Creative Business Developper

Job description

Job Summary

Pai Seedlings Foundation

Pai Seedlings is a grassroot non-profit organization striving for natural agriculture, environmental education and nature-based lifestyles. Their work is inspired by Ajarn Jon Jandai (Pun Pun Center, Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai) and Ajarn Yak (Thamturakit).

Their R&D farm and eco-center is located in Pai, MHS, Thailand, and includes work in regenerative agriculture, soil biology, permaculture, natural contruction, low-techs, community building, education & training programs for travellers and locals and a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

In 2022,with the support of the Ecca Family Foundation Pai Seedlings Foundation starts a new project : the Regenerative Farmers’ Cooperative in collaboration with 20 local farmers, with the ambition to develop farmland soil regeneration strategies and marketing solutions.

Project Description

This project aims at supporting 20 farmers for 5 years, with the ambition to transform the status-quo on conventional farming (chemical, debt and sickness) into a sustainable model of regenerative agriculture (cooperative, local and resilient model).

The objectives are to regenerate :

• The ecological landscape : improve soils fertility, support biodiversity, limit erosion, stop burning ;
• The economic landscape :  increase income, develop a premium distribution network, diversify revenue streams ;
• The social landscape : create education and training opportunities, produce healthy and nourishing food for the community, lower exposure to chemicals, empower the farmers to own the cooperative.

The Creative Business Developer mission

The success of the project relies on 3 factors :

1. The implementation of soil regeneration strategies : Damien Masselis’ expertise,
2. The cooperation with between farmers : Pimnara Paktis (Project Coordinator),
3. The creation of marketing channels to sell the production : CSA, premium partnerships, Thamturakit network : THIS IS YOUR MISSION AS THE CREATIVE BUSINESS DEVELOPPER.

Responsibilities & Duties

1. Business :
   1. Design a business strategy to market our production ;
   2. Research the market opportunities to help steer the production and develop original (high value added) products ;
   3. Create an original and unique network of partners for the distribution (marketing and sales) : memberships, CSA model, exclusive partnerships, direct sales, fresh&cooked produce, direct events, et
   4. Create the tools for communication and reporting on all business activities.

=> You will be assisted by Damien Masselis and Pimnara Pakti who have already established connexion with many potential/confirmed partners in and out of Pai.

2. Legal :
   1. Research and apply for the necessary licenses/authorizations whenever required.
   2. (optional if required) : research, present and implement the necessary steps for the creation of an agricultural cooperative.
   3. Make sure we stay aligned with all the legal requirements in Thailand.

Qualification & Skills

Technical skills

      - Good spokesman and public relation
      - Good at sales and marketing
      - Comfortable using digital collaboration tools

Interpersonnal skills

• Excellent written & spoken communication skills in Thai. Good speaking, reading writing in English.

• Must have a genuine passion and/or curiosity for natural farming and lifestyles.
• Team player : can collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders : farmers, designers, chef, managers, business owners etc.

Salary & Benefits

      - Start as soon as possible.
      - 25,000thb/month. Possibility of increase after 1 year based on results.
      - Can partially work remotly. Travel expenses when visiting partners.
      - Other benefits : organic produce from the farm for all project members as we develop the production.
      - Optional : at the end of this 5 year project : the business developer will be the ideal candidate to become the Farmers’ Cooperative manager.