Job Details

Job Description

The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI) is implementing the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project II (ZATP (I) which is a follow-on to the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project (ZATP). The ZATP II will be implemented for 5 years from December 2023 to December 2028. The Project is a credit facility from the World Bank which seeks to increase access to markets and finance and promote firm growth in agribusiness. The Project has three components namely: (1) Support Access to Markets and Finance; (2) Promote Trade and Agribusiness Competitiveness; and (3) Project Management.

The Ministry seeks to recruit qualified and experienced persons to fill the following positions:

1.0 JOB TITLE: PROJECT OFFICER – PROCUREMENT

Overall job purpose:

The Project Officer – Procurement will play a crucial role in supporting procurement activities under the guidance of the Contract and Procurement Specialist (CPS). The incumbent will be responsible for various tasks including assisting in procurement processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining records, and fostering supplier relationships. This position requires a proactive individual with strong communication and organizational skills.

Main Duties/Accountabilities:

i) Assist the Contract and Procurement Specialist in procurement activities, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to procedures;
ii) Develop and update annual Procurement Plans;
iii) Collaborate with beneficiary agencies to prepare procurement notices, bidding documents, and requests for proposals (RFP) in line with relevant regulations;

iv) Obtain necessary approvals for procurement papers from relevant authorities;

v) Coordinate bid-opening meetings and provide guidance on proceedings;

vi) Provide training and support to beneficiaries in procurement processes;

vii) Compile procurement data for financial management requirements;

viii) Manage receipt, issuance, and record-keeping of project items; and

ix) Undertake any other procurement-related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

i) Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-Levels including English and Mathematics; and
ii) Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Procurement, Purchasing and Supplies Management, or Logistics.

Experience:

i) Minimum of five (5) years experience, preferably in international donor-funded projects or NGOs.

Additional Requirements:

i) Valid membership with Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS); and

ii) Valid driver’s license.

2.0 JOB TITLE: PROJECT OFFICER-AGRIBUSINESS

Overall job purpose:

The Project Officer – Agribusiness will play a pivotal role in collaborating closely with Agribusiness Specialists. They will ensure efficient recruitment processes for Producer Organizations and Agribusiness firms and oversee the successful execution of their sub-projects under the guidance of the Project Manager.

Main Duties/Accountabilities:

i) Provide technical support for planning, implementing, and monitoring agribusiness activities;
ii) Facilitate market linkages among beneficiaries, including Producer Organizations, Agribusiness firms, and off-takers in funded value chains;
iii) Support linkages between producer organizations and financial institutions to improve access to financial services;
iv) Offer technical input to enhance the quality and sustainability of funded producer organizations’ business plans;
v) Identify market opportunities and build capacity among producer organizations and agribusiness firms for sustainable exploitation:
vi) Ensure integration of gender, social, and environmental considerations into agribusiness activities:
vii) Maintain an active database for producer organizations and agribusinessfirms; viii) Document best practices and lessons learned from the project;
ix) Review Technical Service Providers’ progress reports and report key issues to the agribusiness desk; and
x) Validate Technical Service Providers’ activities through Provincial Agribusiness Officer and Regional Facilitators.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

i) Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-Levels including English and Mathematics;
ii) Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, or related field.
Experience:
i) Minimum five (5) years’ experience in development work focusing on smallholder farmers and rural agribusiness firms;

Additional Requirements:

i) Knowledge of local and international marketing issues;
ii) Experience in nurturing public-private partnerships is an added advantage:
iii) Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills;
iv) Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis software; and
v) Valid driver’s license required.

3.0 JOB TITLE: PROVINCIAL AGRIBUSINESS OFFICER

Overall job purpose:

The Provincial Agribusiness Officer will be an integral part of the project aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural development and empowering rural communities in Zambia. Under the guidance of a Regional Facilitator he/she will play a vital role in implementing project components within the assigned region, adhering to the Project Implementation Manual (PIM).

Main Duties/Accountabilities:

i) Engage with local communities to facilitate project awareness and participation; ii) Disseminate outreach materials to educate stakeholders about project objectives and opportunities;
iii) Identify and cultivate a pool of potential grant and credit applicants among smallholder farmers and rural agribusiness firms;
iv) Assist in mapping out value chains to optimize efficiency and profitability;
v) Support the development of business proposals to access funding opportunities; vi) Coordinate and conduct field support visits to monitor project activities and aid as needed;
vii) Organize and facilitate training programs to enhance the capacity of beneficiaries;
viii) Facilitate market linkages to connect producers with buyers and improve market
access;
ix) Monitor project progress and ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguard guidelines;
x) Maintain accurate databases and documentation of project activities, success stories, and lessons learned; and
xi) Provide technical assistance to beneficiaries to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

i) Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-Levels including English and Mathematics; and
ii) Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration or any other related field.

Experience:

i) Minimum of 5 years of experience in development work with smallholder farmers and rural agribusiness firms.

Additional Requirements:

i) Familiarity with green/climate-smart innovations and value chain development;

ii) Experience working with government ministries and private sector players in Zambia;

iii) Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

iv) Willingness to work outside Lusaka;

v) Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis software; and

vi) Valid driver’s license.

4.0 JOB TITLE: COMMUNICATION AND CORPORATE BRANDING SPECIALIST

Overall job purpose:

The Communication and Corporate Branding Specialist will ensure that the Project activities and objectives are disseminated in line with the Communication Strategy adhering to national regulations, standards and international best practices. The role will be responsible for creating total visibility of the Project and its activities. The Communication and Corporate Branding Specialist will report to the Project Manager and collaborate with all the Project Staff.

Main Duties/Accountabilities:

i) Responsible for raising the ZATP II’s profile and promote its work and goals to the stakeholders and key audiences;
ii) Provide strategic leadership and advice on all ZATP II’s communications and media activities through the development and implementation of both the external and internal communication strategies;
iii) Work closely with the Project’s Team members on both technical and communication matters;
iv) Develop a communication and media outreach strategy in support of ZATP II’s strategic objectives;
v) Coordinate, organize and ensure that all the information and communication activities are in line with Project’s Strategic priorities and annual work plans;
vi) Monitor and evaluate the activities of the communication program on a quarterly basis and as may otherwise be required;
vii) Create and manage the ZATP’s traditional media content (including pamphlets, brochures, and the like) website content, and ensure that the information is up-to- date;
viii) Facilitate the Project’s use of traditional and social media such as drama, X, Facebook, You-Tube etc. that are relevant to enhance the Project’s mandate;

ix) Work closely with the focal point person at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Commerce and assist in the mainstreaming of communication of activities related to diversification through agribusiness, trade and other related activities;
x) Represent the Project in relevant fora in order to facilitate the communications functions of the Project, as and when required;
xi) Coordinate relevant training for team membership in media management and risk management, through information and stakeholder engagement;
xii) Participating in project progress review meetings and Implementation Support Missions; and
xiii) Required to work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the World Bank Task Team on the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project II.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

i) Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-Levels including English and Mathematics; ii) Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication; and
iii) Master’s Degree in Mass Communication, Communication for Development or any closely related discipline from a recognized university will be added advantage.

Experience:

i) A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the media space with at least three (3) years at senior management level; and
ii) Experience working on donor funded projects and/or rural communities in agribusiness-related projects will be an added advantage.

Additional Requirements:

i) Member of relevant bodies such as Zambia Public Relations Association (ZAPRA); ii) Demonstrable knowledge of the international best practices and/or guidelines (including those endorsed by the World Bank) especially in publicity and repository of success stories;
iii) Excellent written and verbal English communication skills;
iv) Proficiency in Microsoft Office;
v) Proficiency in website management will be an added advantage; and vi) Must have a valid driver’s license.

5.0 JOB TITLE: SPECIALIST CONSULTANT – GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY INITIATIVE (GF)

Overall job purpose:

The Consultant will work to asses the level of implementation of food safety management system among selected Agribusiness Firms and Producer Organizations in relation to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Global Food Markets Programme. The Consultant shall develop the training and mentorship programme needs and requirements for the Agribusiness Firms and Producers Organizations to implement the GFSI programme. In addition, he/she shall develop and implement the training and mentorship capacity building programme for Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) to implement the GFSI programme.

The Consultant shall provide Technical support to Agribusiness Firms and Producer Organizations to establish and document a food quality/safety system in line with GFSI requirements. He/she shall develop a Monitoring and Assessment system and/ tool for monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the progress on the programme. Reporting to the Project Manager, the role involves providing comprehensive support in the implementation of the GFSI Programme.

Main Duties/Accountabilities:

i) Providing assistance to the International GFSI Expert to conduct trainings;

ii) Gapanalyses; and
iii) Provide advice to selected MSMEs and support implementation of GFSI Basic and Intermediate Standards.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

i) Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-Levels including English and Mathematics; ii) BSc. In Food Science/Safety/Technology or related field; and
iii) Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Science, Engineering, Agriculture or equivalent, PhD in relevant field will be an added advantage;

Experience:

i) At least 10 years demonstrable experience in implementation and auditing of food quality and safety management systems, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HAPP);
ii) At least seven years’ experience relevant to training in food safety management systems and standards; and
iii) Experience of working within the agriculture value chain, preferably with an understanding of implementing and/or operating an agro-management system within a company.

Additional Requirements

i) In, depth knowledge in the field of food safety management systems (national and international food standards), including Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI):

ii) Knowledge of relevant good practice guides, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), Good Veterinary Practices (GVP);

iii) Understanding the principles of food safety risk management and risk mitigation including the processes used for determination of risk levels; and

iv) Understanding of methods and techniques of food safety management that enable the auditor to examine a food safety management system and to generate appropriate audit findings and conclusions.

6.0 JOB TITLE: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Overall job purpose:

The Administrative Assistant will support the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project II. Reporting to the Project Manager, the role involves providing comprehensive administrative and logistical support to ensure the smooth running of daily operations.

Main Duties/Accountabilities:

i) Act as a focal point person for project operational matters and manage day-to-day activities of the PIU;
ii) Provide administrative support, including handling correspondence and managing office supplies;
iii) Organize and facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes, and ensure the availability of conference rooms;
iv) Maintain project databases, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is readily accessible;
v) Generate regular reports on administrative activities and project progress:
vi) Establish and maintain a systematic filing system for project documents and records;
vii) Provide logistical support for workshops, conferences, and training sessions; viii) Coordinate travel arrangements for PIU staff; and
ix) Manage human resource functions such as staff welfare, team building activities, and asset register maintenance.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

i) Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-Levels including English and Mathematics; and
ii) Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field; a Master’s degree will be an added advantage.

Experience:

i) Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in administrative roles; and
ii) Experience in project implementation or donor-funded projects preferred.

Additional Requirements:

i) Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools:
ii) Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills;
iii) Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders;
iv) Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment;

v) Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail; and
vi) Commitment to confidentiality.

7.0 JOB TITLE: DRIVER

Overall job purpose:

The Driver role is stipulated within the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project II (ZATP II) Project Implementation Unit. Reporting to the Administrative Assistant, the Driver is responsible for providing driving and logistical services, ensuring the safe transportation of PIU staff, project stakeholders, and goods. This position requires collaboration with the project team to strengthen the PIU’s vehicle fleet through regular assessments and monitoring of service providers.

Main Duties/Accountabilities:

i) Timely pickup and transportation of project staff and visitors in compliance with road traffic regulations;
ii) Running errands, ensuring timely delivery and collection of project correspondence and goods;
iii) Maintenance of vehicles, including minor repairs and arrangements for major repairs;
iv) Planning driving routes ahead of time using traffic and weather reports.
v) Ensuring safety and security of passengers and vehicles through safe driving practices;
vi) Accurate maintenance of daily vehicle logs and scheduling of vehicle service dates; and
vii) Following procedures in case of technical defects or accidents, including insurance claims.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

i) Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-Levels; and

ii) Clean Driving License not less than Class C;

Experience:

i) Minimum two (2) years of proven driving experience; and safe driving record required.

Additional Requirements:

i) Motor vehicle mechanical knowledge is an added advantage.

8.0 JOB TITLE: INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST

Overall job purpose:

The Infrastructure Specialist will ensure project alignment with national regulations and international construction standards, overseeing quality infrastructure implementation and monitoring. The Infrastructure Specialist will be accountable to the Project Manager and shall be expected to collaborate with all Project Specialists.

Main Duties/Accountabilities:

i) Supervise infrastructure sub-Project progress, ensuring adherence to design and industry standards;
ii) Collaborate with Local Authorities for inspections and certification;
iii) Develop bidding document templates and standard designs;
iv) Provide technical support and capacity building for contractors and beneficiaries; and
v) Ensure timely project implementation.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

i) Grade 12 School Certificate with five O-Levels including English and Mathematics;

ii) Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering; and

iii) Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Project Management or any closely related discipline from a recognized university will be an added advantage.

Experience:

i) Eight (8) years’ experience in construction project management, with three years at senior management.

Skills:

i) Experience in donor-funded or rural infrastructure projects.

Additional Requirements:

i) Membership in relevant professional bodies;
ii) Knowledge of international best practices and guidelines;
iii) Proficiency in Microsoft Office; and
iv) Valid driver’s license.

Only suitable, experienced, skilled Candidates are encouraged to apply for these roles. Applications accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae and copies of academic and professional certificates should be emailed to [email protected] and hard copies to the address below:

The Permanent Secretary, Investment and Industrialization Attention:

Director of Human Resource and Administration

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry

New Government Complex

P.O. Box 31968

LUSAKA

The closing date for receiving applications is 25 July, 2024 at 17:00hrs.