Entrepreneurship and Business Development Officer (25 hours per week) (Post Level 8) (3- Year Contract Appointment) (Job ID: 5847) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation and coordination of the entrepreneurship and business development model at UFS.
• Develop strategies and operational plans for the business incubation hubs, aligning them with UFS’s innovation strategies.
• Work closely with the Senior Programme Officer of Business Creation, Incubation, and Job Development.
• Promote the goals and values of RUFORUM related to business development, ensuring alignment with UFS objectives.
• Coordinate the delivery of business development services to students, start-up owners, and agricultural value chain stakeholders, both within and outside the UFS.
• Empower young future entrepreneurs, by equipping students with the skills and resources needed successful businesses in the agricultural sector.
• Foster innovation principles and implement skills transfer to students.
• Manage the overall impact of the programme.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree on NQF Level 7 in Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Economics/ Agribusiness/ Economics or related sciences. 
• Minimum of three (3) years’ relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.
• Experience in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.

Recommendations:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Strong understanding of business development principles, incubation processes and supporting mechanisms.
• Strong communication skills and proven experience of connecting with students, entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
• Proven strategic planning and university level-strategy.