Reports to: The Executive Director
Supervises: None
Location: Kampala, Uganda
About VANEX
The Association of the Vanilla Exporters of Uganda Limited (VANEX) is a membership organization constituted by vanilla buyers and exporters in 2003 and incorporated in Uganda in June 2005 as a company limited by guarantee. Our mission is to pool the resources of the members and to harmonize and co-ordinate our efforts and activities in the best interest of the vanilla export industry in Uganda. We are the nationally recognized organization for the vanilla industry, that contributes to the effort to create an enabling environment for sustainable vanilla production and trade with a view of making Uganda a reliable global source of high-quality natural vanilla.

Job purpose
The purpose of this role is to effectively and efficiently execute the membership services and communications activities that facilitate delivery of value added benefits and stronger collaboration for attainment of common goal of creating a vibrant vanilla industry in Uganda.

Key Duties/Responsibilities
• Conduct annual member services needs assessment, and a satisfaction survey in order to develop tailor made projects / and activities that are aligned to VANEX’s objectives and strategy, and meets members’ expectations.
• Lead recruitment of new members and delivery of membership targets through proactive engagement of potential members, communicating VANEX value of membership, and ensuring timely processing of new member application to a logical conclusion.
• Keep updated members profile and document success / activity stories from members and feature them on VANEX website and newsletter.
• Ensure timely communication and response to all members’ requests and also sharing of information to members through all relevant communication means.
• Ensure effective management of annual membership subscription process through timely invoicing, collection of subscription fees, receipting of fees received and issuance of annual membership certificates.
• Conduct routine membership visits to provide support to members of the association.
• Assist the Executive Director in planning, coordinating and execution of annual industry calendar activities relevant to members, for example AGM, biannual meeting with SVI, annual vanilla week, international trade fairs, annual stakeholders’ engagement forum and other relevant events to the vanilla industry.
• Support the Executive Director in organizing an annual member’s capacity building training based on members and partners’ popular needs.
• Support the Executive Director in performing fundraising duties.
• Take leadership in compilation and dissemination of Vanilla industry Statistics and biannual market reports.
• Lead a collaborative effort with MAAIF to establish a confidential and secure data collection system that allows to collect and aggregate data on vanilla export volumes.
• Undertake any other duty as may be directed by the Executive Director.

Typical Background, Experience and Requirements:
Education and Experience
• A Bachelor’s degree preferably in Agribusiness Management, Rural Innovations, Communication, Development Economics or related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in an agriculture development projects.
• Experience supporting agricultural/business membership associations preferred.
• Experience in the execution of marketing information and communication strategies
• Experience in project ideation and concept writing
• Knowledge of working in collaborative environment and diversity of culture and work styles
• Experience of organizing, coordinating and executing stakeholder meetings / workshops.

Desirable Skills
• Good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong presentation skills (structured PowerPoint presentations)
• Meeting moderation, group moderation, and facilitation skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
• Strong networking ability and following through of leads
• Excellent report writing skills
• Proficiency with MS office.
• High level of self-drive, motivation and working under minimum supervision.
• Experience of documenting processes, lessons learnt and case studies desirable

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:
This job description is not an exhaustive list of skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.
VANEX is an equal opportunity employer, with a work culture that allows innovation and self-drive to achieve results.