Objectives of the Assignment

CSJ seeks to recruit a National Coordinator to provide leadership, technical guidance, and day-to-day management of the Nilotica Shea Alliance Secretariat.

The Coordinator will:

• Oversee Secretariat establishment and operationalization.
• Mobilize and engage members across the shea value chain.
• Coordinate communications, advocacy, and funingdrais.
• Ensure smooth alignment between legal registration processes, governance development and technical support to the Alliance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

The coordinator will have the following responsibilities:

1. Secretariat establishment support

• Define and operationalize Secretariat functions, including governance, staffing and facilities, with initial support from the Global Shea Alliance.
• Support recruitment and induction of support staff as required.
• Develop and implement basic operational tools and systems (finance, HR, procurement, communication).

2. Membership mobilization and engagement

• Lead member registration and database management.
• Organize joint information sessions and engagement campaigns.
• Build relationships across shea producers, processors, traders, exporters and supporting agencies.

3. Strategy and implementation

• Contribute to the Alliance’s Implementation Strategy and Roadmap.
• Translate strategic pillars (advocacy, services, quality, governance) into workplans with clear milestones.
• Monitor Secretariat progress and report regularly to the Steering Committee.

4. Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Serve as primary contact point with government, donors, and private sector actors.
• Support media and communications, including newsletters, social media, and press releases.
• Represent the Alliance in relevant national and regional forums.
  
  

5. Fundraising and sustainability

• Support development of membership value propositions and tiered fee structures.
• Lead donor engagement and develop fundraising materials (concept notes, presentations).
• Explore revenue-generating services to strengthen financial sustainability.
  
  

Deliverables
The Consultant will deliver the following in execution of the Scope of Work:

• Operational Secretariat systems and procedures (finance, HR, communication).
• Membership mobilisation plan and updated registry.
• Monthly progress reports to the Steering Committee.
• Contribution to Alliance Implementation Strategy and 12-month Roadmap.
• Fundraising strategy, with at least one concept note or donor pitch produced.
• Communication outputs (press releases, social media updates, stakeholder briefs).

Reporting          
The Coordinator will initially report to the Steering Committee of the Nilotica Shea Alliance, transitioning the reporting lines to the board after formalization.

Required Competencies
The preferred candidate will exhibit the following competencies:

• Achieve Results: Sets and aligns challenging, achievable objectives in performance of tasks having lasting impact.
• Think Innovatively: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
• Learn Continuously: Create opportunities to help teams expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Adapt with Agility: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Act with Determination: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
• Engage and Partner: Politically savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion wider collaboration.
  
  

Required Skills and Experience

Education
Bachelor’s degree in business management, policy, natural resource governance, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience

• 5 years of experience in program management, preferably in a management or mid-level position
• Experience in designing / managing change pathways and results frameworks
• Experience in SME and value chain support
• Experience in stakeholder management and communication
• Experience / understanding in sales or fundraising
• Understanding of the shea industry
• Self-starter
• Adaptive and excellent professional communicator
• Absence of conflict of interest within the shea industry.

• Define and operationalize Secretariat functions, including governance, staffing, and facilities
• Support recruitment and induction of support staff as required
• Develop and implement basic operational tools and systems (finance, HR, procurement, communication)
• Lead member registration and database management
• Organize joint information sessions and engagement campaigns
• Build relationships across shea producers, processors, traders, exporters, and supporting agencies
• Contribute to the Alliance’s Implementation Strategy and Roadmap
• Translate strategic pillars (advocacy, services, quality, governance) into workplans with clear milestones
• Monitor Secretariat progress and report regularly to the Steering Committee
• Serve as the primary contact point with government, donors, and private sector actors
• Support media and communications, including newsletters, social media, and press releases
• Represent the Alliance in relevant national and regional forums
• Support development of membership value propositions and tiered fee structures
• Lead donor engagement and develop fundraising materials (concept notes, presentations)
• Explore revenue-generating services to strengthen financial sustainability

• Program management
• Change management
• Value chain support
• Stakeholder management
• Communication
• Sales
• Fundraising
• Industry understanding
• Self-starter
• Professional communication

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, policy, natural resource governance, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 5 years of experience in program management
• Experience in designing/managing change pathways and results frameworks
• Experience in SME and value chain support
• Experience in stakeholder management and communication
• Experience/understanding in sales or fundraising
• Understanding of the shea industry
• Absence of conflict of interest within the shea industry