Project Officer Agro Dealers & Extension System Support Project

About SNV
SNV is a Netherlands-based international development organization providing capacity development services to local development organizations towards poverty reduction and better governance. SNV works in three sector- Agriculture, WASH and Renewable Energy. In the Agriculture Sector our objectives are to; a) increase incomes and employment for small scale farmers b) improve food security and living conditions for poor and vulnerable groups and c) to strengthen the environmental sustainability of agricultural production and meet the challenges of a changing climate. To attain specific project objectives under our growing agriculture portfolio, SNV requires the services of Project Officer under the Agro Dealers & Extension System Support Project to be based in Kasama. The employment commencement date is in April 2013.

Purpose of the position:
The Project Officer shall be purposed to improved availability and accessibility of inputs and services to farmers by using innovative approaches that increase supply chain efficiency and the profitability of farmers, agro dealers and distributors.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
The main tasks of the PO will be to spear head the development and integration of an efficient input supply chain particularly between the agro dealer and farmers or farmer association. The PO shall be responsible for:

•  The business development of selected farmer associations
• Develop and Integrate business and financial initiatives that bring inputs and services closer to farmers.
• Spearheading a lead Farmer Concept for Sustainable Extension Provision
• Strengthen Private Sector Linkages to Community Seed Multiplication initiatives

Corresponding Responsibilities: 

• Ensure that Project reports are developed and submitted in a timely manner
• Prepare a monitoring and evaluation plan for the program.
• To provide timely and relevant analysis and recommendations to the program team.
• To undertake initiatives that will ensure team work in program implementation.
• To undertake any other duties as assigned

Competencies, Capabilities and Attributes: 

• Must be a task-oriented person, who pursues thoroughness and appropriate detail; and completes tasks in a timely and cost-effective way
• Must clearly demonstrate and communicate a sense of passion and leadership for the development of the Small Scale Farmers and Agro-input supply chain.
• Must be able to effectively communicate new initiatives to staff and partners, and seek feedback on performance and effectively act on it
• Should demonstrate ability to develop personal network of effective relationships
• Must show respect for culture, religion, and rights of the target and beneficiary communities and partners; as well as ability to work in a multi-cultural setting and dynamic and technically diverse team

Academic qualifications, Technical Skills and Experience: 

•  A first degree in Agriculture Economics, Agri-Business Management, Agronomy or Rural Development or related field.
• Good interpersonal skills, particularly with rural communities
• Good understanding of the agri-business and input supply systems in particular
• Good computer skills, report writing and presentation skills
• Previous experience in facilitating development in value chain development, social inclusion, value chain governance, farmer cooperative/association development, extension provision and agriculture commodity marketing will be an added advantage.

The application package must consist of an application letter, your latest CV with 3 referees. The closing date for receiving application is Friday the 22nd of March 2013 at 13:00 hrs. Applications after this time will not be accepted. Please submit your applications clearly marked “Application for Project Officer AIESS” to the Human Resources Advisor, Netherlands Development Organization-SNV, 7 Nkanchibaya Road, Rhodes Park, PO Box 31771, Lusaka, Zambia. Application can also be sent via email to jbwalindau@snvworld.org or cmfula@snvworld.org

Closing date: 

Friday, March 22, 2013

Type of contract: 

Local