Agriculture is the backbone of Malawi's economy, employing over 70% of the population and contributing significantly to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (24.7%). Whilst subsistence farming has been the predominant practice, there has been a growing emphasis on commercialization to unlock the sector's full potential. Commercialization entails transitioning from traditional, subsistence-oriented farming to more market-oriented, profit-driven agricultural activities in line with the Government’s Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) growth strategy In Malawi, this transition is crucial for enhancing food security, increasing farmers' incomes, promoting rural development, and achieving broader economic growth objectives. However, achieving meaningful commercialization requires targeted interventions, supportive policies and a strong anchorage to private sector. Since 2014, UNDP has actively supported the private sector in advancing sustainable development through diverse initiatives and partnerships in the agricultural space in close collaboration with mainstream Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide technical advisory support, strategic planning, and implementation oversight for agribusiness and market development activities
Value Chain Development: Lead the design and execution of Value Chain Accelerators tailored to each value chain, enhancing market integration and growth potential;
Agri-Business and Entrepreneurship Promotion: Design and implement targeted activities to foster agribusiness skills and entrepreneurial practices among farmers;
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with the Business Specialist to identify and establish partnerships with key stakeholders, including off-takers, financial institutions, and relevant industry actors;
Market Research and Analysis: Work with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to conduct market research, gathering insights on consumer preferences, market needs, and enterprise selection to guide business-related activities of the UCHI Project;
Project Management and Resource Optimization: Develop and monitor project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and achieve project targets;
Policy and Market Solutions: Work with the Ministry of Trade to identify market bottlenecks, assess risks, and devise solutions that address challenges and leverage opportunities within project interventions;
Training and Mentorship: Provide comprehensive training, coaching, and mentorship to agricultural workers and other value chain participants, enhancing their knowledge of agribusiness and modern agricultural practices;
District-Level Support: Assist district staff with budgeting, planning, and translating project objectives into actionable activities for local implementation;
Planning and Reporting: In coordination with other specialists, ensure timely preparation and submission of quarterly, annual, and other required project reports. Lead the preparations of activity plans, review of budget and facilitates approval of national and district level activities;
Facilitate project monitoring and progress reviews with the project team, providing actionable recommendations to the project manager for continuous improvement.
Capacity Building for FOs/SMEs: Strengthen the capacity of farmer organizations (FOs) and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sustainable agricultural practices, climate resilience, and productivity-enhancing methods across the value chain;
Provide Strategic and Technical Guidance: Support the project team in developing comprehensive project plans, management frameworks, and implementation strategies to ensure effective and efficient delivery;
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agronomy, International Development, Economics, Business or related field is required.
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in agriculture, agriculture economics, agribusiness, sustainable agriculture, environment management, climate change, private sector development is required.
Required skills:
Progressive and professional experience in the relevant field (6 years) in programme or project management in the context of agribusiness development or agricultural and rural development of which at least five (5) years within the national government systems at a senior level, non-governmental organizations and/or international organizations in Malawi or a similar country in the sub-Saharan Africa is required.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and Chichewa (as national language) is required.
