Cluster Development officer

About ACEA Project

FHI 360 (www.fhi360.org) is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of :

Cluster development officer

Description

FHI 360 is implementing the Department of State Collaborative Action for Handicraft Exports (ACEA) project in Tunisia. In partnership with the National Office of Handicrafts (ONAT), the goal of this project is to foster a more competitive handicraft value chain in Tunisia, leading to long-term sustainable economic growth, increased exports, and increased employment.

This goal would be achieved through a technical support to four handicrafts value chains, including the initiatives of three clusters. A first step was initiated by a technical support to “Natural extract” value chain in the northwest of Tunisia, Olive Wood in Sidi Bouzid and Sfax, and traditional weaving in Toujen. while continuing to provide support to these value chains, the project will focus on traditional pottery in Barrama.

During this new phase of the ACEA project, support activities to the clusters will be centralized and overseen by cluster development Officer who will be responsible for coordinating and managing the various activities related to the scaling and the sustainability of the clusters. This will ensure that all support activities are aligned with the project's objectives and that there is consistency in the approach taken across all sectors. The cluster development Officer will work closely with the legally formed groups (GIEs) within each sector to identify their specific needs and develop customized support plans to address them.

The cluster Development Officer will work under the overall guidance of the portfolio director. S/he will also work in close coordination with the implementing partners, the business development team members of the project, and the clusters’ members. He/she will be responsible of enhancing the competitiveness of the clusters through strengthening the clusters structures and building their capacities. Supported by two technical assistance projects, the cluster development officer will oversee the implementation and monitor the development of the 4 project clusters . S/he will work closely with other components, government officials, non-government and civil society organizations. She/he will have the following specific duties and responsibilities ;

Overall Goal: Support the improvement of the competitiveness of four project clusters by strengthening their structures, building their capacities, and fostering collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Coordination:

• Oversee the entire project cycle for the development of all four clusters, including planning, organizing, leading, and managing program activities.
• Manage the strategic engagement of clusters to mitigate risks and maximize impact.
• Provide support and guidance to the technical assistance team.
• Collaborate effectively with the business development team, government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

Capacity Building:

• Support the Design and implementation of a comprehensive capacity building plan for all four clusters, addressing their specific needs and challenges.
• Provide technical assistance to clusters and support organizations, including training, workshops, and mentorship.
• Draft relevant documents like ToRs, concept notes, and meeting notes.

Partnerships and Networking:

• Assist clusters in building strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders at national and regional levels.
• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among clusters and stakeholders.

Performance Improvement:

• Guide and support clusters in improving their business performance, adopting appropriate technology, and enhancing quality, productivity, and overall efficiency.
• Contribute to the implementation of a framework for continuous monitoring and evaluation of cluster progress.

Additional Responsibilities:

• May be assigned other relevant tasks as needed.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Master's degree in relevant field (e.g., business administration, project management development studies, social economy …
• Minimum 3 years of experience in development projects, capacity building, or project management
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with government, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.
• Fluency in English is highly desirable.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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