BACKGROUND:

Passing Gifts Private Limited (PGPL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heifer International USA and it provides services in educating, consulting, training, advising, and providing professional and technical services to individuals, associations, and entities in India and abroad, particularly those who support or are working in the areas of social advancement and sustainable development. This position may also require service agreements, secondment agreements, between entities, etc.

PGPL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

FUNCTION:

This position focuses on strengthening women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) promoted by PGPL in line with the project deliverables. The SPO-FPO Strengthening will have a supporting role in establishing a business vertical to support FPO and agri-cooperative development and will assist internal teams as needed. The position offers a unique opportunity for gaining grassroot level experience in FPO development and management; contributing to the strengthening of women led FPOs; and supporting in gaining expertise for PGPL’s future work opportunities.

This position requires flexibility to work in various local settings and at times across time zones. Extensive travel (approximately 60% within 6 districts of Bihar, also to other locations based on requirements) will be necessary to visit project sites and partner organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES: (including approximate percentage effort)

FPO Strengthening (50%)

• Support in identifying, planning, designing, and rolling out training and capacity building opportunities for FPOs strengthening.
• Provide training and capacity building support to FPO board members and staff as identified under the project.
• Collaborate with the program team to ensure registered FPOs are business-viable with strong governance and systems.
• Develop business plans, mobilize working capital, and support in achieving business plan targets for FPOs.
• Identify and document best practices in FPO development.
• Facilitate strong market linkages at FPOs for fair price realization.
• Support in developing business proposals to secure funding and resources for FPOs and FPO-focused work for PGPL.

FPO Strategy and Business Expansion (50%)

• Support the state team in planning and rolling out an effective FPO strategy for member expansion and livelihood strengthening, especially through farm, livestock (goat farming), and allied activities.
• Contribute to the development of systems and processes to onboard low-income clients as FPO members depending on project focus.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and private sector actors, to leverage resources and support for FPO strengthening initiatives.
• Develop monitoring frameworks and tools to track the progress and impact of FPO strengthening activities, and regularly assess their effectiveness and sustainability.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Enterprise Development or other related field, plus five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Experience in business and financial linkages of FPOs will be an added value.
• Experience in working with FPOs and associated business is highly recommended.
• Prior work experience in a Bank or financial institution would be an added advantage. 
• Innovative, analytical, and solutions oriented.
• Strong interpersonal/people management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills a must.
• Good organizational and leadership skills.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate challenging situations to achieve goals and deadlines.
• Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
• Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision.
• Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and to always maintain confidentiality.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Fluent in Hindi, English, and Local Language spoken as well as written.
• Have an interest in animals/agriculture community development.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, web designing, collaboration platform and tools, and electronic mail software (Microsoft preferred).
• Constant sitting, standing and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time.