The Market Systems Advisor will play a crucial role in supporting the growth and impact of the BlueBiz youth development program by strengthening market systems and fostering partnerships within the blue economy.
The role involves identifying and promoting private and public off-taker customers for youth-led enterprises, and conducting market analysis to identify opportunities and challenges. Moreover, supporting local partners in enhancing market access and competitiveness for the young participants within crucial value chains (e.g., fisheries, ecotourism, mangrove restoration, apiculture, seaweed farming, and plastic recycling). Additionally, it includes supporting partnerships docket with various stakeholders identification, facilitating training and networking opportunities for youth entrepreneurs, and organising events to connect them with potential partners and customers. Lastly, the position focuses on building the capacity of local partners through tailored training programs and resources that meet the needs of youth entrepreneurs.
Working relationships:
Reporting to the Market Systems and Partnerships Manager, the Market Systems Advisor will work closely with the respective team members – Enterprise Development Advisors, local partners, and private and public organisations identified to ensure the program achieves its objectives.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Off takers Identification:
Developing a database for private and public off-takers customers within target value chains.
Collaborating with the Market Systems and Partnerships Manager and local partners, to present and promote participants’ products or services to prospective buyers.
Provide training and resources to local partners in closing sales to meet or exceed the set targets for the young participants.
Market Systems Analysis and Development
Conduct market research and analysis to identify opportunities and challenges for youth-led enterprises within target value chains.
In collaboration with the Market Systems and Partnerships manager, support the local partners in operationalising strategies to improve market access, competitiveness, and efficiency for these businesses. This includes identifying market gaps, analyzing value chains, and recommending interventions to strengthen market linkages.
Support the implementation of market system development interventions in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Partnership Development and Management:
Assist the Market Systems and Partnerships Manager in identifying, cultivating, and maintaining strategic partnerships with private sector actors, financial institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant organizations.
Develop partnership agreements, manage stakeholder relationships, and ensure alignment of with BlueBiz objectives.
Support partner collaboration and knowledge-sharing to drive innovation and create mutually beneficial alliances
Youth Enterprise Support:
Develop and deliver training programs for youth entrepreneurs on market systems, business skills, and access to finance.
Facilitate networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities for youth entrepreneurs, including, but not limited to, exhibiting their products at relevant conferences, pitching in deal rooms, participating in youth dialogues, etc.
Support organising events (conferences, workshops, networking events) to connect youth-led businesses with potential partners and customers.
Actively participate in relevant events to promote the program and facilitate networking opportunities.
Strengthen the capacity of the local partners to identify and conduct workshops, provide one-on-one coaching, and facilitate access to relevant resources to strengthen the capacities of youth entrepreneurs.
Capacity Building:
Collaborate with the Enterprise Development Advisors to develop and deliver training programs for youth entrepreneurs on market systems and marketing skills.
Ensure that the training content and delivery methods are responsive to the needs and contexts of the target beneficiaries.
Required Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Abilities:
Relevant educational qualification (preferably bachelor level) in Marketing, Sales, Economics, Business Management, or related field and over 3 years of private sector experience working in Marketing, Sales, or associated fields, or in an NGO/government role with an orientation towards private sector development or market systems development.
A proven track record of working with stakeholders in the blue economy or sustainable development sectors is highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience in working with youth entrepreneurs and/or marginalised communities.
Strong understanding of market dynamics, value chains, and business principles.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills.
Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Fluency in English is required. Understanding of Swahili is an advantage.
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