BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AT SGDI

About Company:

Sahei Gender Development Initiative (SGDI) is a Nigerian non-governmental, not-for-profit organization committed to advocating for and promoting access to essential services for vulnerable populations. The organization focuses on key areas including WASH, Protection/GBV, Livelihood and Empowerment, Waste Management, Health and Nutrition, Climate Change, and Peace-building. Through strategic partnerships, SGDI implements programs aimed at improving the quality of life for vulnerable children, women, girls, men, widows, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and individuals with disabilities.

Job Description:

The Business Development Officer will lead the design and execution of strategies aimed at strengthening market linkages, supporting enterprise growth, and facilitating the development of viable business models for smallholder farmers and cooperatives under the WFP-funded project.
This role involves direct engagement with farmer groups, local partners, and private sector stakeholders to identify market opportunities, connect beneficiaries with buyers and financial services, and enhance their skills in business management, marketing, and financial literacy.

• Carry out market assessments and value chain analyses to uncover economic opportunities for smallholder farmers and cooperatives.

• Design and implement strategies that enhance access to markets, buyers, off-takers, and input providers.

• Assist farmer groups and cooperatives in crafting, reviewing, and executing business plans aligned with their production capacity and market prospects.

• Deliver training and mentorship on business development, marketing, financial literacy, and recordkeeping to project beneficiaries.

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with private sector players, financial institutions, and key stakeholders to strengthen market linkages.

• Oversee and coordinate business development interventions across Sokoto and Katsina States, ensuring consistent implementation standards.

• Collaborate with the program and MEAL teams to monitor and report on income-generation and market engagement indicators.

• Support the collection and documentation of success stories, innovations, and lessons learned in enterprise development.

• Represent the organization at local economic forums, trade fairs, and stakeholder engagements to promote rural enterprise and market access.

• Champion inclusive and climate-resilient business models that are gender-responsive and locally relevant.

• Ensure accurate documentation and timely submission of technical reports, training documentation, and activity updates.

• Work closely with the FSL Coordinator and other technical units to ensure coordinated and high-impact project implementation.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in business development, market systems strengthening, or enterprise support—preferably within rural or agriculture-based settings.

• Proven ability to develop and implement business plans for cooperatives, smallholder farmers, or micro-enterprises.

• Demonstrated success in facilitating market linkages between producers and buyers, including working with off-takers, agro-dealers, and financial institutions.

• Experience in delivering training and mentorship on business management, marketing, and financial literacy to grassroots or community-based groups.

• Familiarity with donor-funded initiatives (e.g., WFP, FCDO, USAID) and a solid grasp of project cycles, donor compliance, and reporting standards.

• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains and rural economic dynamics in Northern Nigeria, especially in Sokoto and Katsina States.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.

• Additional certifications in entrepreneurship, value chain development, or financial inclusion are highly desirable.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of rural market dynamics, agricultural value chains, and inclusive business development models.

• Demonstrated expertise in crafting and supporting business plans tailored to smallholder farmers and cooperative groups.

• Strong facilitation and capacity-building skills in areas such as business development, marketing, and financial literacy.

• Skilled in conducting market assessments and leveraging market intelligence to guide program design and implementation.

• Excellent interpersonal abilities with a proven track record of fostering partnerships and maintaining effective relationships with private sector stakeholders, cooperatives, and community leaders.

• Capable of simplifying and effectively communicating complex business concepts in culturally appropriate ways.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong competence in report writing and documentation.

• Well-organized with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with digital platforms for market mapping or business analytics is an asset.

• Fluent in English; working knowledge of Hausa is an added advantage.

• Upholds a high level of professionalism and integrity, with a strong commitment to SGDI’s core values of service, inclusion, and accountability.

Salary

Application Closing Date: 25th July, 2025

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates should click below to apply. Note: Only applicants whose competencies meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.