and business opportunities across Agri-Hubs and link with the Food & Business development dynamics in the Netherlands. 

Essential Skills and Competencies

You are an “entrepreneurial facilitator” with over 10 years of work experience, of which several years in “connecting organisations and institutions” around joint agendas for action and learning. You easily communicate across sectors: private, public and civil society. 

You have an academic background (MA/ MSc) in rural development or related fields and a strong affinity with Food Security and Agri-Business agendas and networks.  Several years of working experience in Africa/ Asia and fluency in spoken and written Dutch and English are essential requirements. Knowledge of French and/ or Portuguese will be considered an advantage. 

We are looking for a person with excellent analytical skills, someone who thinks and acts strategically and is at the same time service-oriented and pragmatic. You have a focus on ‘getting things done’ and possess excellent communication and relationship management skills. Finally, we expect you to be able to work under pressure and capable of handling multiple priorities. 

Responsibilities

• In complementarity with the respective Agri-ProFocus Country Coordinators, to implement the Agri-ProFocus strategy in 3-4 Agri-Hubs. This will require regular travel abroad
• Facilitate development of agenda & action plan for the Agri-Hub business and partnership brokering
• Engaging with relevant external stakeholders in the Netherlands
• Facilitating and developing 1-2  international innovation tracks for a specific expertise area or commodity and, when needed, offer  short-term courses and learning tracks
• Coordinating, organising and co-facilitating network events, meetings and online interaction for regular debate around key (policy) areas in the Netherlands & the Agri-Hub countries in your portfolio
• (Re)present Agri-ProFocus  and country plans in relevant forums and meetings
• Facilitating the development of the online Agri-Hub platforms and supporting country-based network assistants in moderation thereof
• Advising on the development and use of information and communication materials at Agri-Hub level
• Contribution to the strategy development of Agri-ProFocus worldwide 

Offer

Agri-ProFocus offers you a challenging position in a dynamic and international working environment. Although based in Arnhem, the position requires frequent travel in the Netherlands and abroad. We offer a competitive salary, ranging from € 3225 to € 4670 for a 36-hour working week and an excellent package of secondary working conditions. You will be employed by Agri-ProFocus for the initial period of one year. 

Please address your application including your CV and a motivation letter, to Mr Roel Snelder (Director of Programmes) and send it to mhennemann@agri-profocus.nl before November 5th, mentioning ‘Agri-ProFocus network facilitator’ in the subject line.  For more information about this position, please contact the Director of Programmes:rsnelder@agri-profocus.nl/ 026-3542057 or 06-38498030. Interviews will take place in November. An assessment will be part of the selection procedure. 

For more information about our organisation, have a quick glance at www.agri-profocus.nl