Cooperatives Development Officer- Wajir at Smart Regional Consultants (SRC)

Strategic Responsibilities

• Initiate, develop and recommend strategic changes to the implementation of beneficiary businesses in conjunction with SRC management and SRC consortium partners’
• Identify strategic markets and develop placement strategies for the beneficiary businesses products.
• Develop strategic sourcing relationships with beneficiary businesses including developing the appropriate contracts and sustainable supply chain management approaches.
• Work with SRC consultants and staff members to implement business support services which include financial, business modelling, human resource, production, supply chain, marketing and sales management among others.

Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage the day to day operations of SRC’s work plan activities supported under SRC’s program in the county as well as manage any organizational resources in the SRC county office / business centers.
• Implement the strategies approved by SRC in conjunction with the beneficiary businesses to drive improved business support services including coaching, mentoring and ensure the commercial sustainability of beneficiary businesses.
• On a day-to-day basis track the performance of each beneficiary business in meeting set goals and objectives.
• Support the implementation of a robust financial management system for beneficiary business’.
• Ensure the implementation of effective human resource policies to attract and retain qualified and competent staff for beneficiary business’.
• Promote cooperation between various beneficiary businesses in the county; connect those beneficiary businesses to other business owners who would enhance the growth of a competitive and innovative business environment
• Liaise with the county authorities to smooth the operations of the beneficiary businesses and markets in the county.
• Liaise with the county authorities and other trade associations in the county to offer services from the business Centre.
• Liaise with other program staff of SRC consortium partners’ in the county.

Operational Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all statutory, legal and regulatory requirements in the operations of all beneficiary businesses.
• Ensure that beneficiary businesses maintain high ethical standards and that any incidences of corruption and malfeasance are dealt with.
• Review financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and to determine areas needing improvement and probable interventions to improve beneficiary businesses
• Maintain awareness of the business, economic and political environment as it affects the beneficiary businesses.
• Take remedial action where necessary and informing SRC of significant changes recommended.

Job Dimensions:

Financial Responsibility:

• The holder of the role will oversee the prudent utilization of financial and other resources allocated to their office they oversee in the implementation of SRC programmatic and administrative activities.

Decision Making:

• The role is responsible for decision-making in matters affecting the Business Support component implementation on behalf of SRC within its various programs

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).

Academic Qualifications

• A degree in Agriculture, Food Production, Animal Health, Agricultural Economics, Livestock Management, Veterinary Services, Sales, Finance or any other relevant social science degree

Certifications/ Professional Qualifications

• Professional qualifications are added advantages in business related courses, CPAs, IHRM, CFAs, KIM or other similar professional qualifications.
• Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies
• Member Wardens Association in Kenya, Kenya Institute of Management or relevant Professional Body

Previous relevant work experience required

• At least four years’ work-experience working within Agricultural Value Chains with a keen understanding of challenges facing small-scale holders in those value chains. Demonstrated ability to deal with a wide array of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.