Our client, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has obtained funding from one of the development partners for the establishment of the Rural Livelihoods and Economic Enhancement Programme (RLEEP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds of the grant for the recruitment of an Agri-business and Value Chain Development Advisor for the programme.

The objective of RLEEP is to promote commercialization of smallholder agriculture through productivity enhancement, strengthening of value chains, and improvement of enabling environment to make it more conducive to agricultural and rural commercial development. The programme is intended to benefit poor smallholders particularly female headed households.

The position is tenable in Lilongwe.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will be expected to have at least a University degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Business Management or Finance. A higher degree in relevant discipline will be an advantage. Computer literacy is a must.

The candidate should have a minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience with a minimum of 5 years exposure in agribusiness and commerce; sound and demonstrated experience in project/enterprise analysis, practical knowledge of marketing a range of commodities; and post engagement in implementation of value chain programme.

He/she must demonstrate negotiating ability, human resource development capacity, excellent report writing and high level of interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the National Programme Director, the successful candidate will support and guide the technical team of the programme of initially nine professionals. Among other duties, he will be expected to:

• Develop and implement in collaboration with the Commodity Specialists strategies and programmes for upgrading the target group as effective actors in the value chain;
• Develop the methodology for a rational selection of commodities;
• Conduct value chain mapping and analysis for the target commodities, and the formulation and update of the action plans;
• Assist in the development of finance to support value chain enhancement activities and assist value chain actors to gain access to finance;
• Assist in the development of product quality and grading standards and the provision of appropriate quality assurance and certification services for the target commodities;
• Identify and support the development for niche marketing opportunities such as organic and fair trade channels;
• Support the Commodity Specialist in assisting farmer groups and commercial enterprises with the conduct of feasibility studies and business plans in a form suitable for submitting application for funding from the small and large grant windows of the Agricultural Commercialization Fund (ACF);
• Provide technical assistance in the evaluation of ACF grant application, and backstopping support for successful applicants in the implementation of ACF funded programmes;
• Assist in verifying the business training needs of communities, assist service providers and farmer groups to identify suitable organizations to conduct the training, advise training institutions on course content, and facilitate the arrangements for business training;
• Support refresher training for district staff and other service providers in group formation, strengthening, basic business skills, and entrepreneurship to be delivered at focal area level;
• Develop effective system of collaborative learning and knowledge management and feedback including the production of a programme quarterly newsletter, and publicity in the print media, radio and television;
• In collaboration with the Procurement and Contract Officer, prepare requests for proposals for Business Development Service providers, participate in the evaluation of bids and provide technical support during implementation;
• Participate in the planning processes including development of annual workplan and budget in collaboration with Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Financial Controller, Procurement and Contracts Officer;
• Support the National Programme Director in the management of the programme technical team including Commodity Specialists and Field Coordinators.

CONTRACT PERIOD

This position is contractual and will initially be for one (1) year with a probationary period of six (6) months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Applicants should submit a written application together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) plus copies of academic and/or professional certificates together with names and addresses of three (3) traceable referees of which two (2) should be past employers. The envelope containing the application should be clearly marked RLEEP - Agri-business and Value Chain Development Advisor. The application should be addressed to the address below and should reach the address not later than 26 April 2010

The Acting Executive Director
Malawi Institute of Management
P.O. Box 30801
Lilongwe 3

e-mail: mimexecutive@mim.co.mw