Entrepreneurship Development Officer

Farmers for Rural Development (FRDEV) is a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to livelihood improvement of rural farmers. FRDEV aims to promote sustainable agriculture and improve the well-being of the farmers.

FRDEV is looking for the Entrepreneurship Development Officer (EDO), who will work on the project “Towards More Sustainable Food Value Chains in Nepal (SFVC)”. This project is supported by the INGO Triangle Génération Humanitaire (TGH) in consortium with Médecins du Monde (MdM) and aims to transform the current agricultural production and distribution system in at least four municipalities of Ramechhap, Kavre and Sindhupalchok districts through strategies and models of healthy, sustainable and alternative agriculture. This initiative will support medium-term changes in agricultural practices, food markets and the integration of protection and health of targeted beneficiaries. The development and strengthening of agricultural cooperatives will contribute to the creation of economic opportunities, poverty reduction and adaptation to climate change. The project will support the transition to a greener economy, based on the "Farm to Fork" and "One Health" principles. In addition, through the promotion of a risk reduction approach to occupational exposures and the implementation of occupational health services, the health of agricultural cooperative members and their communities will be improved. Advocacy will be implemented on the economic and health aspects to ensure the sustainability of the project. The project started in February 2023 for a duration of 3 years.

General objective of the position: The Entrepreneurship Development Officer (EDO) will be responsible for the implementation of the agriculture and entrepreneurship activities of the project.

Place of work: Dhulikhel with frequent field trips in Ramechhap, Kavre and Sindhupalchok

Line manager: Project Coordinator

Functional links: support team (FIN/LOG/ADMIN), Public Health Officer, 3 Technical assistants and 4 Community focal points, Project Manager.

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Work with the project personnel, government, agriculture cooperatives and other stakeholders for promoting a sustainable food value chain and supporting Zero-chemicals farming initiatives and zero-plastic entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Conduct market studies and value chain analysis for selected agro-based commodities/products, inputs and services.
• Work with agriculture cooperatives and the private sector to strengthen small-scale farms, and micro/small enterprises in order to contribute to income generation activities.
• Work with project personnel and agriculture cooperatives to set up model farms in the target municipalities and establish resource and knowledge centres.
• Promote examples of viable economic models via model farms and resource centres.
• Disseminate the best practices and innovative approaches at the local, provincial and national levels.
• Work with agriculture cooperatives, the private sector, government and other stakeholders to improve access to transport and storage services for the sustainable food value chain stakeholders.
• Develop direct trade partnerships in order to make food products available to the final consumers.
• Raise awareness about project activities, products, and outcomes among stakeholders, partners, and the general public.
• Raise farmers’ awareness about the mitigation of occupational and environmental risks.
• Provide training and conduct seminars, workshops aimed at developing sustainable agri-based entrepreneurship models, mitigating occupational and environmental risk, market networking, establishing linkages, agriculture producer-trader negotiations, exposure visits and other promotional activities.
• Assisting in monitoring and evaluation and reporting efforts as indicated by the project lead.
• Coordinate with the health team and health activities of the project to ensure coherence, efficiency, and relevance in the implementation of the project.
• These roles and responsibilities are not exhaustive and can be adjusted based on ongoing FRDEV needs.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Agriculture/Agronomy, MBA (agribusiness) or related field. Bachelor level in Agriculture/Agronomy or a related field with strong work experience may also qualify.
  
• Minimum of 3 years working experience in the agri-based business development domain working closely with farmers/farmers groups/ cooperatives/microfinance.
  
• Having practical experience in agriculture value chain development.
  
• Experience in organic agriculture or agroecology is an asset.
  
• Strong conceptual, interpersonal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills with working experiences in community mobilization especially focusing on local government, farmers and cooperatives. 
  
• Proficient user of MS Office Pack.
  
• License holder of a 2-wheeler (preferred motorbike).
  
• Ability to provide remote support to field teams/partners when required.

Apply:

If you are interested to work with the rural community, cooperatives and related stakeholders for empowering rural communities in Nepal through an integrated approach to health and income growth project; send your application with your CV and cover letter to frdev.naccfl@gmail.com  mentioning the email subject line “Application for Entrepreneurship Development Officer” by August 7, 2023.

FRDEV shall not entertain any phone inquiries or other such solicitations for this position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The selection will be solely based on the individual's qualifications, professional experience and performance of the candidate. FRDEV reserves the right to reject any or all applications. FRDEV is an equal-opportunity employer.

Commitment to FRDEV’s Child Protection Policy, Anti-fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy and Gender Policy is a formal requirement for employment. FRDEV strongly condemns all corporal punishment or physical violence, threats of physical violence, sexual abuse or exploitation, harassment and verbal abuse, as well as all other forms of intimidation. FRDEV applies a "zero tolerance" policy with regard to all misconduct affecting the professional credibility of its employees: FRDEV staff; partners (local or international) and service providers. This must be respected by the employee throughout the term of his contract, during and outside working hours. The application of those policies is imperative and any breach will result in disciplinary measures.