Heifer International is a Non-Governmental Organization whose mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth. We work with farmers and their communities to identify opportunities that deliver living incomes, creating solutions to local challenges that are designed to build inclusive, resilient economies. With Increased productivity of livestock and crops, farmers provide for their families and improve the health of their communities. 

Heifer Project International-Ethiopia (HPI Ethiopia) together with the Ministry of Agriculture implementing an  ELSIPB Project under its RESTORE + signature program of HPI Ethiopia. The overall objective of the project is to help 70,000 rural households (50 % women and 70% youth) are on the path to attain sustainable living income by the end of 2026. The ELSIPB project applies Market Systems Development (MSD) approach to address root causes of the systemic constraints in the poultry market system by designing innovative interventions that improve poultry market efficiency and sustainably benefit more poor households.

Heifer Project International-Ethiopia (HPI Ethiopia) is seeking for a qualified applicant for Access to Finance and Private Sector Engagement Specialist of the ELSIPB project. 

Job Overview:

In the pivotal role of Access to Finance and Private Sector Engagement specialist, the position holder will be instrumental in revolutionizing the financial well-being of poultry farmers and fostering the engagement of private poultry and feed companies in to strong and vigorous linkages and partnership with poultry farmers. 

This position is not just about managing finances, but it is also about becoming a catalyst for change in the rural agricultural landscape. 

The position holder will be at the forefront of bridging the gap between financial services and poultry farmers, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and knowledge to thrive economically. The role involves not only providing access to tailored financial products and enhance public private and producer  partnership (4Ps) but also empowering farmers through education, cooperative development, and strategic financial planning. Her/his efforts will directly contribute to building resilient, self-sufficient farming communities, fostering sustainable growth, and enhancing the overall productivity and profitability of the poultry farming sector.

I. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Facilitate Poultry Farmers’ Access to Tailored Financial Services (45%)

• Direct Financial Assistance to Poultry Farmers:

• Develop and administer targeted loan programs specifically designed for poultry farmers, including micro-financing and credit facilities.

• Offer hands-on assistance to farmers in preparing and processing loan applications, ensuring clarity and compliance.

• Empowering Farmer Cooperatives and Groups:

• Collaborate with poultry farming cooperatives and groups to boost their financial health and operational sustainability.

• Provide training and resources on financial best practices, cooperative governance, and collective business strategies.

• Strengthen the group solidarity of Poultry Producer Groups/Cooperatives by using Heifer’s Value Based Holistic Community Development Approach (VBHCD) and the international cooperative development principles and policies of the Ethiopian Government. 

• Financial Education and Farmer Engagement:

• Lead initiatives to enhance financial literacy among poultry farmers, focusing on topics relevant to their daily operations and long-term goals.

• Organize workshops and training sessions in rural communities, making financial knowledge accessible and practical.

• Tailored Financial Planning and Advisory:

  • Offer personalized financial counseling to poultry farmers, addressing their unique challenges and aspirations.

  • Help farmers, farmer groups & cooperatives to develop business plans, financial plans, manage risks, and explore new market opportunities.

  • Support farmers, farmer groups and cooperatives to keep and maintain their business records.

• Farmer-Centric Financial Market Analysis:

  • Conduct analyses to understand financial trends, opportunities, and challenges in the poultry farming sector from the farmers' perspective.

  • Translate market insights into actionable financial strategies for the farmer community.

  • Together with financial institutions undertake research and analysis for the development of new relevant financial products for smallholder poultry farmers.

2. Facilitate and Ensure Private Sector Actors’ Support for Improved Poultry Business (35%)

• Enhancing Private Sector Engagement:

• Establish strong linkage between the private sectors working on poultry business with project targeted poultry farmers to ensure reliable  input supply and output marketing.

• Catalyze and cultivate the development of 4Ps in the poultry business.

• Together with the private sectors develop various business models and contracts, like out grower scheme, sales agreement, etc. between poultry farmers and private sector.   

• Poultry Insurance Scheme:

  • Foster relationships between Insurance Companies and HPI to develop relevant Insurance product for the project’s poultry businesses (Family Poultry Business, Group/Cooperatives -Poultry Businesses)

  • Facilitate the implementation of poultry insurance schemes by insurance companies for the project’s poultry producer groups and farmers. 

  • Train poultry farmers and groups/coops to meet the requirements of the partner insurance companies.

• Planning, Monitoring and Reporting (15%)

  • Regularly assess and report on the impact of financial services and private sector support programs on poultry farmers’ economic well-being.

  • Use feedback and data to refine and enhance financial support strategies.

  • Prepare monthly, quarterly work plans for implementing in line with the project operational plans and submit them within the expected timelines.

  • Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports and submit to the Project coordinator, within the expected timelines.

  • Participate in compiling of donor reports as requested.

• Any other tasks assigned by the supervisor (5%) 

  • May perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Number of Positions: Three/3/

Reports to: ELSIPB Project Team Leader

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Finance, Development Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural finance and in promoting private sector’s active involvement or engagement with poultry farmers.

• Familiarity with the poultry farming industry and its unique financial challenges.

SKILLS:

• Strong ability to communicate complex financial and private sector engagement concepts in a farmer-friendly manner.

• Passionate about rural development and empowering farmer communities.

• Effective in project management, community engagement, and interpersonal relations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness and ability to work in rural settings and directly with farming communities.

• Fluency in English and other local languages preferred.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants can apply through the link CLICK HERE

Deadline for Application: 21th December, 2023

Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.