About CRS Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic Community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of Emergency Response, Health, Agriculture, Peace Building, Youth Livelihoods, Education and Capacity Strengthening.

Context:

This program will strategically draw upon the expertise of a pool of local, regional and international volunteers with expertise in multiple project-related areas. These Agri volunteers will be selected to serve in well-targeted, short-term, high-impact volunteer field assignments which will support capacity building and peer-to-peer technical exchange. The project will leverage local volunteer expertise from within Liberia, while also tapping into global networks within the West Africa region and from the United States.

Job Summary

The Business Development Specialist is expected to provide direct capacity strengthening support to agricultural processors (rice, cassava, cocoa) and aggregators to enable them to formalize their business model and scale their impact while fostering the competencies necessary to secure access to finance. The [Advisor/Specialist] will also assist in the assessment and development of strengthening plans for targeted producer organizations and agro-dealers, to increase investment readiness.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Business Strengthening Support

• Assess capacity gaps for targeted aggregators and processors in the rice, cassava and cocoa value chains, and develop a capacity building plan for each.
• Based on individual capacity building plans, support targeted aggregators and processors to execute these plans. This may include business planning support, creation/revision of governance structures, marketing and commercialization support, financial/accounting recordkeeping support, financial modeling, etc.
• Support the assessment and development of capacity building plans for targeted producer organizations and agro-dealers. Support these organizations, as requested by program staff, with direct business strengthening support.

Coordination of the project Volunteer Support

• Based on organizational capacity building plans, coordinate with project staff to draft scopes of work for specialized project volunteer support, including in general management, marketing, product development, food science, food safety, and other topics, as required.
• Monitor volunteer recommendations and incorporate them into each organization’s ongoing capacity building plan to supervise execution.

Financing Support

• Closely monitor organizations to identify financial constraints and appropriate financing options. • Conduct research to identify financial products available from local financial institutions and/or impact investors to meet needs of target organizations.
• Develop relationships with relevant financial sector actors to enhance linkages with target organizations.
• Provide training and support to financial institution staff, as applicable, on outreach and education strategies to market products to agricultural value chain actors.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Statistics or related discipline required. • Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in management consulting, financial services or a related field.
• Previous experience providing business and finance consulting or related services. • Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
• Demonstrated experience providing business capacity strengthening support, building quantitative financial models and drafting business plans.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• In-depth understanding of business management, finance and accounting principles. • Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence.
• Proactive, resourceful and results oriented.
• Exceptional computer skills, including fluency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities – None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: The Project Staff

External: CRS partners, Project beneficiaries, Donors and other identified key stakeholders.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carriers the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and the vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested and qualified applicants should send their applications including a cover letter with phone numbers and email address, Curriculum Vitae, copies of relevant diplomas/certificates and the contact details of three (3) professional references to: The Country Manager, Catholic Relief Services, 16th Street, Sinkor, Gardiner Avenue, Liberia, through email: LR_HR@crs.org.

Note: Due to the many vacancies posted by CRS, each vacant post has a code highlighted red in the job title table. All applicants kindly reference only the post code in the Subject line when applying for said position. CRS will only accept electronic submission of applications.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ALL APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 11, 2020 @ 2:00pm.

**This position is contingent on funding and is open to Liberians only. Females are highly encouraged to apply **