Business Development Officer

Business Development Officer

Location: Jakusko, Yobe State

Reports to: Project Manager

Supervises: Assistant, and Project Support Staff/Facilitators

Employment Type: Full-Time Project Staff

ABOUT CDHI

The Chabash Development and Health Initiative (CDHI) is a women-led national NGO registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC/IT/NO 85190) and operational across Northeast and Northwest Nigeria. CDHI’s mission is to empower individuals and communities to live healthy, productive lives through integrated interventions in health, nutrition, protection, WASH, and livelihoods. CDHI partners with international organizations and government agencies to deliver sustainable and community-driven solutions that strengthen local systems and promote equity.

JOB SUMMARY

The Business Development Officer leads the technical execution of market-driven interventions, value-chain enhancement, micro-enterprise growth, and financial inclusion under the WFP-supported Integrated Food System and Resilience Project implemented by Chabash Development and Health Initiative (CDHI) in Jakusko LGA, Yobe State. The position focuses on transitioning smallholder farmers, youth, and women from subsistence production to commercial viability by establishing linkages with market actors, financial institutions, and post-harvest processors. The Officer works directly with local cooperatives, agro-processing hubs, and private sector actors to build sustainable economic resilience in target communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct market system assessments, value-chain analyses, and commercial feasibility studies for key agricultural commodities in Jakusko LGA and surrounding trade hubs.

Support the establishment, registration, and institutional capacity development of farmer cooperatives, women’s agro-processing groups, and youth business ventures.

Design business models for community post-harvest hubs, processing units, solar-powered cold storage, and grain storage facilities to maximize income generation and commercial viability.

Facilitate access to formal and informal financial services by supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), micro-finance opportunities, and digital financial solutions.

Connect smallholder producer groups directly to local markets, off-takers, agro-dealers, and private buyers to reduce middleman exploitation and guarantee fair pricing.

Develop and deliver training modules on basic entrepreneurship, record-keeping, financial literacy, pricing, marketing strategies, and risk management for rural business groups.

Monitor group financial performance, income levels, loan repayment rates, and business sustainability, providing regular analytical reports to project management.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Agribusiness, Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, Marketing, Development Economics, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in enterprise development, value-chain promotion, micro-finance, or agribusiness interventions, preferably within humanitarian or development settings in Northeast Nigeria.

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated experience in market systems development (MSD), VSLA management, post-harvest commercialization, and smallholder market linkages.

Community Engagement

• Proven success in training rural self-help groups, women’s cooperatives, and youth entrepreneurs.

Language & Context

• Professional fluency in English and Hausa; deep understanding of local market dynamics, trading routes, and business environments in Yobe State.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Deep understanding of agribusiness development, inclusive market systems, and rural value chains.

• Strong negotiation, enterprise coaching, and private sector engagement skills.

• Ability to design and analyze business plans, income statements, and market opportunities for low-literacy rural groups.

• Excellent training, facilitation, and interpersonal communication capabilities.

• Proficiency in data collection, market monitoring tools, and reporting software.

PREVENTION OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE (PSEA)

• Maintain strict adherence to CDHI and WFP zero-tolerance policies on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in all business support and market activities.

• Ensure all market linkages, financial access initiatives, and grant/benefit distributions are completely free from sexual coercion, corruption, or favoritism.

• Design financial and business activities with explicit safety measures to protect women and youth from economic exploitation or harassment at market centers and group meetings.

• Promote safe, accessible, and confidential reporting channels for all business beneficiaries, group members, and community actors.

COMPLIANCE & ETHICS

• Ensure all business and market activities adhere strictly to core humanitarian principles, Do-No-Harm practices, and WFP Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) frameworks.

• Maintain complete transparency, fairness, and anti-corruption standards in group selection, equipment distribution, and business grant support.

• Respect local customs, traditional market dynamics, and leadership structures while promoting inclusive economic participation.

Comply fully with CDHI organizational policies regarding Conflict of Interest, Code of Conduct, Anti-Fraud, and Child Safeguarding.

HOW TO APPLY

• Complete the official CDHI online application form.
• Select the correct position and provide accurate information.
• Upload your CV and cover letter as one PDF document, not exceeding 10 MB.
• Applicants must be willing to relocate to and reside in Jakusko LGA for the duration of the engagement.
• Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Application deadline: Date not specified. Applications should be submitted promptly while the form remains open.