Consultant as Business Development for Smallholder Empowerment Program (Pekanbaru based)

Program Overview WRI Indonesia is an independent research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. At WRI Indonesia, we aim to bring innovations in research and business approaches in order to create the enabling conditions for Indonesia to achieve robust economic growth while respecting environmental and social values. We seek to contribute to the accomplishment of ambitious sustainable development goals through working with leaders in public and private sectors, as well as collaborating with civil society organizations, in turning big ideas into action.Within our Agriculture, Forest and Land Use (AFOLU) Program, we envision critical ecosystems such as forests and peatland across Indonesia to be governed fairly and sustainably. We believe sustainable land use management is key for Indonesia to meet its climate goal, in line with keeping the global climate target below the 1.5 degreeCelcius warming threshold, while providing sustainable livelihoods to forest-dependent communities and conserve biodiversity in the landscape. We intend to achieve this through safeguarding the remaining forest and peatland from deforestation, degradation, and fragmentation; maintaining forests and peatland quality through sound stewardship; and restoring degraded ecosystem to improve its productivity, conservation value, and ecosystem services.Smallholder Empowerment ProgramWRI Indonesia believes that empowering oil palm smallholders is key to producing sustainable palm oil in Indonesia. Empowered smallholders have the ability to control and manage their oil palm business properly and sustainably. With this capability, smallholders' welfare and the environment's quality are expected to improve. Therefore, increasing the inclusiveness of smallholders in sustainability and empowerment programs is indispensable to a better and greener palm oil supply chain in the country.Collaborating with a consumer goods company, WRI Indonesia aims to improve the sustainable palm oil supply chain and the welfare of smallholders in Riau Province. This is done through a series of capacity-building and empowerment. In 2023, we aim to increase the knowledge and skills of at least 4,000 smallholders to implement oil palm Best Management Practices (BMP) in order to improve their productivity.To elevate community welfare, selected smallholder groups will receive support in formulating business plans as Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) dealers, chemical fertilizer distributors, or pioneers of organic fertilizer businesses to provide opportunities in increasing the smallholders income. Assistance will be provided to facilitate collaboration with financial institutions to secure seeding funds for business establishment. Recognizing the potential of alternative income sources, WRI Indonesia believes the importance to aid communities in crafting models for alternative livelihood businesses, such as regenerative agriculture products, non-timber forest products, and other forest-based commodities. Given the proximity of many smallholder oil palm plantations in Riau Province to natural forest ecosystems, adopting alternative livelihoods that explore productive commodities beyond palm oil is imperative.Moreover, WRI Indonesia emphasizes the significance of women, youth, and other marginalized groups' involvement in enhancing community welfare, including in the palm oil sector. Acknowledging that fostering gender equality necessitates active community engagement, the program envisages conducting gender equality and equity training. This includes training on alternative livelihood development, extending beyond smallholders to encompass women, youth, and other marginalized groups in the communities.Job HighlightBusiness Development Consultant’s primary role is to develop and fostering the business of selected palm oil smallholder communities in Riau, Indonesia. In addition to facilitating existing business, the Business Development Consultant will play a crucial role in identifying and promoting alternative livelihood opportunities aimed at diversifying the income sources of smallholders. This position will be based in Pekanbaru, Riau with office-flex working arrangement. While reporting directly to Smallholder Hub Project Lead, Business Development Officer expected to work collaboratively with relevant personnels within the project to ensure a successful outcome.What You Will DoBusiness Development (80%) Develop a comprehensive work plan for smallholder project business plans aligned with the strategy outlined in the Project Implementation Plan.Identify and strategize business development in each smallholder group, encompassing both businesses related to increase palm oil production and non-palm oil product diversification. Prepare detailed modules covering aspects of business development, financial management, and alternative livelihoods. Conduct targeted training sessions on business development, financial management, and alternative livelihoods for smallholders.Establish specialized business units focused on increasing palm oil production, such as the fertilizer business in each selected smallholder groups.Provide guidance and facilitate smallholder groups in formulating fertilizer business plan.Assist smallholder groups in securing seeding funds to implement the fertilizer business.Identify the needs of training sessions on awareness of gender equality and social inclusion to the selected smallholder groups.Deliver training sessions for smallholders, women, youth, and other marginalized groups on financial management and alternative livelihood business development.Facilitate the establishment and development of alternative livelihood businesses by smallholders, women, youth, and other marginalized groups. Support the selected smallholder groups in implementing both fertilizer business and alternative livelihood initiatives. Monitor and evaluate the fertilizer business and business alternative livelihood initiatives carried out by the selected smallholder groups.Report regularly on the progress of the fertilizer business and livelihood alternatives to smallholder project lead.Stakeholder Engagement (10%) Assist the District Coordinator in building and managing relationships with stakeholders in the district level. Coordinate and facilitate relevant coaching session for facilitators to establish business unit prior to the potential smallholder groups.Coordinate with other staff in Riau region to implement the fertilizer business development strategies and alternative livelihoods initiatives.Data Analysis (10%) Organize and collect data to identify the business development potential of each smallholder group.Analyze the profiles of smallholder groups to gain insights into their potential for establishing a relevant business model. Conduct an in-depth study of the business model adopted by each smallholder group.What You Will NeedRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Business Development, Economy, Social, Agriculture, Forestry, Anthropology, or related fields;Minimum 5 years of professional experience on business development and livelihood, community-based small scale enterprise developmentExperience in facilitating and conducting training onfinancial management, marketing strategy, or other related topic for palm-oil farmer groups, cooperation, or other farmer institution, and promotingyouth and gender empowermentExperience in develop business model for community and building partnerships with financial institutions in the context of microfinance;Experience in communication with provincial government official, private sector, financial institutions, bank and civil society organizations;Ability to track and monitor project implementation progressStrong inter-personal skills, adept at working with people from a variety of backgrounds;Excellent oral and written communication skills;Ability to travel when needed;Strong team player with ability to work across institutional departments/programs;Candidate must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and organized thinker with a strong analytical skill and ability to juggle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines. Legally able to work in Indonesia;Preferred Qualifications:Execution of planned activities are expected to be carried out timely and satisfactory with minor supervision;Business proficiency in English on both verbal and written communicationDeliverablesConduct business potential assessments related to palm oil and non-palm oil for farmer groups that are members of the smallholder hub programCreate a business plan for each farmer group based on the results of the business potential assessmentCompile a business development module based on the business model that will be developed by at least 20 groupsConduct training for at least 4,500 farmers consisting of material on business development and alternative livelihoodsEstablish at least 5 business units related to increasing palm oil production / fertilizer businessAssistance to business units that have been formed until the institution is able to run its businessReport work progress every month to the line manager and make improvements if necessaryRegular reports every 3 months regarding work progressOrganize the lessons learned from activities in the blogDurationThis position is expected to join immediately with initial contract period up to 31 December 2024 with possibility of extension subject to performance evaluation, project needs, and budget availability.Terms of PaymentDaily rate-based consultant with maximum of 20 (twenty) days per month in averageContract Arrangement Individual consultancy contract (Part-time, limited term)What we offerConsultant rate that is commensurate with experience and skills Travel insurance for both domestic and international for any travel duty as assigned by WRI Indonesia Access to the WRI global networkA workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our workMust have authorization to work in Indonesia to be eligible for this position.Final candidates might be required to take a writing test and to produce two writing samples when needed.