ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER: Africa University is a private, Pan- African, United Methodist-related institution of higher education located in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The University is a founding member of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and is inviting suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the following strategic positions within the TAGDev 2.0 Program. The TAGDev 2.0 Program (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute toAfrica’s Growth and Development) is a collaboration between RUFORUM, Mastercard Foundation, twelve (12) African universities and the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA). The main objective is to strengthen universities and TVET institutions to better serve communities by skilling and empowering Africa’s young people and their institutions to drive inclusive, equitable and climate resilient transformation of agriculture and agrifood systems. This goal will contribute to three strategic outcomes namely: (a) Expanded equal work opportunities for young women and men in the agricultural sector. (b) Improved climate adaptive agricultural production and productivity. (c) Strengthened quality of higher agricultural education outcomes in training, research and innovation. The Entrepreneurship and Business development officer shall be based at Africa University. He/she will be responsible for leading the implementation of the TAGDev program’s entrepreneurship and business development initiatives at the University.
Duties and Responsibilities
-Lead implementation of the entrepreneurship and business the development model at the implementing University. -Develop the University level strategy and operational plans for the Business incubation hubs. -Working closely with the Senior Program Officer Business Creation, Incubation and Jobs promote the aims and values of RUFORUM related to Business development. -Coordinate the delivery of business development services to students, start-up owners and agricultural value chain stakeholders. -Institutional entrepreneurship, investment and business development strategy developed -Monthly, quarterly and yearly reports on entrepreneurship, investment and business development activities. -Proportion of enterprises/start-ups surviving and thriving. -Business linkages, collaborations and networking initiatives undertaken. -Contribution to additional financial resources mobilized for supporting entrepreneurship, investment and business incubation.
Qualifications and Experience
-Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Agribusiness, Economics, and related sciences -Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Agribusiness, Economics, and related sciences -At least 3 years’ experience in a similar position with reputable organisation -Experience in coordinating university level incubation processes and mentorship of startups -Sound understanding of SMEs sector needs
How to Apply
TO APPLY Interested candidates must submit an application letter, certified copies of certificates, transcripts, national identification (ID and birth certificate) and a detailed curriculum vitae giving full personal particulars including full name, place and date of birth, qualifications, date of availability, contact details, names and addresses of three referees. The application pack should be sent as a single pdf file to e-mail address, [email protected] by no later than 1400 hours on Friday, 12 July 2024. Applicants should clearly indicate the post being applied for on the subject line, and only shortlisted candidates will be communicated to. Africa University is an equal opportunity employer and therefore men and women from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
