Company Description

SNV is a global development partner, deeply embedded in the countries where we operate. Our vision is a world where all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. Achieving this requires transformative change in agri-food, energy, and water systems. We contribute by strengthening capacities, fostering partnerships, and driving systemic change in these sectors. Our work enhances governance, reduces gender inequalities, promotes social inclusion, and enables climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation.

With over 60 years of experience, we bring technical expertise, methodological rigor, and a deep understanding of local contexts. Operating in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia, our team of approximately 1,600 professionals collaborates with partners to create impact at scale, ensuring equitable and sustainable development for all.

Project Background

The anticipated Increased Productivity and Competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Agricultural Sector program is a five-year initiative supported by the Embassy of Sweden in Lusaka, Zambia. This program aims to enhance enterprise development and job creation for rural communities, particularly women and youth, by improving market systems and business competitiveness.

The project will be implemented through a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, beginning with a 12-month inception phase. This phase will include comprehensive sectoral analysis, market system assessments, environmental impact evaluations, and gender analysis to ensure inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Job Description

SNV seeks a dynamic and results-oriented Project Manager with Market Systems Development (MSD) experience to lead the anticipated program in Zambia. The Project Manager will work closely with market actors, private sector stakeholders, local government agencies, and development partners to foster enterprise growth, productive employment, and overall agricultural sector development.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Lead coordination with market actors, business communities, and government agencies to facilitate enterprise development and value chain strengthening.
•  Enhance the capacity of service providers and private sector actors to improve market linkages and business opportunities.
•  Provide technical support for business planning, investment strategies, and market integration.
•  Analyse systemic constraints and design interventions to improve market access, economic inclusion, and climate resilience.
•  Implement adaptive management strategies to ensure program responsiveness and sustainability.
•  Mentor and coach private sector entities to identify market opportunities and develop high-quality services and products.

Qualifications:

•  Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Economics, Agriculture, Business Administration, Development Studies, Agribusiness, Natural Resource Policy, or related fields.
• At least 10 years of experience in economic growth, market systems facilitation, private sector development, livelihoods, rural development, agribusiness, financial services, or economic empowerment programs.
•  Strong expertise in Market Systems Development (MSD), value chain development, and private sector engagement.
•  Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing MSD programs; experience in Zambia is an advantage.
•  In-depth knowledge of market systems, including key actors, financial service providers, private sector, and governance frameworks.
•  Experience in program design, adaptive management, monitoring, and evaluation.
•  Demonstrated ability to facilitate inclusive, pro-poor market growth.
•  Successful experience in business development and fundraising.
•  Excellent leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills to strengthen private sector capacity.
•  Minimum five years of experience designing and implementing rural development, climate adaptation, job creation, food security, and livelihoods programs.