Business Development Specialist

Company Description Farmer First is founded on the belief that food is central to human existence and that farmers are the backbone of society. The organization is dedicated to empowering farmers by recognizing their rights, dignity, and essential contributions. Its mission is to create systems and solutions that improve farmers’ livelihoods while honoring their role in the food value chain. Farmer First envisions a world where humanity, nature, and all life coexist in balance. Team members are encouraged to work closely with farming communities to drive tangible, positive change.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Business Development Specialist role based in Thodupuzha. The Business Development Specialist will identify and qualify new business opportunities, focusing on partnerships, buyers, and channels that benefit farmers and expand Farmer First’s reach. Day-to-day tasks include conducting market research, analyzing trends, and generating leads through outreach, networking, and relationship-building with stakeholders in agriculture and related sectors. The role involves presenting Farmer First’s value propositions, preparing proposals, supporting negotiations, and maintaining ongoing contact with partners and customers. The specialist will collaborate with internal teams to align business development initiatives with farmer-centric goals, track performance metrics, and provide regular reports and insights to leadership.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to interpret data, assess market opportunities, and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with farmers, partners, and internal teams.
• Proven experience in lead generation and prospecting, including outreach, follow-up, and pipeline management.
• Market research skills to understand agricultural ecosystems, customer needs, and competitive landscapes.
• Customer service orientation, with the ability to support stakeholders, resolve concerns, and foster long-term relationships.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, Rural Development, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience in agribusiness, rural markets, or social enterprise is an advantage.
• Ability to work on-site in Thodupuzha, travel to field locations as needed, and adapt to diverse community settings.
• Proficiency in basic productivity tools (e.g., spreadsheets, presentations, CRM or lead-tracking tools) is beneficial.