Agricultural Development & Logistics Officer (GMG/SEG 2)

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Agribusiness, Market Distribution & Logistics (GMG/SEG 3), the Agribusiness Development & Logistics Officer (GMG/SEG 2), will assist in identifying, designing, and developing activities to support and strengthen the agricultural value chains by analyzing the agricultural landscape for potential agribusiness development; and providing support to relevant stakeholders through their producer organizations, community groups, and value chain enterprises, and establishes public/private sector market linkages. 

The incumbent will support the achievement of agricultural production, and the agro-industry objectives by supporting the efforts to increase and improve linkages between farmer groups, business service providers such as micro-finance institutions, government and the private sector; and managing the monitoring and evaluation component. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• In-market demands and trends developed, monitored and analysed 
• Agribusiness Improvement Programme monitoring and evaluation plan developed and managed. 
• Agribusiness Improvement Programme strategies developed and managed
• Stakeholder meetings attended
• Information disseminated 
• Market surveys analysed. 
• Reports prepared and submitted. 
• Agribusiness plans and projects monitored 
• Administrative support provided 
• Technical support provided 
• Promotional plans developed and executed 
• Monitoring and evaluation systems developed 
• Database of exporters and logistics developed and maintained 
• Data mapped 
• Recommendations made 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Represents the Ministry on various Boards, National and International organizations
• Represents the Ministry at meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars
• Provides administrative support to ensure smooth operationalization of agribusiness entities. 
• Assists in the development of objectives, work schedules, and plans for performing the duties of the Section. 
• Maintains customer service principles, standards, and measurements;
• Contributes to and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment, and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals.
• Reports prepared and submitted. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Acts as an intermediary between primary producers and agribusiness entities in providing information to stakeholders regarding emerging trends and in-demand markets for potential development and strengthening. 
• Analyses market surveys and the agricultural landscape to identify areas for sound investment opportunities. 
• Develops detailed Monitoring and Evaluation system to measure profitability and relevant business indicators of targeted value chain enterprises. 
• Disseminates information at all levels of the value chain to improve production and investment opportunities. 
• Monitors the M&E indicators and documents key qualitative and quantitative changes. 
• Ensures that work plan activities are consistent with the Unit’s project objectives.
• Identifies markets and supply chain relationships, focusing on market opportunities, and sustainable, demand-driven, solutions. 
• Develops, executes, and facilitates training for entrepreneurs, ensuring all training materials meet branding, marking, and gender requirements. 
• Provides technical support for the establishment of a value chain database to keep farmers, consumers and buyers informed of emerging trends in the market for various agro-industrial products and commodities. 
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships with key contacts (internal and external)
• Understands the target markets, including industry, company, projects, company contacts and which marketing strategy can be used to attract clients. 
• Attends industry functions such as association events, and conferences, and provides feedback and information on market and creative trends. 
• Deals with and contacts exporters and logistics to facilitate exports of new produce/products. 
• Develops strategies emerging from feedback received to enhance service delivery to stakeholders or mitigate against risks affecting or to affect primary producers.
• Develops and manages special projects as required, including research assignments and presentations for marketing and communication, go-to markets, and business development initiatives. 
• Attends industry functions, such as association events and conferences and provides feedback and information on market and creative trends. 
• Develops, manages, and executes events/tradeshows and takes part in public speaking engagements to create business development and networking opportunities.
• Monitors incoming communications and leads for the agriculture sector.
• Participates in and assists with proposals, identifies key concepts to be highlighted and presented to potential clients. 
• Provides technical support to the various stakeholders in the value chain and logistics sector. 
• Assists in the development of promotional plans for various stakeholder groups relating to new and emerging market trends. 
• Monitors projects targeting agribusiness and rural development. 
• Recommendations made for improvement in the industry and service
• Analyses data mapping information to inform policy direction and initiatives.
• Assists in the preparation of Briefs for Minister 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs any other related duties/functions assigned from time to time. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• In-market demands and trends developed, monitored, and analysed in a concise and clear manner and in accordance with established standards. 
• Agribusiness Improvement Programme monitoring and evaluation plan developed and managed. 
• Agribusiness Improvement Programme strategies developed and managed
• Stakeholder meetings attended and accurate information/reports produced within the required format and timeframe. 
• Accurate information disseminated to stakeholders at all times. 
• Market surveys analysed in a manner that provides valuable information to various stakeholder groups in a timely manner. 
• Accurate reports prepared and submitted in keeping with required standards, format and timeframes. 
• Agribusiness plans and projects monitored in accordance with established guidelines.
• Effective administrative support provided in a timely manner to support the smooth operations of various stakeholders. 
• Effective technical support provided in a timely manner to support the policy direction, programmes and projects of the Ministry and its stakeholders. 
• Promotional plans developed and executed in accordance with required standards and timeframes. 
• Monitoring and evaluation systems developed in accordance with required guidelines and standards. 
• Accurate database of exporters and logistics developed and maintained in accordance with established guidelines. 
• Data mapping information accurately analysed in a timely manner to facilitate sound decision making 
• Technically sound recommendations made at all times to support improvement of service. 
• Confidentiality and integrity are exercised 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core 

• Excellent oral communication skills 
• Excellent written communication skills 
• Good problem solving and decision making skills 
• Good analytical thinking skills 
• Good leadership skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Good teamwork and cooperation skills 
• Good customer and quality focus skills 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Ability to manage the client interface and external relationships. 
• Goal/results oriented 

Technical 

• Knowledge of agricultural production systems and agricultural value chain activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing best practices in value chain development and present value chain approaches. 
• Ability to successfully implement programmes aimed at increasing the inclusiveness of value chains 
• Excellent critical thinking skills and sound judgement 
• Good negotiating skills 
• Good report writing skills 
• Excellent knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and procedures 
• Excellent presentation skills 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 
• Excellent research skills

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics and/or Agricultural related sciences, with a Diploma or similar certification in Management Studies.
• Five (5) years’ of progressive responsible experience in production, post- harvest handling and marketing, working with national-level stakeholders, private sector organizations/ non-government organizations. 
• Three (3) years’ experience at the management level. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Extensive travelling island wide 

AUTHORITY

• Nil

Please note that we thank all for responding, but only short listed applicants will be contacted.