Market Development and Supply Systems Manager

About the role

TechnoServe is looking for a Market Development and Supply Systems Manager, reporting to the Program Director. Based in Nigeria with regular travel to the ten project implementation states (specific base location TBD), the role is a high-level deal-maker who turns strategic partnerships with processors, TVETs, government agencies and financial institutions into job placements, offtake agreements and inclusive sourcing contracts. It measures success by moving partners from interest to action.

Key responsibilities

• Land employment opportunities: secure commitments from large and medium-scale processors to hire women and persons with disabilities (PWDs)
• Backward integration: broker supply contracts between processors and smallholder clusters
• Inclusive business plans: move beyond MOUs to operational labour policies and sourcing strategies favouring marginalised groups
• TVET partnerships: establish placement-led MOUs with TVETs and polytechnics, and align their curricula with project labour needs
• Financial linkages: broker financing with microfinance and commercial banks for W2V and food processing SMEs, and brokering offtake agreements with industrial buyers
• Government relations: work with agencies such as NAFDAC, SON and SMEDAN to speed certification and align with government schemes
• Collaboration with OPDs to recruit and make workplaces accessible, and challenge industry stereotypes about disability-inclusive hiring
• Monitor partnership results against hard targets and pivot strategies when needed
• Supervise market development officers, field staff and consultants

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics or a related field with at least 7 years of experience in market development, value chain or supply chain work in agriculture or food processing; or a Master's degree with at least 5 years of experience
• Demonstrated experience in supply chain optimisation, backward integration and market linkages, preferably in developing country contexts
• Proven track record of market access interventions that improved sales, employment or income for SMEs
• Preferred: experience in Nigeria's food processing sector, knowledge of inclusive sourcing, familiarity with MSD approaches and Nigeria's regulatory frameworks
• Excellent written and spoken English; familiarity with Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo is an advantage
• At least 50% travel required

Required skills

• Market analysis and business development, including supply-demand analysis and financial modelling
• Supply chain and value chain management, including aggregation and distribution networks
• Negotiation and stakeholder engagement with private sector, government and community organisations
• Data analysis, systems thinking and project and performance management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management tools