Project Officer (PO)- Market Development for Cooling Solutions- 1 Post at DanChurchAid (DCA)

The main responsibilities of the Project Officer (PO) are: 

Project Implementation & Support: 

• Oversee the set up and management of cooling facilities and optimal utilization to enhance profitability.  
• Work with project partners to customize/contextualize the SHF cooling business model.  
• Support the integration of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) in all aspects of the L2V project. 
• Development and execution of detailed implementation plans, having a teaching and facilitative role, staff supervision as well as monitoring and evaluation of the project. 
• Assist in the preparation of procurement plans ensuring compliance with DCA regulations and guidelines. 

Market Development and Value Chain Enhancement: 

• Lead in identifying market opportunities for the target value crops and proactively engage with off takers for market linkages. 
• Facilitate farmer contracting for production of target crops ensuring RBC principles are adhered to during the business engagement. 
• Conduct market assessments to identify potential market opportunities and value chain enhancements related to the project. 
• Provide recommendations for value chain improvements and market linkages. 

Stakeholder Management: 

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to build strong relationships and foster collaboration. 
• Coordinate with county government agencies, financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to secure project financing and incentives. 
• Represent the project team in meetings, presentations, and discussions with stakeholders. 

Project Monitoring and Reporting: 

• Monitor project activities, milestones, and deliverables to ensure adherence to project plans. 
• Prepare regular reports on project status and risks/issues. 
• Identify and escalate any deviations from the project plan and propose corrective actions. 

Other roles and responsibilities 

• Network and coordinate with other field operational I/NGOs, local agencies and County Government and explore / advise on possible areas of collaboration / partnerships to enhance project synergy. 
• Perform any other responsibilities as determined and assigned by the Project Coordinator from time to time. 

Qualifications & Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, agronomy, business administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.  
• A deep understanding of how to facilitate and support export horticulture business for SHFs is highly desired. 
• Previous experience working with INGOs/private sector in areas of project management, business development, entrepreneurship, or market system development.  
• Strong business management acumen with the ability to develop business plans, incubate business ideas, analyse budgets and financial statements. 
• Excellent business negotiation and export related contract management.  
• Experience in business and financial modelling is an added advantage. 
• Proficiency in project management tools and software. 
• Good interpersonal skills and a proven team player.  
• Self-driven and results oriented in challenging rural working environments. 
• Experience in engagement at field/community level and excellent reporting skills.  
• Excellence in English, oral and written. 

Preferred years of experience 

• 6-8 years of relevant experience in business or NGO sector 
• 3-4 years in a supervisory role