Entrepreneurship in the territories: is it the right time?
The Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the LEAP Bangsamoro project for coffee and seaweed value chain development project.
She/he will play a key role in project planning, stakeholder engagement, information dissemination, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation. The role will involve collaborating with various stakeholders to address gaps in production, processing, financial services, and marketing. The officer will also focus on leveraging intercropping opportunities and promoting the inclusion of women, indigenous people, and youth in the value chains. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
The Project Officer will be based in Zamboanga City with frequent travels to the LEAP project areas in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and other areas as necessary.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Project Planning and Implementation
· Participate in developing detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables together with the project management team.
· Monitor project progress on the ground and ensure adherence to project timelines and targets.
· Collaborate with team members to identify and address any challenges or issues during project implementation.
· Ensure compliance with project guidelines, policies, and procedures.
· Assist in the coordination of training programs and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of farmers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders in the value chains.
B. Stakeholder Engagement
· Identify and engage key stakeholders, including but not limited to coffee and seaweed farmers, cooperatives, traders/input suppliers, academia, and decision-makers in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
· Liaise with local government agencies, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure their active involvement in the project.
· Organize and facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, and training sessions to enhance their understanding and ownership of the activities in the value chain.
· Foster partnerships and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders to ensure their active involvement and ownership in project initiatives.
C. Information Dissemination and Communication
· Participate in developing a comprehensive communication plan to effectively disseminate project information and progress updates to stakeholders.
· Maintain accurate project documentation and establish a centralized database to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among project stakeholders.
· Coordinate with the communication team in the production and distribution of communication materials, ensuring they reach the intended audience in a timely manner.
D. Capacity Building and Training
· Identify the capacity-building needs of stakeholders within the coffee and seaweed value chains, with a specific focus on leveraging intercropping opportunities and enhancing the participation of women, indigenous people, and youth.
· Identify capacity gaps among stakeholders and develop capacity-building plans.
· Design and deliver targeted training programs and workshops to build the technical and entrepreneurial skills of farmers, cooperatives, and other value chain actors.
· Provide ongoing mentoring and coaching support to stakeholders, fostering their ability to adopt sustainable farming practices, improve productivity, and access market opportunities.
E. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
· Together with the MEAL Officer, monitor project activities and outcomes, prepare high-quality reports, including periodic progress reports, impact assessments, and lessons learned, showcasing the project's achievements and providing recommendations for improvement.
· Ensure accurate and timely reporting of project activities and results to the project manager and donor agencies.
