Back Agribusiness Development Specialist

SPARK develops higher education and entrepreneurship to empower young, ambitious people to lead their fragile and conflict-affected societies into prosperity. SPARK is a dynamic and growing, international not-for-profit development organization with 100+ staff members, in more than 14 offices around the world. SPARK supports youth with skills so they can find jobs and enables young entrepreneurs in fragile states, to start or grow their businesses.

The goal of knowledge management in SPARK is to identify, capture, organise, manage, share and leverage the collective intellectual capital and expertise in SPARK and our network of specialists, expert organisations etc. in a way that delivers value to SPARK, our partners, donors, stakeholders and our ultimate target groups. Green, digital technology and agribusiness have been identified as strategic sectors and expertise areas in which SPARK aims to boost job creation for young women and men, including refugees in fragile countries. The Agribusiness Specialist shares advanced experience and knowledge in the area of agribusiness development and job creation in SPARK programme implementation and design. The Specialist helps to establish SPARK's agribusiness community of practice (CoP).

The Agribusiness Specialist provides direct support to agribusiness development and job creation activities in SPARK's MSME development and job creation programme in Tunisia and Somalia. In the role of CoP co-lead for agribusiness he/she has a functional (dotted) reporting line to the SPARK Virtual Expertise Manager besides a direct reporting line to the Programme Manager.

The position offers a great opportunity to be deeply involved in business development and (youth) job creation. It is a challenging and exciting position in an international environment and an opportunity to contribute to realising an important impact in Tunisia, Somalia and many other SPARK countries.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Agribusiness CoP Framework Development:

• Develop and refine the Agribusiness CoP Framework, including its goals, objectives, strategies, and performance indicators.
• Monitor and assess the alignment, coherence, and progress of activities within the Agribusiness CoP.
• coordinate, and co-manage the Agribusiness Community of Practice (CoP) core team and core team support.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and learning among team members and stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination within the CoP and with other relevant teams or departments.
• Regularly review and update the framework to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

1. Expertise Support:

• Provide direct expertise support to the program implementation and design teams.
• Offer guidance, technical advice, and recommendations based on agribusiness best practices and industry trends.
• Assist in the development and implementation of innovative agribusiness solutions and strategies.

1. Expertise Analysis and Dissemination:

• Identify, validate, and analyze expertise, lessons learned, and subject matter knowledge generated through the Agribusiness CoP activities.
• Determine the most effective methods of disseminating and sharing this knowledge internally and externally, such as through training sessions, webinars, conferences, expert meetings, publications, and online platforms.
• Develop strategies and plans for reaching and engaging target audiences, including program participants, partners, and other stakeholders.

1. Strategic Knowledge Partnerships and Networks:

• Identify and establish strategic partnerships and networks with organizations, institutions, and experts working in the field of agribusiness development and job creation.
• Foster collaborations and knowledge sharing with partners to enhance program effectiveness and impact.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums, conferences, and events to build relationships and expand the network of stakeholders.

1. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the impact and effectiveness of agribusiness development interventions.
• Collect and analyze data on key performance indicators and report on progress to stakeholders.
• Use evaluation findings to inform program adjustments and improvements.

1. Capacity Building:

• Identify capacity-building needs within the organization and develop training programs and initiatives to enhance staff skills and knowledge in agribusiness development.
• Provide training and mentorship to staff and partners on relevant agribusiness topics.

1. Research and Innovation:

• Stay updated on the latest trends, research, and innovations in the field of agribusiness.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify emerging opportunities and challenges in the agribusiness sector.
• Explore innovative approaches and technologies to improve agribusiness practices and outcomes.

Requirements and Skills

Education and Knowledge:

A bachelor's or master's degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, or a related field.

In-depth knowledge of agribusiness development strategies, value chains, market dynamics, and job creation in the agricultural sector.

Familiarity with relevant policies, regulations, and best practices in agribusiness.

Professional Experience:

Proven experience (typically 3+ years) working in agribusiness development, agricultural economics, or related roles.

Experience in managing or coordinating communities of practice, knowledge management, or learning networks is highly desirable.

Previous experience in working with international development organizations, NGOs, or government agencies involved in agriculture and rural development is an advantage.

Technical Skills:

Strong analytical and research skills to analyze agribusiness trends, market dynamics, and value chains.

Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Familiarity with agribusiness tools, software, and platforms for data analysis, market research, and project management.

Knowledge of agricultural finance, investment analysis, and business planning.

Communication and Collaboration:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including program participants, partners, and experts.

Experience in organizing and facilitating training sessions, workshops, webinars, and conferences.

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team environment.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

Ability to work in dynamic and fast-paced environments, adapting to changing priorities and requirements.

Willingness to travel to project sites, conferences, and stakeholder meetings, both domestically and internationally, as needed.