Agribusiness Development Advisor

Share your business expertise with tomato-processing groups in Benin to refine product packing and increase sales.

The Government of Benin is partnering with local organizations like the Research Hub for the Identification and Promotion of Sustainable Development Alternatives (Creuset de Recherche pour l’identification et la Promotion des Alternatives du Développement Durable) to strengthen household food security and create economic opportunities. The research hub works with women- and youth-led groups who are processing and packaging tomatoes to reduce post-harvest losses through solar salt production—a preservation method in which tomatoes are cut, salted, and sundried. Sales of the canned tomatoes have slowed though, and fish processors—the group’s primary customer—are often reluctant to replace the familiar wood-smoked salt. To boost sales, the research hub is seeking to strengthen its business development, marketing, and product commercialization capacity. Revenue generated through these efforts will be reinvested into additional community-based income-generating initiatives.

As an Agribusiness Development Advisor, you will support several women- and youth-led groups to strengthen business operations. Together, you will identify new markets, connect producers with institutional and commercial buyers, improve product development and branding, and streamline processes. Your efforts will help increase household incomes while supporting Benin’s transition toward a more sustainable food production. This is a 6-month assignment with the possibility to extend up to 12-months.

Bachelor's degree in business, administration, marketing, entrepreneurship, or business education.
AND
Two or more years of experience working at a startup/social enterprise or running a small business.

The Volunteer will live in a one-bedroom apartment in a rural community within the Atlantique Department. An additional, temporary apartment may be secured in Ouidah for nearby work. Each apartment will have electricity, running water, and internet access. The Volunteer will reside near two metropolitan cities where markets, banks, health clinics are easily accessible.

Advance your business expertise in market research, sales strategy, and food product marketing while supporting African businesses.

Develop professional French fluency and facilitation skills as you mentor a multi-sector team.

Experience Benin's coastal culture and Vodoun heritage while building strong relationships with the community.

Review processing methods, quality, and appearance of the tomato purée and eco-friendly salt products.

Present product and process improvement proposals for approval.

Support the implementation of improved processes.

Research and support validate strategies for community sales and institutional market access.

Design an online sales strategy to drive revenue.

Prepare promotional materials that build awareness of the products and brand.

Provide trainings to strengthen marketing and business skills.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community's interests and priorities, such as leading an English conversation club or organizing youth leadership activities.

After a four-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with entrepreneurs and the research hub staff to assess their business needs and develop a strategic plan for market expansion.

Peace Corps/Benin will equip you with French language resources and you may work with a tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.