Job Description

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.

We are a global team of nearly 800 changemakers, operating in more than 30 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference.

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

The Government of Zambia has identified Agriculture as a key driver of economic transformation. The sector’s potential can be unlocked with appropriate policies, strategies and delivery mechanisms in agricultural research, extension, agronomy, ag-tech, value addition, investment, and market development.

The Agricultural Advisor will lead the agriculture project in Zambia and work closely with the government agencies, local communities, and international partners to design and implement innovative agricultural programs that align with the presidential priorities and the country’s economic transformation goals. The role of Agricultural Advisor is pivotal in driving sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security for the nation.

The President of Zambia has established a Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) to drive delivery of strategic matters. TBI is supporting the PDU in the various initiatives.

The Agricultural Advisor will work with key implementing agencies and will play a pivotal role in advancing sectoral agricultural objectives. The advisor will scope the development of agriculture workstreams aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural sector including developing suitable institutional and legal reforms in Zambia’s agricultural sector.

This involves developing and implementing comprehensive strategies, building and maintaining strong relationships with government and industry stakeholders and international partners to facilitate collaboration and exchanges. Provide expertise on agricultural policies and regulations and assist in drafting and implementing reforms to support the same.

This role requires an in-depth understanding of challenges and opportunities on Zambia’s agricultural landscape, its neighbours and the wider political economy of the region. It also requires an ability to work and build relationships with multiple ministries, agencies, and private sector actors from both central and local government.

We would consider supporting applicants not currently based in or with a right to work in Zambia to relocate for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Align the agricultural crop workstream with Government approved priorities.

Collaborate with the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) to review and filter initiatives and proposals to prioritize those that align with Presidential objectives
Participate in the review of the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CATSP) for adoption as the national agricultural programme and monitor implementation
Review suitable models for household food security that align with the principles of CATSP to present to the Ministry of Agriculture as a seamless and sustainable transition from FISP
Review current agricultural extension services to recommend a streamlined structure and resource requirements
Participate at the invitation of PDU as an observer in stakeholder meetings related to commodity market policies
Collaborate with PDU to steer the preparation of a farm block development strategy that meets the World Bank Zamgro criteria for disbursement of concessionary finance for farm block infrastructure
Collaborate with TBI Zambia Tech Team in steering the development of a digital grain warehouse e-receipting platform
Collaborate with TBI Zambia Tech Team to review remote sensing geographical information systems suitable for full coverage national crop forecasting

Align the livestock workstream with Government approved priorities

Collaborate with TBI Global Client Solutions (GCS) in the development of a framework for a national Livestock Masterplan to present as the basis of a comprehensive livestock support programme.

Manage stakeholder relationships and communications – all activities to be aligned with the (PDU)

Key Ministries – Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock
Aligned Ministries – Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources, Green Economy and Environment, Community Development and Social Services
Agricultural Sector representative bodies:

Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU)
National Union for Small Scale Farmers in Zambia (NUSFAZ)
Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ)
Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ)
Crushers and Edible Oil Refiners Association (CEDORA)
Zambia Agricultural Commodity Exchange (ZAMACE)

Development Partners:

African Development Bank (AfDB)
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
World Bank (in particular ZamGro Project)
World Food Programme (WFP)
Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
German Agency for International Co-operation (GIZ)

Program and Team Management

Responsible for developing project program management collaterals (e.g., project charters, workplans etc) and delivering on program management requirements (e.g., periodic reporting, briefs, meetings etc.)
Take responsibility for the quality and timeliness of key deliverables of the project
Mentor and coach Associate(s)/ Analyst(s) to help them to perform their roles effectively and to support their personal development
Role-model best practice in people management – recruiting associate(s)/analyst(s), motivating them and creating a culture of high performance, leading regular team meetings, setting individual objectives, allocating tasks and monitoring progress against objectives and workplans

Closing Date:

2024-01-23