Job Opportunity: ALUS Business Development and Market Research Coordinator
Posted: September 3, 2013
Categories: Food in the News / Volunteer. Job and Writing Opportunities
ALUS is hiring a Business Development & Research Coordinator to support the development of a national ALUS business model. The incumbent will coordinate the development of ecosystem valuation, market development, coordinate research that pertains to ecosystem valuation and manage grant and funding opportunities pertaining to key business development and market research areas. This position is ideal for an individual with a background in business and an interest in sustainable agriculture, ecosystem services and valuation, and the role of business in environmental sustainability.
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) is a voluntary, incentive based program providing payments to farmers for returning marginal and environmentally sensitive farmland into native vegetative cover and wetlands for the production of ecosystem services. ALUS is community led and farmer delivered, and uses a voluntary, market driven system. An Ontario ALUS demonstration project was launched in Norfolk County, Ontario in 2007. The program has grown substantially since then.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
As a member of the ALUS team the Business Development & Research Coordinator will support the development of a national ALUS business model. The incumbent will coordinate the development of ecosystem valuation, market development, coordinate research that pertains to ecosystem valuation and manage grant and funding opportunities pertaining to key business development and market research areas. This position is ideal for an individual with a background in business and an interest in sustainable agriculture, ecosystem services and valuation, and the role of business in environmental sustainability.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Business Development:
• Lead the development of consumer and commercial markets by packaging ALUS ecosystem benefits into marketable commodities
• Stay current on general EG&S policy and approaches, and Canadian EG&S policy and approaches
• Create protocols for the measurement, valuation, and verification (via verification systems) of ecosystem services arising from ALUS projects
• Develop protocols to meet regulation-driven markets: offset, overall benefit, and mitigation protocols for ALUS ecosystem services
• Support the development of a sustainable national ALUS business model
2. Market Research Coordination:
• Network with research and policy partners at the local provincial and national level, agencies, and individuals pertaining to market research areas
• Liaise with researchers and others studying the ALUS concept; verification of ecosystem services; carbon sequestration protocol development;
• Create and coordinate a national working group on ALUS marketing needs and initiatives
• Write RFPs and ensure work contracted to external parties meets requirements and timelines
• Manage the national ALUS research budget that relates to market development
• Adhere to proper protocols for documenting, recording and compiling data
3. Fund Development:
• Research grant and funding opportunities pertaining to key business development and market research areas
• Support fund development initiatives for the national ALUS program
SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE:
University education or equivalent in Business Administration, Marketing, Resource/Agricultural Management and/or Masters of Environment and Sustainability
Demonstrated experience in business planning, product development, business/marketing preferably related to agriculture or natural resource management
Knowledge of municipal, provincial, and federal legislation and regulations governing ecological goods and services, agriculture and natural resources.
A strategic thinker familiar with the role of business and sustainability, sustainable business models and able to work productively in a complex environment.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and activities and meet required deadlines
Experience writing funding proposals, grant applications and reporting
Excellent skills in public relations, communications, relationship building, and ability to network with diverse partner organizations.
MUST HAVE:
Thorough understanding of the practices relating to the field of business and marketing.
Knowledge of ecosystem valuation and ecological goods and services concept.
Proven ability to work as a member of a team and in situations without direct supervision.
Good communications, administrative, negotiation and organizational skills.
Excellent word processing skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel.
Must be aware of safe working practices for volunteers, partners and self, and must have a basic understanding of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
A valid Ontario Driver’s license.
Working environment and compensation
Normal working hours are Monday to Friday; 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week.
Compensation is commensurate with experience and education.
Delta Waterfowl has a competitive benefits package.
Based in South Central Ontario, opportunity to work from home with expectations to work out of Norfolk County as required.
This is a one year contract from date of hire with the possibility of extension subject to funding.
Please submit your resume and cover letter (Microsoft Word or Adobe pdf) to lbishop@deltawarterfowl.org by 5pm September 13, 2013. Only those candidates requested for an interview will be contacted.