Job Title: Business Development Manager – Community Enterprises (Gurez)
Location: Gurez Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Organisation: Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN)
About the Role
GIAN is looking for a motivated Business Development Manager to support the development and growth of community-based microenterprises in the Gurez Valley. The role involves working closely with local communities to strengthen existing enterprises, develop new products, improve market access, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and support community-based microenterprise opportunities.
- Work with local producers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer groups, and artisans to establish and strengthen enterprises.
- Develop business models and enterprise plans suited to local resources and community needs.
- Facilitate product development, value addition, packaging, branding, and quality improvement.
- Create market linkages with retailers, wholesalers, online platforms, institutional buyers, and government procurement programs.
- Conduct market research to identify customer needs, pricing strategies, and emerging market opportunities.
- Organize capacity-building programs on entrepreneurship, business management, marketing, and financial literacy.
- Support enterprises in accessing government schemes, grants, and financial institutions.
- Coordinate with government departments, NGOs, incubators, and private-sector partners to promote enterprise development.
- Monitor enterprise performance and prepare regular progress reports and impact documentation.
- Travel extensively within Gurez and nearby areas to engage with communities.
Qualifications
- Master's/Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Rural Management, Development Studies, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
- 3-7 years of experience in community-based enterprise development, rural livelihoods, microenterprise promotion, or value chain development.
- Demonstrated experience in establishing community enterprises, developing market linkages, and product development.
- Experience working with SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives, or rural producer groups is preferred.
- Familiarity with government livelihood and entrepreneurship schemes is desirable.
Required Skills
- Business planning and enterprise development
- Market linkage and value chain development
- Product development and branding
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Report writing and project documentation
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Ability to work independently in remote locations
Preferred
- Experience working in Himalayan or tribal regions.
- Understanding of agriculture, handicrafts, food processing, or other rural livelihood sectors.
- Knowledge of the local language (Kashmiri, Shina, or Urdu) will be an advantage.
Duration: Short term Project
