Winrock International is looking to invite suitable candidates to become part of its team for Pakistan Agriculture Development (PAD) Project. The candidate is expected to bring in passion and expertise as “Manager Investments and Partnerships”.
As part of PAD project, Winrock is implementing an in-kind grants program that is aimed at providing infrastructure and inputs support to potential partners on a cost sharing basis. The position is expected to take up one of the most important aspects of grants program that is to ensure long term sustainability of the proposed activities. The incumbent is expected to bring in expertise to help establish viable business models as well as provide support both before and after grants execution to ensure that the proposed business plans are implemented in its true spirit.
Job Summary:
- The Investments & Partnerships Manager will focus on leveraging current relationships and building a pipeline of new prospects and opportunities to build sustainable and meaningful partnerships for PAD project in-kind grantees that create shared value.
- Will work with the PAD team, appropriate partner organizations and other actors to develop a comprehensive Investment & Partnership framework, develop, manage and foster relationships between PAD Project beneficiaries & non-beneficiaries and corporate partners.
- Closely coordinate with Grants Manager and Business Development Specialist to identify market opportunities and promote linkages among the value chain partners to facilitate transition from supply to market driven production through an economic pull in the form of price premiums for better quality and consistent supply of produce.
Essential Functions:
- Develop tailor-made and innovative corporate strategies and tactics for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a portfolio of corporate partners. Lead the development, implementation and maintenance of private sector partner strategies and plans.
- Lead the identification and cultivation of relationships with new potential private sector partners.
- Identify specific investment opportunities and develop project implementation strategies accordingly.
- Will provide input and support in investment mobilization strategies, workplan implementation and matching grants program to meet the targets under this component of project.
- Identify potential opportunities offered by end markets and the private sector buyers in end market(s).
- Design & implement interventions that leverage the interconnections between PAD Project grantees and the improved inputs and services they need to be able to improve quality and produce competitive products for end markets.
- Develop a network of lead firms and SMEs and an implementation plan for engaging them.
- Analyze and enable relationships among actors that translate into shared benefits to incentivize new investment in market systems.
- Coordinate with Grants Manager to provide technical oversight for grants made to project beneficiaries in Sindh & Punjab and link with its Partnership and Investment Strategy.
- Measure results continuously and amend strategy according to the market challenges.
- Communicate effectively to all stakeholders to ensure full support from relevant partners in executing the strategy.
- Develop strong business relationships and networks with key players in the agri-business market including links with key customers as required.
- Work with PAD partners and beneficiaries including farmer groups and traders including exporters to enhance their capacity for selling/exporting their produce at competitive prices and thereby enhancing their profitability.
- Liaise with marketing support institutions, trade bodies and other support agencies, institutions and projects for assisting project beneficiaries and partners for enhancing marketability of their produce.
- Work closely with Marketing Specialist to facilitate the establishment and strengthening of all strategic market linkages across the target value chains, including those between farmers and agribusinesses and processors and subsequently between downstream processors, traders, exporters and retailers resulting into buyer seller formal contracts where possible.
- Conduct primary and secondary research activities to support the design and implementation of market linkages and access programs under the PAD Project.
- Take part in the development of programs and assist in activity implementation including development of concept notes, budgets, SOWs, etc.
- Compile monthly and quarterly progress reports on Investment & Partnerships related activities.
Minimum Qualification:
- Master or equivalent university degree in Economics, Business, Agribusiness, Development or related field.
- At least 7 years of experience working in agricultural/agribusiness development.
- Must have experience of developing corporate partnerships.
- Good understanding and knowledge of farming sector in Pakistan especially in Sindh & Punjab provinces.
- Proven ability to foster and maintain partnerships, particularly with private sector actors.
- Strong interpersonal skills and good ability to communicate in local language
- Willing to travel to remote areas and working in rural environment
Knowledge, Skill & Ability Requirements:
- Computer literate well versed with Microsoft applications (word processing, Excel and PowerPoint)
- Good oral & written English Skills.
- Willing and have ability to work in a target and timeline-oriented environment
About the Project:
The USDA Food for Progress-Funded, Pakistan Agriculture Development (PAD) project uses a holistic, private-sector-supported value chain approach to promote growth and reduce post-harvest losses in four horticulture value chains: red chilies, tomatoes, dates and bananas. Winrock is helping Pakistani farmers and agro-enterprises in the food for progress (FFPr) priority provinces of Punjab and Sindh: (1) envision the potential of their farms, local associations, and businesses to generate income though sustainable, long-term trade; (2) build the financial, technical, and managerial capacity to realize visions and; (3) create and strengthen networks, linkages, and relationships along the value chain that will sustain and expand project successes.
Note: Individuals can apply using Brightspyre or send their resumes directly to [email protected] clearly mentioning the position title in the subject line of the email.
We are an equal opportunity employer; only individuals who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.