Marketing Specialist ( 2 Year Contract)

Marketing Specialist

Marketing Specialist

CHF is currently recruiting for the position of Marketing Specialist for the Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) project in the Caribbean. The incumbent will work out of the PROPEL regional office in Welches, Christ Church, Barbados. This position has a 2-year term, with a possibility of renewal.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The PROPEL project is an economic growth project which uses the value chain approach within a market-led development framework. The Project operates in the fresh produce sub-sector and seeks to increase the quantity and value of Caribbean fresh produce accessing high-value markets (HVMs) in the Caribbean and internationally. This CAD$20 million initiative, which is funded primarily by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), is being implemented in the Caribbean by CHF, in partnership with the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN) and the Caribbean Group of Youth Business Trusts (CGYBT). Over the course of 5 years and working in 8 countries, PROPEL will support up to 28,000 small scale Caribbean farmers and producers. The Project is grounded in a market-led approach, with producers being supported to access high-value markets (e.g. supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines and airlines), based on agreed quality and food safety standards. PROPEL takes a holistic approach to market access, tackling various challenges that small to medium-sized producers face in delivering fresh produce in a consistent and reliable way, while strengthening relationships between producers and buyers.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to PROPEL’s Project Director, the Marketing Specialist (MS) is responsible for providing advisory and technical support for business development and implementation of PROPEL’s marketing activities. The MS will focus on the short- to medium-term marketing priorities of PROPEL. S/he will identify and maintain relationships with high value market (HVM) buyers with the objective of developing the market for Caribbean fresh produce in and outside of the Caribbean. S/he will also work closely with PROPEL’s Value Chain Specialist, Agronomist, Capacity Building & Training Specialist and Gender & Youth Advisor to align market opportunities with capacity or potential of Caribbean farmers to supply those markets successfully in line with the project’s market penetration targets. The MS will have counterparts in select Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica and Trinidad, to support market research and identification of promising market opportunities in those countries. The MS will have input into and be guided by project-level national market priorities identified for each of the eight countries covered by PROPEL. ESSENTIAL

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the MS will have the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Identify priority fresh produce market needs and opportunities to be supported by the Project

• Establish systems to systematically collect and analyze market information (especially relating to HVMs) on an           ongoing basis and work closely with PROPEL staff to ensure a region-wide, coordinated approach to market                 development.

• Work closely with PROPEL’s Value Chain Specialist, and other project staff, to identify specific market opportunities      and to support the development of Value Chain plans aimed at meeting the needs of HVM buyers.

• In collaboration with other PROPEL staff, facilitate development of strategies and plans aimed at ensuring production    is in line with market demands with respect to quantity, quality, safety, and timing and is informed by an                    understanding of the capacity and potential of Caribbean farmers to supply those markets.

• Facilitate communication and coordination among producers, HVM buyers and other public and private sector             stakeholders.

• Support establishment and lead the functioning of a multi-stakeholder, PROPEL-sponsored Marketing Working Group    (MWG).

• Build and maintain local, regional and international networks, partnerships and business arrangements which              promote market access for Caribbean farmers

• Provide ongoing marketing advice and technical support for the design, planning and implementation of PROPEL         activities.

REQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate degree in business, marketing or in a related field.

• Minimum 10 years of work experience in business and marketing including at least 5 years in the private sector,         preferably in agricultural and/or food-related sectors. Experience in the fresh produce sub-sector a definite asset.

• Experience with value chain approaches and/or supply chain management essential.

• Experience developing business opportunities, negotiating contracts and proven capacity to ‘seal deals’.

• Experience with international development projects and market-led development approaches an asset.

• Relevant work experience in the Caribbean a definite asset, preferably in multiple Caribbean countries.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Good business acumen, including ability to understand market forces and to make quick, informed decisions that       are beneficial to multiple parties.

• Strong leadership, negotiation and mediation skills.

• Familiarity with private sector buyers of fresh produce, national and regional marketing agencies, and relevant           government agencies.

• Understanding of tariff and non-tariff barriers and other trade issues, including how they affect intra- and extra-regional trade and fresh produce marketing.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently as well as a team member.

• Skilled at multi-tasking and advancing ideas/business deals on many fronts simultaneously. 

• Resourceful, initiative-taker and able to operate effectively under pressure. • Available to travel domestically,            regionally and internationally.

• Excellent communications skills and computer literacy.

APPLICATIONS

Suitably qualified persons are invited to    submit their cover letter, CV, and the name and contact information of 3 professional references no later than June 30th, 2013.

Or by mail to:

CHF Caribbean “Westray” Welches, Christ Church Barbados, W.I.

CHF offers competitive remuneration packages and subscribes to the principles of employment equity.

While CHF thanks all applicants for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.