Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Limited (SCANL) Job Recruitment

Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited (Sahel) is a leading management consulting firm focused on the agricultural and nutrition sectors in Africa. We partner with government agencies, private sector companies and leading international development organizations to conduct research, analyze policies, develop strategies, and implement programs that promote sustainable food security and improved nutrition. We have worked on a variety of projects across West Africa, including in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Warehouse Supervisor

Job Location: Kaduna
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Details

• A start-up foundation seed company is commencing operations in Kaduna, Nigeria with the production of foundation seed for hybrid maize production for seed companies in West Africa and is seeking a Warehouse Supervisor.
• The vision of the company is to be recognized as West Africa’s most reliable source of high-quality foundation seeds.
• The Warehouse Supervisor will be responsible for managing the warehousing, goods-in and goods-out operations of the company’s warehouse as well as assuring health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) compliance and inventory protection with respect to the warehouse.
• The Warehouse Supervisor will report to the Supply Chain and Operations Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

• Control the storage and movement of all seed; raw, processed and treated, according to company warehouse guidelines and protocols.
• Ensure all inventory movement is fully documented according to company policies and systems.
• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled and dispatched in a timely manner and are accompanied by the required documentation.
• Liaise with transporters to ensure cost effective movement of inventory.
• Ensure the security of the inventory and that inventory is free from any pests and vermin.
• Plan fumigation of the storage warehouses and co-ordinate third party fumigation.
• Supervise and train warehouse workers on Health, Environmental, Safety and Quality (HSEQ) policies, warehouse operations and seed storage procedures.
• Engage in activities in the warehouse according to agreed HSEQ procedures.
• Assist in the liaison with Seed Certification Agents and regulatory authorities.
• Report any nonconformities to the Supply Chain and Operations Manager.
• Assist with inventory management and control, using agreed systems and processes and support the Finance department in monthly stocktaking.
• Suggest improvements to warehousing & HSEQ procedures and policies to ensure best use of company resources and achieve improved efficiency and safety.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum of a National Diploma
• Supervisory Skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Must have a valid driving license.
• Must be aware of regulations and certification pertaining to seed trade in Nigeria and West Africa.
• A customer focused individual committed to building a reputation for trust and reliability.
• A highly proficient level of written / spoken English.
• Performance and results driven attitude.
• Willing to work flexibly with respect to starting and finishing times.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Job Position: Supply Chain and Operations Manager

Job Location: Kaduna
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• A start-up foundation seed company is commencing operations in Kaduna, Nigeria with the production of foundation seed for hybrid maize production for seed companies in West Africa and is seeking a Supply Chain and Operations Manager.
• The vision of the company is to be recognized as West Africa’s most reliable source of high-quality foundation seeds.
• The Supply Chain and Operations Manager will be responsible for managing production, processing, and distribution activities of the company.
• The Supply Chain and Operations Manager will report to the Managing Director. The position will be based in Kaduna but will involve travel across the different locations of operation of the company.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure field production is done in both a timely and effective manner.
• Coordinate recruitment of out-growers and the implementation of the company’s field production plan.
• Ensure adherence to phytosanitary, regulatory, and quality requirements and that shipment of seed made do not contravene country or international regulations or best practices.
• Develop systems and operations processes, including timely reporting of any issues that may impact business plans.
• Design and implement quality assurance and control procedures with relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all critical processes.
• Manage inventory (including storage and transport) to optimize working capital deployment and maintain seed quality.
• Liaise with regulators and testing stations to provide independent certification with respect to foundation seed quality parameters and ensure the required documentation is issued.
• Liaise with the sources of breeder seed/research institutes to ensure sufficient seed quantities are available in a timely manner and that agreements are in place to meet the company’s production plan.
• Develop planning and logistics systems and processes that integrate with the company finance system.
• Procure, install, and operate seed processing equipment at company sites.
• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled, dispatched, and invoiced in a timely manner.
• Ensure the companies HSEQ rules and procedures are established and fully implemented.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Master's Degree in Agronomy, Plant Science or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in managing seed production.
• Deep experience of agricultural inputs supply chain, including seed supply.
• Extensive experience in production planning, supply and operations systems development and management in a similar business, for at least 4 years. Experience in maize seed production is highly desirable.
• Must be aware of regulations and certification pertaining to seed trade in Nigeria and West Africa.
• Must be a customer focused individual, committed to building a reputation for trust and reliability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal, negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Problem-solving, multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel.
• Experience working with a start-up business is desirable.

Job Position: Sales and Marketing Manager

Job Location: Kaduna
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Details

• A start-up foundation seed company is commencing operations in Kaduna, Nigeria with the production of foundation seed for hybrid maize production for seed companies in West Africa and is seeking a Sales and Marketing Manager.
• The vision of the company is to be recognized as West Africa’s most reliable source of high-quality foundation seeds.
• The Sales and Marketing Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the sales targets of the company are met and for strategically managing the commercial relationship between the Company and its customers, to build trust and a reputation for reliability.
• The Sales and Marketing Manager will report to the Managing Director. The position will be based in Kaduna but will involve travel across the different locations of operation of the company.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a marketing and sales strategy for the company as well annual budgets and implementation plans.
• Interact with all current and prospective customers of the company in Nigeria and West Africa on a regular basis, to build relationships in order to achieve sales targets and assure payment.
• Review and report monthly sales and future demands at the sales and operations meetings.
• Develop and agree on seed pricing and terms (order placement, pricing, credit terms, cash discounts, and others) with the Managing Director.
• Manage all customer interactions including coordinating periodic follow up with customers, managing and resolving customer complaint, collating, and reporting on customer feedback and reporting territorial changes.
• Develop marketing materials to create corporate and product awareness.
• Develop clear and effective written proposals/quotations for prospective customers.
• Ensure that seasonal widespread on-farm variety demonstrations and field days run annually by partners convey the optimum commercial message for the Company and customer visits and interactions are effectively managed.
• Identify opportunities and threats to the company and work with the Managing Director to leverage opportunities and address threats.
• Protect the image of the Company, maintain goodwill, and uphold confidentiality at all times.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Master's Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in sales and marketing of agricultural inputs and supervisory experience in leading and managing sales/marketing teams.
• Proven knowledge of market and customer dynamics.
• Strong program management skills and high level of analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal, negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Track record of developing and maintaining successful marketing strategies.
• Proven ability to oversee all marketing, advertising, and promotional activities.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel.
• Experience working with a start-up business is desirable.
• Experience using a sales software is an added advantage.

Job Position: Finance and Administration Officer

Job Location: Kaduna

 Job Details

• A start-up foundation seed company is commencing operations in Kaduna, Nigeria with the production of foundation seed for hybrid maize production for seed companies in West Africa and is seeking a Finance and Administration Officer.
• The vision of the company is to be recognized as West Africa's most reliable source of high-quality foundation seeds.
• The Finance and Administration Officer will be responsible for strategically managing the financial resources of the company, accurately reporting company transactions and providing administrative support to the company. The Finance and Administration Officer will report to the Managing Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Managing Director in developing and implementing financial, account and budget management goals, policies and procedures.
• Apply basic accounting knowledge and techniques to all areas of work, including routine costing and variance analysis.
• Ensure that all transactions are captured and recognized in line with the accepted and relevant accounting standards.
• Prepare the bank reconciliation statements as may be required.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports and present them to the Managing Director.
• Prepare and manage budgets and disburse funds when necessary.
• Prepare regular forecasts of revised financial position.
• Maintain banking relations, plan and monitor company cashflow requirements to ensure smooth running.
• Monitor the liquidity status of the Company and ensure profitable investment of idle funds.
• Facilitate internal administrative and accounting audit and coordinate external audit processes as required.
• Identify and address any risks, irregularities, lack of compliance that may become evident from internal/external audits.
• Manage petty cash float.
• Prepare and submit statutory returns for government, revenue services, etc. as required by law.
• Manage relationships with banks and other finance institutions.
• Provide necessary support required in the process of sourcing for funding.
• Implement internal controls/accounting systems.
• Ensure compliance and adherence to financial obligations, tax and legal obligations.
• Manage procurement processes, under the guidance of the Managing Director.
• Maintain a good and conducive working environment for staff and ensure compliance to internal procedures.
• Oversee general repairs and maintenance of property, plant and equipment.
• Monitor and schedule administrative procurements.
• Ensure that all property, plant and equipment owned by the company have an insurance cover.
• Perform other tasks as might be assigned by the management.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or higher Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field of study.
• ICAN/ACCA certification is required.
• Minimum of 4 years related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software’s like Peachtree, SAP, Sage etc.
• Proven experience to understand and manage the financial and administrative functions of an agri-business.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Time management, scheduling and planning skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Must be able to work proactively and multi-task.
• Experience of working with a start-up business is desirable.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to: recruiting@sahelcp.com with "Job Title" as the subject of the mail.

Note: Due to a high volume of applicants, please understand that we are able to contact only those who meet the minimum qualifications.