Jobs in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Agriculture Market Systems Development Officer job in Zambia

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SNV started operations in Zambia in 1965 shortly after the country’s independence and has been a consistent development partner since then. In alignment with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and its Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP 2011-2015), SNV provides services in three sectors: Renewable Energy; Water Sanitation and Hygiene and Agriculture.

Position Name: Agriculture Market Systems Development Officer
Sector/Program: Agriculture
Position Location: Lusaka
Reports to: Project Manager, Sustainable Integrated Land Management Solutions (SILMS) for Agricultural Value Chains in Zambia
Responsible for: Development of markets systems for selected agriculture value chains
Key contacts: MAL, SCCI, ZARI, ICRAF, Processors, Commodity Associations,
Anticipated Start Date: 1st January 2016

Project background
Sustainable Integrated Land Management Solutions (SILMS) is a market-based approach project that aims to increase incomes for smallholder farmers through adoption of the sustainable land management practices that incorporate Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), Agroforestry and Deforestation-free Supply Chains. Conceptually, the project combines climate change mitigation with agricultural adaption strategies and is based on in-depth understanding of the dynamics that have prevented a wider uptake of sustainable land management practices by small holder farmers in Zambia.

Small holder farmers in the project are incentivised through increased income that comes from improved market access and use of sustainable production practices increasing yields. Enabling increased production requires the development of local market systems that enhance availability of ISFM technology and modern farm inputs; increased access to commercial agroforestry and improved seed multiplication enterprises; increased availability of extension services through market-oriented agro dealerships; and increased access to crucial services such as finance and soil testing. In addition the project will also pilot SNV’s globally-tested Deforestation Free Supply Chain approach in the cotton landscape to mitigate further deforestation and degradation in Eastern province.

SNV is therefore seeking applications from suitably qualified Zambians to fill in the position of Agriculture Market Systems Development Officer.

Job purpose
The Agriculture Market Systems Development Officer shall coordinate all the market development activities that contribute to smallholder farmer access to sustainable integrated land management solutions in the selected value chains: these include but not limited to Soya, Beans and Groundnuts, Cotton. She / he will also establish/promote links between commodity associations and private sector companies / processors. The officer will occasionally deputize the Project Manager

Responsibilities

  • Develop systems and broker linkages that foster access to services that enhance uptake of sustainable integrated land management solutions in the selected value chains.
  • In collaboration with other chain actors facilitate associations to develop viable business models for better access to services and markets.
  • Promote and support inclusive business models amongst the selected value chain actors and farmers associations.

Specific activities include the following

  • Develop annual project work plans; set milestones and benchmarks to achieve project objectives related to agriculture market systems development.
  • Oversee the participatory district based assessments in the lead value chains
  • Conduct analysis for targeted commodity associations to establish capacity gaps in access to inputs and markets.
  • Developing business models and brokering inclusive business relationships between input suppliers, agro dealers and associations based on their relative capacities and strengths.
  • Work with selected associations to create three year business strategies.
  • Support associations in the implementation of their respective business models and strategies.
  • Lead on brokering and facilitating the relationships between small holders, agro dealers, processors, traders and input suppliers in soya, groundnuts and beans value chains to increase small holder’s access to markets, inputs, extension and finance.
  • Facilitate linkages with other chains actors such as input suppliers, processors and financial service providers through targeted business brokerage meetings.
  • Develop market linkages between trained seed multipliers, agro dealers and small holder farmers through the associations.
  • Oversee the delivery of smart subsidies for kits and technical support for soil testing and awareness raising among small holders to develop markets.
  • Nurture market linkages between the developed tree nursery enterprises, agro dealers and farmers.
  • Mentor and support agro dealers in developing inputs and output brokering relationships between agro dealers, small holders, input suppliers and commodity buyers.
  • Brokering inclusive business arrangements for Cotton producers and processors.
  • Carry out data collection, M&E activities and report writing.

Competencies, capabilities and attributes: (skills/behavioural (special training or competence)

  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to work under pressure and to deliver quality products that meet deadlines and requirements
  • Team player
  • Relationship builder
  • Ability to work with a wide range of actors from different backgrounds (smallholder farmers, private sector companies, government, and NGOs)

Academic & professional qualifications, Knowledge and Experience: (detail Knowledge (Education & Related Experience)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Economics, agriculture, Ag. Economics, agribusiness or other related degree
  • Additional training in Enterprise development, and community empowerment will be an added advantage
  • At least 5 years of work experience in the agri-business sector, preferably in in market access
  • Knowledge of the Zambian Agriculture industry
  • Experience with private sector development
  • Excellent written English and ability with standard Office packages – Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
  • Previous work with NGOs in Zambia with project management roles.

Working environment: (The officer is expected to Spend 50% time in office and 50% field work) They will be based in the SNV head office in Lusaka, but will be required to travel extensively to project sites within Eastern province.

How to apply
Applicants should submit an application letter addressed to country Operations Manager with full updated CV, Pay rate history for the last three years, three professional references including their email address and day contact phone numbers. Applications indicating the position applied for should be submitted to [email protected] and to copy [email protected] not later than Please do not attach any academic and professional certificates

Closing date: 13th November, 2015