Terms of Reference (ToR) – Business Development Officer

Position: Business Development Officer
Location: Zambia
Reporting to: Project Manager

Background
Impuls Africa is a leading Zambian-registered agricultural consultancy and extension services provider, delivering impactful market-driven solutions across the SADC region. With expertise spanning market linkages, value chain development, climate-smart agriculture, livestock management, and agribusiness support, the organization is growing its team of experts and seeks to recruit highly skilled professionals to join its dynamic team and support the implementation of large-scale agricultural development projects.

Role Overview:
The Business Development Officer will be responsible for facilitating market linkages, developing business models for women-led agribusinesses, and strengthening private sector engagement. The role requires a strong understanding of market systems, value chain development, and financial inclusion to support the growth of Farmer-Owned Agribusinesses (FOABs) under the Women Economic Empowerment Project.

Scope of Work:

1. Market Development & Private Sector Engagement

• Conduct stakeholder mapping to identify market opportunities.
• Facilitate contract negotiations between women-led producer groups and off-takers.
• Develop structured aggregation models for farmer groups.

2. Business Model & Financial Access

• Develop commercially viable business models for FOABs.
• Support producer groups in securing financing and investment partnerships.
• Train farmers on financial management, bookkeeping, and business planning.

3. Capacity Building & Market Intelligence

• Conduct training workshops on market access, pricing strategies, and buyer engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate business performance, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Conduct periodic market assessments and share insights with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Market Linkages & Value Chains: Identify and develop structured market linkages for women-led agribusinesses, ensuring access to formal buyers and off-takers.
• Business Model Development: Support the design and implementation of sustainable business models for Farmer-Owned Agribusinesses (FOABs) to enhance commercial viability.
• Private Sector Engagement: Establish partnerships with agro-processors, buyers, financial institutions, and input suppliers to strengthen women-led agribusinesses.
• Financial Access & Investment Facilitation: Assist producer groups in accessing finance, including negotiating contracts and developing investment proposals.
• Capacity Building: Train and mentor women entrepreneurs in financial literacy, business planning, and market engagement strategies.
• Market Assessments: Conduct research on market trends, price fluctuations, and buyer requirements to inform production planning.
• Aggregation & Supply Chain Development: Strengthen producer group aggregation systems to improve economies of scale and negotiation power.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Track business performance metrics and prepare progress reports for internal and donor reporting.

Expected Deliverables:

• Signed market linkage agreements with buyers.
• Business models developed and implemented for FOABs.
• Reports on market trends, buyer requirements, and price forecasts.
• Capacity-building sessions for women-led agribusinesses.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agribusiness, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in business development, market systems, or agribusiness management.
• Strong background in value chain development, private sector engagement, and financial inclusion.
• Experience in facilitating market access for women-led cooperatives and smallholder farmers.
• Proven ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, including buyers, financial institutions, and input suppliers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in conducting market research and feasibility assessments.
• Proficiency in business plan development, financial modeling, and contract negotiation.
• Knowledge of donor-funded agricultural development programs is an advantage.

Duration:
6-months contract, renewable based on performance and project needs.

All qualified and interested candidates should send their cover letter and an updated CV with at least three traceable references to the e-mail address below.