Job Title: Agri-business Development Officer (ADO)
Organisation: Ministry of Water and Environment
Project Name: Farm Income Enhancement And Forestry Conservation Programme Project 3 (FIEFOC 3)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: National Project Coordinator
About US:
The Government of Uganda (GoU) represented by the Ministry of Water and Environment has received financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to implement the Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry Conservation (FIEFOC) Programme (Project 3): Irrigation Schemes Development Project in Unyama, Namalu, and Sipi regions. The project specific objective is to improve household incomes, food security, and climate resilience through sustainable natural resources management and agricultural enterprise development.
Job Summary: The Agri-business Development Officer (ADO) will mainly develop alternative livelihoods and business development initiatives and activities that will further the achievement of project objectives.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Appraise and analyze the financial viability of the natural resources conservation-based value addition technologies for small-holder farmers;
- Identify and engage with national and local stakeholders (farmers, traders, mechanization and business service providers, financial institutions etc.) involved or interested in supporting the provision of agri-business services amongst smallholder farmers and facilitate linkages and contracts;
- Build capacities of value chain actors and key stakeholders on resilience based stewardship and how to establish sustainable business relations with smallholder farmers;
- Supervise the development of agro-businesses under the project to deliver agribusiness technical skills and enterprises to the youth;
- Build and maintain linkages to appropriate financial products targeting rural service providers and smallholder farmers in consultation with collaborating
- financial institutions.
- Supervise the training of farmers, traders, mechanization and business service providers, and associated businesses in business management, financial management and marketing;
- Support supervision of adoption and implementation of agribusiness related technologies for smallholder farmers along the food value chain for various commodities considered in the irrigation schemes; and linkages to other key value chain actors;
- Contribute to the development of promotional materials and marketing strategies by the private sector to support small scale mechanization;
- Assess and enhance the performance of the business models and develop upgrading strategies;
- Regularly share information on progress of implementation and any challenges and emerging issues with the Agribusiness Development Component Coordinator to support rapid resolution of such challenges.
- Diagnose constraints in the delivery of agribusiness technical skills and enterprises and develop options;
- Facilitate establishment of market information system to farmers through mobile operators;
- Document best practices and lessons learnt in the project and support their replication in the communities
- Ensure that gender inclusion strategies and methods are integrated in the implementation of the project
- Facilitate linkages between farmers and producers, processors and traders;
- Prepare periodic progress reports; and
- Perform other duties as assigned from time to time by the National Project Coordinator.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The applicant must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Agribusiness or other related disciplines from a recognized university.
- Post graduate qualification in agribusiness management, agricultural economics or other related disciplines.
- At least five years of relevant experience in value chain development methodologies, program
- management, agribusiness or agricultural development activities with local communities;
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of agricultural value chains (Fish, Apiary, horticulture and Rice is preferred)
- Proven exposure and experience supporting producer organizations to access agricultural inputs, advisory and business development services, and output markets; increase their production and marketing efficiencies; and enhance product competitiveness;
- Demonstrated high-level technical, analytical, interpersonal skills and ability to meet tight deadlines with logical analyses and clear presentation;
- Proven ability and demonstrated experience in appraising business cases, with experience in Gender entrepreneurial programmes;
- Strong agribusiness relationship management experience and focus with ability to stimulate trust and manage various stakeholders
- Prior and proven experience successfully implementing Islamic Development Bank/BADEA/ World Bank funded programs is an added advantage
- Demonstrate strong communication skills and creative thinking personality
- Strong managerial and leadership skills and excellent computer skills (proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications such as Excel, Power Point)
How to Apply:
All applications must be accompanied with recent CVs detailing work experience, present position, current remuneration, professional and educational qualifications. Applicants must also include contact details (telephone and email) of three (3) referees.
Applications should be physically delivered to the address;
The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Water and Environment,
P.O Box 20026
Plot 3-7 Kabalega Crescent, Off Old Portbell Road, Luzira, Kampala. Uganda
Deadline: 13th June, 2023