About the Role
COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale is an international humanitarian organization fighting poverty to build a better world. We are currently seeking a dynamic and dedicated Market Linkage Officer to lead the development of structured market linkages for farmers, cooperatives, and small- and medium-sized enterprises under the Agri-Food System Transformation and Innovation project in Bade LGA, Yobe State. This pivotal role aims to transition smallholders from informal spot markets to sustainable business-to-business relationships.
Key Responsibilities- Lead comprehensive value chain mapping, market assessments, and intelligence gathering for priority agricultural commodities.
- Facilitate direct linkages and B2B engagements between producer groups, cooperatives, youth- and women-led enterprises, and structured buyers.
- Organize high-impact buyer-seller meetings, trade forums, and investment linkage events to foster commercial partnerships.
- Collaborate with internal project officers to ensure agricultural aggregation meets strict quality, grading, packaging, and storage standards.
- Support enterprises in developing robust business profiles, product catalogues, and securing viable financial linkages.
- Monitor B2B agreements, track transaction volumes, and report on project indicators concerning increased enterprise income and market compliance.
- Bachelor's Degree or HND in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
- Three to five years of professional experience in market systems development, value chain management, or agribusiness within the development sector.
- Demonstrated success in facilitating buyer-seller relationships, contract farming, or commercial partnerships.
- Strong understanding of agricultural commodity markets, post-harvest management, and rural enterprise operations.
- Excellent negotiation, facilitation, and relationship-management skills with a commitment to inclusive programming.
- Fluency in English and Hausa, alongside the ability to undertake frequent field travel within Bade LGA.
- Competitive salary aligned with humanitarian sector standards.
- Opportunity to create lasting socio-economic impact in vulnerable communities.
- Comprehensive training and professional development within an established international NGO.