International Business and Partnership Development Manager

Company Description 

Shayashone PLC is a leading agribusiness company in Ethiopia, boasting over a decade of experience and a remarkable trajectory of transformative impact. As an icon of progress, the company's expertise extends beyond agriculture and agri-business services, as it continues to diversify its reach into other sectors, driven by a profound commitment to serving the underserved. Shayashone's unwavering dedication has left an indelible mark, reaching and empowering over 10 million farmers across Ethiopia and neighboring countries. This has been achieved through dynamic partnerships with local, international, and governmental organizations, fostering collaborative solutions to address the evolving needs of the agricultural landscape.

Throughout its journey of success, Shayashone has implemented a remarkable array of impactful projects. This includes training more than 7,000 agricultural extension workers and arranging technology demonstrations in over 10,000 villages across Ethiopia. At the heart of these accomplishments lies the Hermetic Storage Technology (Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags), a pioneering solution that has gained widespread acceptance as the most successful technology in preventing post-harvest losses. The company's recent expansion into the educational sector further reflects its commitment to holistic development and its unwavering focus on addressing diverse needs within the communities it serves.

Short Description of the position 

The International Business and Partnership Development Manager is responsible for driving the strategic growth and expansion of Shayashone PLC's consultancy and other businesses through the identification, evaluation, and development of local and international partnerships. This role involves conducting market research, analyzing trends, and providing insights to inform the company's market entry and business development strategies. The manager will be responsible for leading cross-functional collaboration, performance monitoring, and ensuring compliance with regulations and risk management. This position requires a strong understanding of global business practices, solid networking skills, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

Strategic Partnership Development

• Proactively identify and evaluate potential local and international partners (Development actors) with complementary capabilities and strategic fit with SYS

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders and partners across diverse markets

• Represent SYS at local and international events, networking with relevant development actors and corporate companies to expand the company's partnership ecosystem.

• Lead complex negotiations to finalize partnership agreements, contracts, and commercial terms that maximize value for SYS

• Oversee the onboarding and integration of new partners, ensuring seamless collaboration and knowledge transfer

Market Research and Business Development 

• Identify potential local and international consultancy and other business opportunities that have strategic alignment with SYS's vision and growth objective

• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to guide SYS's project acquisition strategies, including mode of entry, and target partners. 

• In collaboration with the technical team develop and implement comprehensive business development plans to achieve growth targets     

• Lead initiatives to expand the company's partners diversity, presence in new and existing markets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with SYS's agribusiness, education, manufacturing, and legal teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of business and partnership development strategies

• Coordinate with the above-mentioned departments to ensure smooth operations and support

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Establish and track key performance metrics to monitor the progress and outcomes of business and partnership development efforts

• Sets annual targets regarding reachouts, new markets and partnerships 

• Prepare and present regular reports on performance, partnership impact, and business development activities to senior management

• Analyze performance data, identify areas for improvement, and provide data-driven recommendations for continuous enhancement

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure all international and local partnership and business activities comply with relevant regulations, trade agreements, and company policies

Proactively identify potential risks (e.g., economic, regulatory, operational) and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard SYS's interests

SYS is an equal opportunity employer, and all staff will receive fair treatment without regard to age, race, national origin, disability status, gender, religion, marital status, condition of pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Duration: One Year with possible extension of up to five years

Reports to: General Manager, Shaya shone                                     

Competencies 

Technical Competencies 

• Strategic partnership development skills, such as negotiation, risk assessment, and relationship management

• Business development capabilities, including market entry strategy, international marketing, and financial analysis

• Program design, development, implementation, and management (?)

• Cross-functional collaboration and project management proficiency, with knowledge of agribusiness operations

• Performance monitoring and reporting skills, including developing KPIs, data analysis, and providing actionable insights

• Compliance and risk management knowledge of international regulations, frameworks, and mitigation strategies

Leadership and Management Competencies 

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and trends.

• Effective project management and organizational skills.

• High level of adaptability and flexibility to navigate different cultural and business environments.

• Results-driven with a focus on achieving business objectives and targets.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, International Business, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).

• Minimum of five years of experience in international business development, partnership management, or a related role.

• Proven track record of successfully developing and managing partnerships 

• Hands-on experience in the fields of agribusiness, education, and ICT for development sectors

• Strong understanding of global business practices and cultural sensitivities

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Proficiency in English is a must 

• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Benefit and Compensation 

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and international environment.

• Professional development and growth opportunities.

• Supportive and collaborative team culture.

How To Apply

Interested applicants can send their completed resume by e-mail or in hard copy to the following email address until September 10, 2024. We strongly encourage qualified women to apply.

Shayashone Trading plc Recruitment Coordination Office

Telephone – 0947671274

E-mail: recruitment@shayashone.com, Meklit@shayashone.com