Value Chain & Local Procurement Specialist

About Hilina Enriched Foods PLC

Hilina Enriched Foods PLC is an Ethiopian food manufacturing company committed to producing high-quality, nutritious food products using locally available agricultural raw materials.

As part of our growth and localization strategy, Hilina is expanding its use of locally sourced maize, chickpeas, barley, soy and other agricultural commodities. We are therefore seeking a capable professional to develop and manage the agricultural value chains that will enable the company to procure these commodities locally, competitively, consistently and sustainably.

Job Summary

The Value Chain & Local Procurement Specialist will be responsible for developing a robust, long-term local sourcing strategy for maize, chickpeas, barley and soy.

He/ She will carry-out agricultural market intelligence, value-chain development, procurement planning, supplier development and field-level relationship management.

The value chain & Local procurement Specialist will identify where, when and from whom the company should procure, determine the most competitive procurement periods and locations, establish relationships with cooperatives, unions, aggregators and farmers, and develop procurement mechanisms that ensure reliable supply, competitive prices and consistent raw-material quality.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

1. Agricultural Production Mapping & Value Chain Analysis

• Map the major production areas for: Maize, Chickpeas, Barley,Soybean and other strategic agricultural raw materials identified by the company.
• Identify the major production zones, woredas and markets for each commodity.
• Develop a detailed understanding of: Production volumes, production calendars, harvest periods, planting periods, cooperative profiles, productivity/yields, varieties grown, quality characteristics, post-harvest handling practices, storage capacity, existing market channels, major buyers,historical and current price trends.
• Identify areas with the greatest potential to supply Hilina based on volume, quality, price, logistics and reliability of supply.
• Develop commodity-specific value-chain maps from farmer to cooperative/union/aggregator to Hilina.
• Identify bottlenecks and opportunities throughout each value chain.

1. Develop the Local Procurement Strategy

Develop and continuously update a comprehensive procurement strategy for each major commodity.

The strategy should answer:

WHERE should we buy?Identify the most competitive and reliable production areas.

WHEN should we buy?Determine harvest periods, seasonal price patterns and optimal procurement windows.

FROM WHOM should we buy?Determine the appropriate mix of cooperatives, cooperative unions, aggregators, traders and potentially direct farmer sourcing.

HOW MUCH should we buy?Develop procurement volumes based on Hilina's production requirements, market availability and price expectations.

AT WHAT PRICE?Develop market-based price intelligence and procurement benchmarks.

HOW should we buy?Develop appropriate purchasing mechanisms, contracts and supplier arrangements..

1. Build Relationships with Cooperatives, Unions & Aggregators

• Identify credible farmer cooperatives, cooperative unions and agricultural aggregators in strategic production areas.
• Develop and maintain long-term supplier relationships.
• Assess suppliers based on: Production capacity; Financial capacity, Storage capacity, Quality management, Reliability, Traceability, Ability to aggregate volumes, previous market performance.
• Develop supplier databases containing detailed information on potential suppliers.
• Negotiate commercial arrangements that benefit both Hilina and suppliers.
• Establish mechanisms for regular communication with suppliers.
• Develop strategic supplier partnerships rather than relying solely on spot-market purchases.
• Explore opportunities for pre-season agreements and contracted supply.

1. Develop Farmer & Cooperative-Based Sourcing Models

The specialist will be expected to move beyond traditional commodity purchasing and develop models that strengthen the agricultural supply base.

This may include:

• Contract farming models.
• Pre-season supply agreements.
• Aggregation through cooperatives.
• Partnerships with cooperative unions.
• Strategic relationships with aggregators.
• Farmer production support partnerships.
• Quality-based purchasing systems.
• Incentives for suppliers meeting Hilina's quality specifications.
• Long-term sourcing arrangements.

The specialist should identify practical mechanisms that allow Hilina to secure quality raw materials at competitive prices while creating value for farmers and suppliers.

1. Market Intelligence & Price Monitoring

Establish a systematic market intelligence system for all strategic commodities.

The specialist will:

• Monitor farm-gate, wholesale and market prices.
• Track seasonal price movements.
• Monitor production forecasts.
• Track rainfall and weather conditions that may affect production.
• Monitor planted areas and expected harvest volumes.
• Monitor competing buyers and market demand.
• Track government policies affecting agricultural commodities.
• Monitor transportation and logistics costs.
• Develop price forecasts and procurement recommendations.

1. Procurement Planning & Execution

Working closely with the Procurement, Production, Finance and Quality teams:

• Translate Hilina's annual production requirements into agricultural procurement requirements.
• Develop monthly and seasonal procurement plans.
• Coordinate procurement volumes with warehouse capacity.
• Ensure procurement is aligned with production schedules.
• Coordinate supplier deliveries with factory requirements.
• Monitor contracted volumes versus actual deliveries.
• Identify potential supply shortages before they occur.
• Ensure all procurement is compliant with Hilina's procurement procedures.

1. Quality & Food Safety

Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure that locally procured commodities meet Hilina's specifications.

This includes:

• Developing supplier quality requirements.
• Supporting supplier training on quality requirements.
• Understanding risks associated with: Moisture, Mycotoxins /aflatoxin, Foreign materials, Pesticide residues, Insect infestation, Poor storage, Adulteration, Variety and nutritional quality.
• Supporting supplier prequalification and audits.
• Establishing appropriate quality specifications for each commodity.
• Developing mechanisms for quality-based supplier selection and pricing.

1. Logistics & Collection Network Development

Evaluate the logistics requirements of sourcing commodities from different production areas.

The specialist will:

• Map collection points and aggregation centers.
• Assess road and transportation conditions.
• Estimate transportation costs from production areas to Hilina.
• Identify economically viable collection locations.
• Recommend strategic collection and storage points where appropriate.
• Develop efficient transportation routes.

1. Supplier Database & Procurement Information System

Develop and maintain a comprehensive database covering:

• Production areas
• Cooperatives&Cooperative unions
• Aggregators&Traders
• Estimated production volumes
• Supplier capacities
• Historical procurement prices&Current market prices
• Quality &Delivery performance
• Storage capacity
• Logistics costs
• Supplier reliability
• Contract history.