Market and Business Development Officers (3 Positions)

Location: Chisamba, Chibombo and Kalumbila
Department: Operations (Zambia)
Reports To: Area Manager
Supervises: None

1.0 SUMMARY

This field-based position involves the direct implementation of iDE Zambia Program strategies to unlock the economic potential of smallholder farmers. The primary function of this job is to implement, monitor and evaluate field-level operational and activity plans. S/he will recruit, select and mentor Farm Business Advisors (FBA) who are local entrepreneurs, enabling them to build their capacities to sustainably and competitively deliver critical agricultural, business, technical, and financial support services at the last mile to viable smallholder farmers. The Market and Entrepreneurship Development Officer will implement key interventions around farmer groups and Savings and Internal Lending Groups/Clubs (SILCs) and train the FBAs and farmers in the formation and management of SILCs, financial literacy and business planning.

This role is a full-time (contractual) position based in the regions mentioned above.

2.0 Primary Responsibilities

2.1 Activity Planning and Implementation (LoE- 25%)

• Breaking down of the overall Teamwork plan and budget to Field Operation plans and budget, ensuring clarity in the context and content of the tasks.
• Implement field activities as planned and agreed with the Area Manager, adhering to pre-set technical standards in the delivery of the strategy and activities.
• Develop FO-level operational strategy to ensure a coordinated and practical approach to implementing planned activities.
• Support the piloting of innovations and strategies at FBA or farmer level.

2.2 Capacity Building of FBA/Entrepreneurs (Technical, Entrepreneurial, Skills Development) (LoE – 40%)

• Identify and recruit best fit FBA/Entrepreneurs using the recommended tools, approaches, and processes.
• Lead in the identification of entrepreneurial capacity gaps of the FBA/entrepreneurs and plan for relevant training to build the capacities.
• Support FBA/Entrepreneurs to develop viable business plans anchored on sound analysis to facilitate their growth.
• Ensure that there is good alignment and fit between FBA/entrepreneurs business plans and Program desired outcomes and goals.

2.3 Work Organization and Partnership Building (LoE – 20%)

• Spearhead the local identification and selection of operational zones/camps, and viable communities with potential for impact and scale in addressing poverty.
• Facilitate and support the development of functional market linkages and relationships between FBA/entrepreneurs and private sector partners (input suppliers, Financial Institutions, Commodity and vegetable buyers/off takers.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships/networks with FBA/entrepreneurs, smallholder farmers, private sector partners, government officials, NGOs and local authorities to ensure a collaborative and integrated approach in the delivery of approved interventions.

2.4 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (LoE -15%)

• Prepare and submit monthly financial and narrative reports, collect routine M&E data, and accurate timesheets within the specified reporting timeframes agreed upon with the supervisor.
• Prepare and submit human impact stories/case studies, to showcase the wider impact of the Program.
• Regularly collect, document, and submit routine monitoring data as required and outlined in the Results Measurement Framework and /or Program Tracker.
• Support and participate in routine customer, market, and impact surveys organized by the M&E department.

3. CONTACTS/KEY RELATIONSHIPS (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL):

• Internally: Area Manager Other Program Staff, iDE Staff
• Externally: Farm Business Advisors, Smallholder Farmers, Local Program stakeholders, other INGOs/NGOs, private sector – especially financial institutions, input suppliers, output market buyers (off-takers) and service providers.

4. COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Education

• A Degree/ Diploma in agribusiness, agriculture, business or equivalent rural economic development-related discipline.
• At least 2 years (3 years if Diploma) of work experience in Community development/ Business development/ or Livelihoods/or Value Chain development programming
• Ability to ride a Motorbike with a valid Motorbike License
• 4.2 Preferred skills and attributes
• A grasp of sociocultural, and economic issues with respect to poverty, savings, enterprise development, gender equity and social inclusion as well as nutrition and WASH initiatives in rural settings
• Training/coaching/mentoring/ Facilitation and relation-building skills
• The ability to work independently, think innovatively and strategically and work effectively within a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in relevant Office software such as word, excel, and PowerPoint.

4.3 Other

4.3.1 Language/Mathematical and Reasoning Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and technical documents. Ability to effectively present information to management and public groups.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

4.3.2 Operations:

● Equipment used: Motorbike and all office equipment
● Field Visits
● Variable Work Hours

Diversity Statement

iDE takes pride in our talented and diverse workforce. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Hiring, promotion, and compensation of employees are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.