CONTINENTAL MARKETING SPECIALIST

About The Job

To develop and implement marketing plans, execute projects and initiatives across the Fairtrade network that supports the broader short and long-term commercial strategy as well as overall corporate strategy. To ensure that the Fairtrade brand remains relevant to the target market and all brand/product initiatives support the Fairtrade brand promise.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Brand and Consumer Marketing

· Develop and implement an integrated marketing & communication plans to deliver desired producer impact

· Responsible for elements of consumer marketing and Fairtrade brand administration, including brand strategy, consumer and trade promotions, product development, pricing, advertising, packaging development, financial analysis and budget management

· Champion Social & Behaviour change initiative in the South markets

· Identify and analyse product performance information, anticipate problems and contingency plans to ensure portfolio success

· Manage marketing and customer-driven programs including annual planning, brand presentations, overall shopper marketing insights and category guidelines.

· Aligned with the commercial strategy, execute a commodity exchange platform to support market access initiatives.

· In liaison with the External Communication and PR Coordinator and adherence with Fairtrade branding guideline, develop, design, produce and manage promotional materials in an efficient manner.

Stakeholder Management

· Strategic management of key stakeholders’ relationships like NFOs, buyers, government agencies and donors across the globe.

· Through the programme and commercial teams, ensure producer involvement in marketing strategy development and execution

· Represent Fairtrade Africa at buyer meetings within the Fairtrade network, attending relevant conferences and meetings as required.

· In collaboration with the External Communication & PR Co-ordinator, provide National Fairtrade Organization’s with key information, sharing key achievements and success stories to communicate FTA’s impact.

· Manage any third-party agency on a-needs-basis.

· Support the Commercial Director by participating in strategic advocacy and technical working groups

· Know the ethical and legal compliance responsibilities of the position, raise questions and concerns when faced with an ethical or compliance issue, apply integrity in all aspects of professional conduct.

Product Innovation

· Responsible for consumer and market research in collaboration with the Impact and Strategy team.

· Develop market and products dashboards with real time data and trends for strategic

· Use market research tools and mechanisms to lead product innovations for the producers

· Champion product innovation working groups

Reporting and Documentation

· Develop and maintain monthly update reports on sales, marketing budgets, profitability and provide detailed input to be used by senior management for strategic planning

· Actively participate in resource mobilization and market access proposal writing procedures.

· Develop and maintain a Fairtrade product directory

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

· A Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or a related field.

Professional Qualifications

· Post-graduate qualification in marketing e.g. Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

· Project Management certification will be an added advantage

Experience and Knowledge

· At least 4 years’ experience of brand management and have at least 2 years’ experience in senior management

• Understanding of market research methods and analysis

· Experience in working in a matrix organization

Skills and Competencies

· Strong communication skills

· Strong interpersonal and team player skills

· Demonstrated financial and project management skills

• Communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills;
• Problem -Solving skills
• Ability to drive change and innovation

• Aggressive, assertive and adaptable

• Business Acumen

An application form (CVs will not be accepted) can be found on the jobs and volunteering page of our website http://www.fairtradeafrica.net/about-us/jobs-and-volunteering/ If you have any queries, please e-mail: recruitment@fairtradeafrica.net or call +254 202721930 and ask to speak to a member of the HR team.

Qualified applicants will be subjected to background checks as a pre-condition of employment. Completed applications should be saved in the applicant’s name and the position (Continental Marketing Specialist) and be e-mailed to recruitment@fairtradeafrica.net.

All applicants should state how they meet essential requirements of the post and include their email address, telephone contacts and three referees with contact details on the application form.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.**