Job: Business Support Officer

Location: Laputta, Myanmar 
Deadline: Thursday, 17 October 2013 

Description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Mercy Corps is an international humanitarian NGO that has worked amid disasters and poverty since 1979, and has provided $2.2 billion in assistance to people in 114 nations worldwide. Operational in Myanmar since 2008, Mercy Corps implements programs designed to promote food security, economic development, sustainable environmental management, and civil society strengthening that directly benefit local communities in the Delta, the Dry Zone, Rakhine, Chin and Kayah States. Mercy Corps is also launching a new natural resource management program in Chin and southern Shan States to promote inclusive natural resource management and improve rural livelihoods.

Mercy Corps in Myanmar invites qualified Myanmar National applicants (External/Internal candidates) for the following position.

Business Support Officer Duty Station Reports to Number of Opening Qualifications include: Must be able to work independently and show initiative. Previous work experience with an NGO is preferable. Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related degree is a plus. Experience working with and advising agricultural businesses and farmers. Experience working in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, is required. Skills in other programs, such as Access or statistical packages are also desirable. Math skills are essential and general knowledge of statistical principles is preferred. Good command and understanding of spoken and written English.

Responsibilities include:

1. The Business Support Officer is responsible for analyzing the business side of the agricultural businesses and new farmer ventures that Mercy Corps is creating with farmers in the Laputta area.

2. Based in Mercy Corps' Laputta office with extensive travel to village areas, the Business Support Officer will work closely with the DM&E team, project staff and Agriculture Development Officers to document and analyze the potential profitability of new crops, businesses, and Mercy Corps program interventions.

3. Work closely with the Design, Monitoring and Evaluations (DM&E) team to ensure data collected in the field is accurate and comprehensive to determine viability and profitability of agricultural businesses in the LIFT Delta 2 program.

4. Provide guidance and training to the team for business data collection and technical requirements.

5. Assist in training program for beneficiaries in effective business practices including bookkeeping, marketing, and business plan development.

6. Assist the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager with any reporting and data or info management in relate to teams programs or activities.

7. Analyze data collected by the program and DM&E teams to determine the viability and profitability of new agricultural businesses in the Laputta area, including vegetable farming, winter crops, summer rice, and micro-enterprises.

8. Provide recommendations for improving income and reducing costs of existing business.

9. Assist farmers and program staff to design business plans for famers and agricultural businesses.

10. Provide necessary advice and assistance to conduct business forums.

11. Provide necessary assistance and business ideas for a contract farming model with partners.

12. Create documentation, lessons learned, and success stories for all LIFT Delta 2 business ventures for internal use and presentation to donors.

Applicants should submit their Application Letter, current CV with complete contact details of applicant & 3 professional referees and copy of any testimonies, in a sealed envelope indicating 'position applied' to: HR Officer, Mercy Corps, # 87-C, Kan Street (U Kun Zaw Avenue), 10- Ward, Hlaing Tsp., Yangon Or email to: HR@mm.mercycorps.org

DEADLINE for ALL APPLICATIONS: 17 Oct 2013 before 5:00 PM (We encourage early submission of application as candidates can be hired before the deadline) Only short-listed candidates will be invited for interview.

Please no telephone inquires. We are not obliged to return received applications.

More Info and Application