Position: Business Development Coordinator
Contract: Full Time – 1 year renewable
Project: USAID Community-based Forests Program (CFP)
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Reporting To: Enterprise Development Coordinator
BCP seeks a dynamic, talented individual to manage and grow its Eco-CharcoalTM project (www.eco-charcoal.com ), a commercial venture (with significant community development and conservation co-benefits) started by BCP at the end of 2012, as part BCP’s activities to support its Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project (LZRP) addressing deforestation threats in the area. Currently, the project produces sustainable charcoal in Rufunsa District, which is marketed to hospitality segment (lodges, restaurants) in Zambia; with retail sales starting in May/June 2016. The production takes place on community forests (currently 5 forests totaling over 400 ha) through engaging local producers. The project aims to grow significantly over the next few years by adding more production capacity as well as developing new customer base, including regional export. BCP has invested significant resources to this project and expects Eco-CharcoalTM to become major stand-alone commercial business that will facilitate change in energy production and consumption regionally.
This individual will be expected to manage and grow both production activities in the field and sales/commercial activities at the moment primarily in urban markets in Lusaka. S/he will take initiative, manage a variety of responsibilities a 2-3 members of junior staff, and work effectively within a team, along with completing regular monitoring and reporting activities. This individual will serve as a representative of BCP and Eco-CharcoalTM project both in local communities and amongst customer base. The individual should be comfortable with public speaking, promotional activities, and holding meetings with relevant community, customer, government and partner organizations and individuals.
We are looking for self-motivated, experienced candidates with strong business background who have also some previous rural development experience. This is a Lusaka-based position that will require travel to rural production sites in Rufunsa District (and further later as the project expands). The Business Development Coordinator will be expected to be independently mobile, including the use of motorbikes and vehicles as means of transportation (both in town and in rural areas).
About BCP:
BioCarbon Partners (BCP, www.biocarbonpartners.com ), is a dynamic African-registered and headquartered REDD+ development and forest management company. BCP is a social enterprise that engages in community-focused conservation work that aims to involve and empower local people in the areas in which it operates (e.g. through Eco-CharcoalTM project), so that together they can work as allies in their effort to conserve the landscapes for their benefit. BCP is implementing the Community-based Forests Program (CFP) funded by USAID/Zambia.
Responsibilities:
Eco-Charcoal Production:
Coordinate and supervise production activities and interventions in the field through working with existing Eco-Charcoal Officer based in Rufunsa District, such as:
- Ensure quality of the product through designing and implementing supporting logistics systems (packing, processing, storage, transport).
- Oversee that production and financial data and reports are accurate and up to date.
- Project expansion and recruitment of new producers, which include coordination of public meetings; sensitization activities to community members, and assuring that community project participants possess the skills and tools necessary to support and engage in the project.
- Assist in developing and maintaining positive relationships with local traditional leaders and community stakeholders.
- Ensure to correctly deliver “the message” about BCP and BCP-supported activities, to ensure that there is understanding of and buy-in to the “big picture” aims of BCP and the eco-charcoal project.
- Engage with the responsible government entities regarding necessary regulations and laws.
- Ensure that the project is designed and implemented so as to achieve genuine progress towards BCP’s “big picture” aims for its commercial viability and provision of benefits to community members. Selected activities include:
- Ensure project impacts are measured, demonstrable and documented.
- Assist in development of project and business plans.
Sales, Marketing & Business Development:
Coordinate and supervise sales, marketing, and commercial development activities and interventions through working with existing Technical & Sales Assistant. The tasks would include:
- Supervise and grow existing sales to hospitality industry (lodges, restaurants) in urban markets in Zambia.
- Develop and grow retail segment through supermarket sales, and manage necessary supply chain and logistics.
- Oversee development and application of marketing and promotional activities (branding, campaigns, events, product packaging, promotional materials).
- Prepare the project for export markets (when production allows) by obtaining necessary international certifications (e.g. FSC Certified) and export licenses.
Qualifications & Competencies:
- Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Sales/Marketing, Development or in relevant field.
- Strong relevant experience from private sector (business development, sales/marketing) as well as some exposure in rural development (community engagement, rural enterprises) – both are preferred. Min 3 years of working experience.
- Experience in small business development and social entrepreneurship.
- Strong communication skills—written and spoken—in English and local languages.
- Ability and interest to travel frequently, including rural travel with basic accommodation.
- Positive demeanor; including positive relationships with local communities/government.
- Experience and ability to manage supply chain/operations.
- Understanding and ability to collect and synthesize financial data.
- Experience working on teams; excellent team-work dynamic.
- Self-driven, independent, motivated, responsible, able to take initiative.
- Fluency in English required; Proficiency in additional local languages
- Strong computer and Android phone skills.
- Understanding and interest in the BCP’s mission and aims.
Compensation:
A competitive salary will be offered.
Interested candidates, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining how you match these requirements and your vision to grow this social enterprise to: jobs@biocarbonpartners.com
Application deadline: April 12th, 2016
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Visit www.biocarbonpartners.com for more information.
