Agribusiness Development Specialist / Coordinator

MA'AN Development Center is looking for Qualified & Dynamic candidates for the position of Agribusiness Development Specialist / Coordinator Position Title: Agribusiness Development Specialist / Coordinator Location: Jordan Valley/Jericho/Ramallah Report to: Project Manager Duration: 12 months renewable Employment Type: Full-time Start Date: ASAP ABOUT MA’AN: MA’AN Development Center is an independent Palestinian non-profit organization, established in Jerusalem in January 1989. Relying on a human rights-based approach, community partnerships, and active participation, MA’AN works to enhance the resilience, empowerment, and realization of the rights of those most in need, the poor and marginalized groups and individuals, as well as unleash their latent capacities to enhance their active participation in sustainable development and their abilities to respond to and recover from crises. ABOUT THE PROJECT: MA’AN Development Center has been awarded the Scale4Dates project, funded by DanChurchAid (DCA). This initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, producers, women, and youth in the Palestinian date sector by strengthening their linkages with private sector companies—primarily in the Jordan Valley—while increasing their climate resilience. The project’s key outcomes include: Economic Empowerment: Small-scale producers and service providers will increase their incomes, ensuring a sustainable and reliable livelihood. Climate-Smart Food Value Chains: Small-scale producers will enhance their climate resilience and sustainability, adopting innovative, climate-smart practices in their production processes. JOB PURPOSE: MA’AN Development Center is seeking a qualified and dynamic Agribusiness Development Specialist / Coordinator- to provide technical support in agriculture and agribusiness development, working closely with date farmers and agribusiness companies to strengthen practices and ensure compliance with international standards. The Specialist will preferably be based in Jericho, the Jordan Valley, or Ramallah, with frequent visits to engaged farmers and companies in the Jordan Valley and Jericho. The Agribusiness Development Specialist / Coordinator will be responsible for providing technical advice and participating in the direct, on-the-ground implementation of project activities, ensuring their timely, efficient, and high-quality execution in line with DCA and MA’AN Development Center standards. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Agribusiness Development Specialist / Coordinator will have the following responsibilities: · Support the implementation of all projects’ activities according to approved work plans, budgets, and timelines. · Manage the relationship with the small farmers and producers engaged with the project. · Participate in planning Project’s activities, and ensure with donor regulations and MA’AN policies. · Maintain a continuous presence in the field to monitor progress, supervise activities, and ensure quality and accountability standards are met. · Participate in preparation of project reports, documentation, and visibility efforts, ensuring accurate and timely submission of deliverables. · Oversee the coordination of activities, monitor progress, and provide necessary coaching to the farmers and producers in the field. · Prepare the specifications and Terms of Reference (ToR) for the procurement of services and agricultural commodities for the project, as well as the evaluation of bids and awarding of contracts. · Collaborate with the MEAL unit to track project’s performance, indicators, progress, outcomes, and impact to MA’AN. · Serve as the primary source of technical expertise in the areas of agriculture and food processing. · Provide technical guidance and support on technical matters throughout the implementation of activities. · Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and service providers, ensuring the delivery of goods and services meets project specifications and timelines. · Review and provide feedback on training materials from service providers and arrange the effective delivery of trainings to farmers. · Supervise service providers and coordinate efforts to guide date farmers toward organic certification and meeting export international standards. · Facilitate the collection of date samples and oversee the testing of chemical residues to ensure quality and compliance. · Identify and mitigate risks while ensuring adherence to child protection, gender equality, and environmental safeguards. · Arrange and report on meetings, events, stakeholder engagements, and field visits. · Collaborate with staff and partners to ensure inclusive, gender-responsive results. · Support institutional learning by documenting best practices and lessons learned. · Uphold MA’AN’s Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, and accountability standards. · Effectively manage high-pressure situations and meet tight deadlines. · Report to the Project Manager (and collaborate closely with DCA counterparts as needed). Requirements QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES: - Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Agriculture/Agronomy, Food Processing, Engineering, or any other related fields (Master’s degree is a plus). - At least 5 years of directly related experience in supporting donor-funded development projects related to agriculture and/or economic empowerment and resilience, with business development experience preferred. - Deep understanding and strong knowledge of economic empowerment principles & models and local market requirements and constraints. - Demonstrated expertise in agri-business and value chains, ideally with experience in the date (palm) sector. - Relevant experience in working with farmers, women, and youth in the field of agriculture, food processing, and business development. - Knowledge of quality assurance systems and certification processes, with a focus on organic certification standards. - Experience in planning project activities, procurement procedures, compliance with donor regulations, monitoring, and reporting, with the ability to work independently when required. - Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and donors. - Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritize workload, and multi-tasks. - MS Office literacy (especially Word and Excel). - Fluency in both English & Arabic languages including both written and verbal communication skills. - Valid driver’s license and ability to travel frequently across the West Bank. Work Conditions, Contract & Benefits The work schedule is 40 hours per week. The probation period is 3 months and can be extended to another 3 months according to the Labor Law. Indemnity Payment: Equivalent to one month’s salary for each complete year of service. Reimbursement for work related transportation expenses is according to MA’AN’s by- laws. Time flexibility is recognized by both parties with consideration that this position might need to do part of the work after 4:00pm. Contract Type: Project-based. Salary & Benefits: Competitive and based on experience and organizational salary scale. Other Benefits: professional development.