Supply Chain Linkages and Business Development Specialist – WEECAP

JOB DESCRIPTION 

 POSITION TITLE:  Supply Chain Linkages and Business Development Specialist 

LOCATION:  Guinea-Bissau  

TYPE OF POSITION:   Local   

LINE MANAGER:  Regional Competitiveness and Supply Chain Director  

PROGRAM SUMMARY: 
The Women’s Economic Empowerment through Cashew Processing Program (WEECAP) is a five-year initiative, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, operating in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal. WEECAP is transforming the cashew sector in West Africa by aligning inclusion and competitiveness to meet global demand, attract investment, and open economic opportunities for young women and men. 

WEECAP addresses bottlenecks in the sector by connecting suppliers and strategic buyers, structuring resilient value chains, and mobilizing targeted financial solutions. At the same time, we strengthen the capacity of emerging enterprises, contribute to the development of robust policy frameworks, and achieve tangible results through a practical, market-driven approach. 

Our ambition: to make the cashew sector a regional engine of competitiveness, value addition, and inclusion. 

• Create 330,000 jobs for young women and men through dynamic value chains and business growth 

• Mobilize USD 150 million in new investments through innovative financial solutions and private partnerships 

WEECAP acts as a catalyst — aligning supply chains, developing promising business models, deploying capital adapted to real economic cycles, and supporting policy reforms that drive sector growth. Inclusion is not an option, but a lever for performance and market success. Our goal is to build a modern, competitive, and inclusive industry where women and youth play a full economic role. 

POSITION SUMMARY: 
The Supply Chain Linkages Specialist in Guinea-Bissau plays a crucial role in strengthening market connections, improving efficiency, and ensuring sustainable sourcing. The consultant will support processors having access to raw cashew nuts and kernels. The role focuses on expanding market access through partnerships. The position will play an important role as an interlocutor for the various players in the cashew value chain, with the aim of facilitating access to the raw material and, more generally, improving the various connections within the value chain. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Strategic Planning 

• Develop in collaboration with the Competitiveness & Supply Chain Regional Director, a work plan with tangible goals and timelines to establish linkages among cashew stakeholders in Guinea-Bissau 

Market System Development & Supply Chain Strengthening 

• Analyze market trends and identify new business opportunities for both organic and conventional cashew supply chains. 

• Strengthen existing interventions to remain competitive amidst increasing sector participation. 

• Facilitate stakeholder engagement to enhance supply chain efficiency and sustainability 

• Ensure the adaptability of project interventions to emerging opportunities and sectoral changes in Guinea-Bissau 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development 

• Establish and maintain relationships with cashew processors, producer organizations, and buyers. 

Develop partnerships with equipment manufacturers and service providers to improve processing efficiency. 

• Coordinate with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors to align supply chain strategies. 

Traceability & Certification Compliance 

• Implement and oversee traceability systems to ensure compliance with food safety and sustainability standards. 

• Support processors and producer organizations in obtaining relevant certifications (e.g., organic, fair trade, food safety). 

• Monitor and evaluate certification processes to maintain quality assurance across the supply chain. 

Data Analysis & Reporting 

• Conduct diagnostics and assessments to evaluate market opportunities and constraints. 

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and market access. 

• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders 

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness, Economics, or a related field. 

Experience / Skills: 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the cashew value chain. Experience in Guinea-Bissau is highly recommended. 

•  Good knowledge of the players and the cashew ecosystem in Guinea-Bissau. 

•  Experience working in Guinea-Bissau 's agricultural sector, particularly in cashew processing and sourcing. 

•  Familiarity with regional trade dynamics and market access strategies for cashew 

•  Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret market trends and production data. 

•  Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development. 

•  Knowledge of traceability systems, certifications, and food safety standards. 

•  Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a preference for structured presentations and visual representations. 

• Proficiency in English and/or French required

NB: Job Openings - Winrock International