About aBi:
The Agricultural Business Initiative (aBi) Trust is supporting agribusiness development in the private sector to achieve the objective of the Government of Uganda’s Competitiveness and Investment Climate Strategy (CICS). The Trust is a multi-donor entity jointly founded by the Governments of Denmark and Uganda. The mandate of aBi Trust is to support the private sector actors to increase their contribution to the agricultural sector by increasing land and labour productivity, and market competitiveness thereby contributing to poverty reduction through economic growth, wealth, and employment creation. The aBi Trust strengthens competitiveness of the Agricultural and Agro-processing sectors through three (3) interrelated components: Value Chain Development (VCD) including trade-related Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary and Quality Management Systems (SPS/QMS), Financial Services Development (FSD) and a cross cutting Gender for Growth (G4G) Fund.

Job Summary: The Dairy Officer will work closely with Uganda Crane Creameries Cooperative Union (UCCCU) and other implementing partners (IPs) in South Western Uganda to execute pre-agreed strategies and activities built around the aBi Trust/IP dairy value chain development project. The incumbent will also work with UCCCU and other IPs to develop systemized approaches and arrangements for enhancing the beneficiary cooperatives’ management capacities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Actively facilitate the setting up of in-house management training for MCC managers and development of models for training cooperative Boards and managers on all aspects of running a dairy milk collection centre with emphasis of running activities at the collection centres as businesses.
Work in liaison with UCCCU and other IPs in developing models that will increase profitability at MCCs and other business entities and increase in member participation in the collective marketing of milk for the case of MCCs.
In charge of ensuring that all MCC managers are equipped with basic dairy business knowledge and skills, and in particular in the areas of dairy record keeping and accounting, hygienic milk handling, quality control, asset and equipment management and maintenance
Work with UCCCU in setting up prudent business management practices at the cooperatives with emphasis on financial budgeting and expenditure controls.
Technically support UCCCU in opening business development dialogues with strategic partners/service providers etc… “Particular interest should be to build strong reliable business partnerships to support all activities along the value chain from farm to the market.
Guide aBi on any extra activities / developments that need to be undertaken to enhance the dairy value chain development in the area.
Actively monitor and fast truck the implementation of the agreed on activities and give the necessary backup / corrective advice where gaps are observed. Where there is need for change in strategies / activities advise aBi accordingly.
Identify and recommend potential implementing partners in the area.
Provide an input to strategic and operation plans in accordance with the goals and practices set by aBi Trust
Compile and send monthly reports on the activities of the IPs highlighting successes, challenges and suggest ways forward.
Carry out other functions and duties that may be delegated to the position from time to time.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant should preferably hold a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, food technology, animal husbandry or similar related field.
A minimum of five years field experience working with dairy value chain development in Uganda.
Working experience with cooperatives
He / She must have good advisory and management skills.
Past experience in milk bulking will be an added advantage.
High level of integrity
Keen on detail
Possess excellent report writing skills
Excellent communications and presentation skills
Ability to meet set timelines

How to Apply:
All qualified and interested candidates should send their applications enclosing detailed curriculum vitae giving three professional referees and copies of academic and professional certificates /testimonials via E-mail to: vacancy@abi.co.ug

NB: Documents should not be more than 2MB. Only Shortlisted candidates who meet the criteria will be contacted.

Deadline: 13th March 2015.