AGRI-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT OFFICER

About this Job:	MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. ANIMAL INDUSTRY & FISHERIES NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) VACANCIES IN THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) SECRETARIAT The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) was established through an Act of Parliament (2001) of which three organs; the Secretariat, the Board and Farmers Forum were established. In order to ensure policy implementation and operationalisation of the strategic plans of the organisation, meet the national strategic objectives embedded in the National Development Plan (NDP) in the context of the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy and Investment Plan (DSIP), and achieve Prosperity For All (PFA), the National Agricultural Advisory Services Board now invites applications from suitably qualified Ugandans to fill the following positions at the NAADS Secretariat. 4. AGRI-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT OFFICER Reporting to the Technical Services Manager Job Purpose: The Agri¬business Development Support Officer will take overall charge of the agribusiness unit provide support in guiding the implementation of value chain development under NAADS specifically in provision of agribusiness support services and linkage of farmer institutions to financial services, input dealers, and market outlets. The officer will also be responsible for business capacity development of farmer organizations and linkage of NAADS efforts with other relevant programmes and agencies. Functions: i. Overall in charge / head the agribusiness unit of NAADS Secretariat. ii. Take lead in establishment of innovation platforms for value chain development to ensure strategic linkages among agro-processing and marketing component of the PMA, as well as other government initiatives and private sector actors in market linkage, development, and promotion iii. Develop approaches for commodity value chains and work closely with District technical staff and other stakeholders to guide provision of agri-business services at all levels including the operationalization of public private sector concept (PPP) for the integration of the out growers into commodity value chains through commercialization challenge fund (CCF). iv. Take lead in guiding the development of business capacity of Higher Level Farmer Organisation (HLFO) for active participation in both input and output markets. v. Work closely with the Enterprise Development Officer to: a. guide the operationalization of the enterprise mix concept in enterprise selection, development and promotion; b. guide business planning for both farmers and farmer organizations for investment and attainment of enterprise profitability c. undertake gross margin analysis in market studies of enterprises to guide the selection process. vi. Work closely with different stakeholders to generate and disseminate market information to farmers. vii. Forge strategic collaboration between NAAADS and other institutions to promote farmer access to facilitate services. viii. Perform any other responsibilities assigned from time to time by Management and the Executive Director.
Requirement:	Qualifications and experience • Master’s degree in any of the following; Agri-business, Agricultural economics or related areas. • Bachelor’s degree in any of the following; Agribusiness, Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) related area%. • At least 5 years professional experience working with agri-business and farmer organizations in a wide range of institutional environments • Experience in agricultural financing, agricultural marketing value chain development, and public/ private sector partnerships will be a significant advantage. • Excellent computer skills. • Excellent participatory, analytical and communication skills
Salary:	- USD/month
How to apply:	Applications with detailed curriculum vitae, recent Passport size photograph, names & addresses of two referees and the applicant’s day time telephone contact should be sent between 8.30 a.m-5.00 p.m to: The Chairman, NAADS Board of Directors, Plot 5 Kyadondo Road Legacy Towers, Block B, Nakasero P.O. Box 25235, Kampala- Uganda ‘ Applications should be submitted not later than 9th December, 2011 at 2.00 p.m. Applicants who meet the specifications will be contacted within seven days. Any form of canvassing will disqualify.