Business Development Expert

In Indonesia, GGGI is implementing the Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Smart Livelihoods in Mangrove Landscapes (NASCLIM) project, a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The project supports the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves and the protection of intact mangrove forests in North and East Kalimantan. It promotes the restoration of natural tidal flows, the use of sustainable aquaculture practices, and the capacity of policymakers to adopt and implement mangrove protection reforms.

NASCLIM aims to enhance the resilience of coastal communities—particularly marginalized groups, including women—while improving access to mangrove ecosystem benefits. It contributes directly to Indonesia’s climate adaptation and mitigation goals and is designed as a national model for replication elsewhere.

To ensure long-term sustainability and community ownership, NASCLIM places strong emphasis on business development linked to mangrove-based livelihoods. By supporting the creation and growth of nature-based enterprises—such as sustainable aquaculture, eco-tourism, and mangrove product processing—the project aims to generate alternative income opportunities for coastal communities. This approach not only helps reduce pressure on mangrove ecosystems but also strengthens local economies, particularly for women and marginalized groups. Integrating business development into conservation efforts reinforces NASCLIM’s dual goals of environmental protection and inclusive economic resilience.

A critical component of NASCLIM involves strengthening local economic resilience through community-based business development. Many coastal and mangrove-dependent communities continue to face barriers in accessing markets, financing, and entrepreneurial support. To address these challenges, NASCLIM will deploy a Business Development Expert to provide tailored assistance to micro- and small-scale enterprises, particularly those emerging from Women Field Schools, Coastal Field Schools, and Social Forestry Groups. This support aims to enhance income-generating opportunities, reduce reliance on unsustainable resource use, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of mangrove protection efforts.

This assignment will focus on four target villages in North and/or East Kalimantan, serving as demonstration sites for inclusive, climate-smart business models that promote sustainable mangrove use and improved household income based on mangrove ecosystem services—depending on the readiness of local communities and village governments. NASCLIM also plans to expand outreach to additional villages in the first quarter of 2026.

EXPERTISE REQUIRED :

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in socioeconomics, agribusiness, rural development, environmental management, or a related field. A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• More than 10 years of professional experience in community-based business development, entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, or inclusive economic development—preferably in coastal, rural, or forested areas.
• Strong capacity to conduct value chain analysis, market assessments, and feasibility studies particularly in coastal communities from mangrove-based products.
• Proven experience in developing business plans, financial projections, and product development strategies for micro- and small enterprises, particularly in North and East Kalimantan.
• Familiarity with production facility operations, hygiene standards, and quality assurance, especially in food processing or coastal-based commodities.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver capacity-building programs, including training modules and mentoring for community groups and local partners.
• Experience facilitating partnerships or co-financing models with public-private actors is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to build trust and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Source:  https://careers.gggi.org/vacancy/indonesia-business-development-expert-589391.html