About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the overseas relief and development agency arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  It was founded in 1943 and works in nearly 100 countries/territories globally. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

NAMA (Arabic for ‘growth’) is a 12-month project funded by GIZ that aims to expand livelihood opportunities for rural communities in Gedaref. The project has been designed by building on successes from previous and current livelihood projects of CRS and will focus on supporting smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs to start engaging in micro business opportunities and on market entrepreneurs to engage collectively to increase business opportunities.

CRS seeks to hire a Senior Business Development Officer - BDO (Sudanese National only) to provide business development services to the participating smallholder farmers and market entrepreneurs.

Job Summary:

He/She will provide business development services to the participating smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs. He /She will help smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs to identify profitable business opportunities, secure sound business deals with the private sector, and facilitate the mobilization and engagement of the participating smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs in coordination with the private sector. She/he will coordinate and report on all agribusiness engagement activities and provide technical guidance and advice to staff and local partners. The Senior BDO will analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. She/He will also serve as the liaison between local project stakeholders, CRS, the private sector, and financial institutions.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

The Senior BDO will be responsible for achieving the key objectives and detailed activities as follows:

• Lead in implementing of Business Development services to smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs as determined by the Project Manager and overall team in the detailed implementation plan. 
• Build close relationships with the smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs to identify profitable business opportunities. 
• Build relationships with other private sector parties that have a business model and interest which is relevant to the smallholder farmers and market entrepreneurs of the project to secure business deals for the smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs. 
• Report on all agribusiness engagement activities  
• Provide technical guidance to partner and project staff in relation to business development activities in the project.
• Support other projects as required

Basic Qualifications 

• Degree in International Development, Agriculture/ Agribusiness, Economics, or in a similar field is preferred. 
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant field-based experience in Agriculture and Livelihoods (this could be outside of non-profit organizations)
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Required Languages - 

             Fluent in writing and speaking Arabic and English 

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel in deep field up to 60-65%. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)  

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.  

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 
• Builds Relationships  
• Develops Talent 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

Supervisory Responsibilities: none

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Project Manager, Head of Programs, Deputy Head of Programs, Head of Office, MEAL Manager, Operations staff

External: CRS implementing partners; UN cluster leads and agencies; peer humanitarian agencies; local government and authorities.

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.  

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer