Trust Coordinator

Job Description

Job Category: Programs
Requisition Number: TRUST003040
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing…when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.

Position Overview

TechnoServe Zimbabwe has implemented market-driven agricultural production in partnership with smallholder farmers and private sector companies. TechnoServe is facilitating the establishment of a Trust, Takura Trust. Takura Trust will be strengthened to take over the role which TechnoServe is currently playing. This is part of our strategy to develop innovative approaches and build relationships with both corporate and public partners to enable more smallholder households to achieve livelihood security.

The position is conditional on TechnoServe securing funding to implement the program.

The Trust Coordinator will strengthen the capacity of Takura Trust to engage inputs and outputs markets, offer technical assistance to farmers as well as developing business systems to sustainably manage the Trust. The position should result in the following milestones being achieved:

• A fully registered Trust
• A fully constituted Board of Trustee
• A Management Committee to run day to day Packhouse activities
• A democratic constitution for each farmer group and the Trust
• A board meeting schedule, meeting minutes and communication system which cascades to farmers
• A business plan for each farmer group and the Packhouse
• A fundraising plan for infrastructure and inputs

Primary Functions and Responsibilities

Build the capacity of Takura Trust and Farmer Groups

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for the Trust. Capacitate the Management Committee and Packhouse core employees to implement the system.
• Establish clear communication channels between the Trust, the farmer groups and the farmers, in liaison with the different program coordinators.
• Facilitate the development and review of the business plans for each group as well as the Trust, in liaison with the Program Manager.
• Facilitate the legal registration of each group, including opening of bank accounts and setting up financial reporting systems. Capacitate the Management committee and Packhouse core team to implement the system
• Facilitate the development of reporting and communication systems and calendar for each group, including the Trust, in liaison with the program team members. Capacitate the Management committee and Packhouse core team to implement the system.
• Communicate performance reports for each group during farm production, after harvest, awaiting payment and after payment. Capacitate the Management committee and Packhouse core team to implement the communication schedule.
• Develop a mentorship program for the core Trust employees as well as the leadership for each farmer group.
• Schedule Board meetings and AGM as the secretariat. Capacitate the Management committee and Packhouse core team to implement the system

Relationship Management

• Manage relationships with stakeholders including the relevant government departments, private sector companies (and financial institutions). Capacitate the Management committee to manage the relationships.
• Submit regular and relevant reports to different stakeholders in consultation with the Program Manager. Capacitate the Management committee and Packhouse core team to implement the system
• Attend regular council meetings and present reports and action plans.

Access to Markets and Finance

• Facilitate the engagement with farm produce offtakers, negotiating for sustainable pricing, formalization of contracts to support our Whole Farm Management strategy. Capacitate the Management committee and Packhouse core team to implement the strategy.
• Negotiate for inputs and infrastructure financing with various financial institutions. Come up with innovative financial products.

Reporting

• Facilitate the conducting of scheduled business meetings between different stakeholders
• Develop tools including business KPI reporting spreadsheets to be used during the meetings
• Provide analytical reporting to be integrated into TechnoServe internal and donor reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in Social Sciences, Economics or Finance with 10 years of Economic Development experience
• Experience in establishing Trusts and Cooperatives integrating smallholder farmers
• Access to finance and financial management

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Governance and setting up of farmer constitutions
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Good interpersonal relationships with different stakeholders
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• An analytical mind: you know how to break a problem into easily understandable pieces of information. You use your intuition and logic to guide your research and find solutions.
• Ability to tell stories with data, educate effectively, and instil confidence, motivating stakeholders to act on recommendations
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral