CURRENT JOB OPENING, NIDPRODEV, SATURDAY 26, NOVEMBER 2011

NIDPRODEV seeks a Business Development Specialist (BDS) for its Oxfam Novib funded Livelihood and Governance Programme in the Niger Delta (ONLAG). This 5 year programme is designed to improve livelihoods in 20 communities of 4 LGA’s of Isoko South and Warri North, in Delta State, and Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa in Bayelsa State. The programme provides beneficiaries with skills training, cooperative formation, access to microcredit and business development services. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about, and committed to, development of the Niger Delta. The potential BDS should be comfortable with water travel and/or should have experience working in riverine communities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Investigate the economic conditions surrounding small business activity, such as industry trends and competition;

Conduct extensive market research prior to business start up and continue gathering information throughout the life of the business;

Provide market access and link cooperatives to viable market opportunities;

Monitor performance of the the various businesses, design need based training and orientation from time to time for project beneficiaries;

Provide information and access to high yielding seedlings and raw material to project beneficiaries;

Facilitate microcredit linkages; www.nigerianbestforum.com

Carry out regular visits to the project communities to provide on the ground support.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
 Minimum a Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Agric Economics or related field;

At least 5 years experience in community economic development, microcredit, capacity development, women’s groups and agro-businesses;

Through understanding of cooperative formation operations and processes;

Programme/project management skills; www.nigerianbestforum.com

Networking and partnership development;

Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation and Microsoft applications is an added advantage.

TO APPLY
 Interested applicants should submit a CV and accompanying cover letter in a single file to office@nidprodev.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications are being accepted through December 2011.