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:

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.

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.