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CHF International Enterprise Development Officer

Background 

CHF International in RWANDA is implementing a five year (2011-2016) Integrated Improved Livelihoods Project funded by USAID and locally named Ejo Heza. The project integrates business development skill training in its work with communities through Integrated Saving and Lending Groups (ISLG´s) and Cooperatives. For those seeking opportunities off-farm to supplement their agricultural income, USAID Ejo Heza supports entrepreneurial opportunities. Ejo Heza will identify and mobilize service providers to work within its agricultural value chains and support the development of sustainable business models.
USAID Ejo Heza therefore wishes to hire the services of an Enterprise Development Officer to support activities around these components.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Enterprise Development Officer is responsible for implementation of activities focused on enterprise development. The EDO will mentor and couch staff of our Rwanda Partner Organizations´ (RPO) in strengthening activities within our Integrated Savings and Lending Groups (ISLG´s) and Cooperatives that focus on developing enterprise and agribusiness. 

1. Identify and assess business and market development capacity gaps and technical assistance needs of ISLG´s and cooperatives and set up a capacity building plan.
2. Support in the development and implementation of youth focused enterprise development activities
3. Train RPOs´ Staff & volunteers in Business and Market development to help cooperatives and ISLGs and other beneficiary groups upgrade to business-focused enterprises which are market oriented.
4. Provide direct support to Cooperatives and ISLGs to set up annual or seasonal business planning based on maize, beans, dairy value chains and other businesses.
5. Assess potential business opportunities related to the value chains that the program works in and implement strategies for our beneficiaries and partners to participate.  
6. Support Field Officers to organize and manage agriculture production regarding post harvest handling technologies   and facilitate contracts´ supply negotiations.
7. Support Financial Services Specialist and Agriculture Specialist to evaluate ISLGs and Cooperatives´ performance and support linkages with financial institutions.
8. Conduct regular technical backstopping for partner staff through regular field visits, meetings and trainings. 
9. Support the Financial Services Specialist and Agriculture Specialist to develop and implement active partnership with Business Development Service Providers, Financial Institutions and other National Financial Services Facilitation agencies ( RIF, BDF, PROBA, PSF….) 
 
QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or Rural Development Studies or a related field.
• 3-5 years professional experience, with at least 3 years experience implementing enterprise development or agribusiness programs in Rwanda.  Experience with working with the private sector preferred.  USAID experience a plus.
• Experience working in Rwanda´s key economic sectors involving rural populations, including horticulture (fruits and vegetables), livestock (including dairy), traditional agricultural sectors, agricultural processing, handicrafts, tourism and energy.  
• Practical field experience working with Savings Groups and cooperatives 
• Demonstrated capacity to work with cooperatives, private sector firms and financial institutions
• Experience in youth focused programs a plus
• Ability to work effectively with low income populations.
• Strong report writing, presentation and Microsoft Office skills 
• Excellent English written and verbal skills. Fluency in Kinyarwanda and French preferred. Must be able to read and interpret documents, and communicate with others in the languages indicated to perform job duties effectively.  

Working Conditions 
This position requires travel to the target districts. At least 50% of the person´s time will be in the field. 

How to respond
Interested candidates should submit a one page cover letter detailing their suitability for the position together with relevant educational certificates and names of three current referees. Applications should be sent on soft copy to  ejoheza@rw.chfinternational.org clearly indicating the subject line: Application for the position of Enterprise Development Officer . Applications should be received no later than 12.00 Midday on Friday 5th July 2013.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

CHF International is a member of the Network of International NGOs, NINGO / Rwanda