Management Consultant - Rural Development & Agribusiness

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Project-based bonuses

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a specialized management consultancy focused on sustainable development in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, to hire a Management Consultant with Rural Development and Agribusiness expertise. You will partner with communities, agribusinesses, government agencies and NGOs to drive strategic initiatives that boost productivity and market access.

The ideal candidate has at least 4 years in rural development or agribusiness consulting, strong knowledge of value chains, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required or equivalent.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced roles.
• Minimum 4 years in rural development or agribusiness consulting.
• Experience with agricultural value chains and smallholder farmers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and planning abilities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement with government, private sector and communities.

Responsibilities

• Assess agricultural value chains and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop strategic plans for agribusiness focusing on market development and efficiency.
• Design projects for rural economic development, jobs, and poverty reduction.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and capacity-building in rural areas.
• Advise on sustainable agriculture, resource management, and climate-smart practices.
• Analyze market trends, policy frameworks, and funding opportunities.
• Manage project implementation within timelines and budgets.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and presentations for diverse stakeholders.
• Build relationships with clients, partners, and community leaders.
• Contribute to the firm's knowledge base on rural development strategies.

Skills

Agricultural economics

Rural development

Agribusiness consulting

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Rural Development, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialized management consultancy focused on sustainable development, is seeking a dedicated Management Consultant with expertise in Rural Development and Agribusiness to join their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is critical for supporting the growth and sustainability of agricultural sectors and rural economies within the region. You will work closely with local communities, agribusinesses, government agencies, and NGOs to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance productivity, improve market access, and foster economic empowerment. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of agricultural value chains, rural economics, and community development principles, coupled with excellent analytical and project management skills. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the livelihoods of communities in the Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of agricultural value chains, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Develop strategic plans for agribusinesses, focusing on market development, efficiency gains, and sustainability.
• Design and implement projects focused on rural economic development, job creation, and poverty reduction.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and capacity building initiatives within rural communities and agribusinesses.
• Advise on best practices in sustainable agriculture, resource management, and climate-smart farming.
• Analyze market trends, policy frameworks, and funding opportunities relevant to the agribusiness sector.
• Manage project implementation, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Prepare detailed reports, proposals, and presentations for diverse stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and community leaders in rural areas.
• Contribute to the firm's knowledge base on rural development and agribusiness strategies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Rural Development, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in rural development, agribusiness consulting, agricultural project management, or a related field.
• Proven experience working with agricultural value chains, smallholder farmers, or rural enterprises.
• Strong understanding of agricultural economics, market dynamics, and sustainable farming practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, and community groups.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport in diverse settings.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Eastern Cape and surrounding rural areas.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, project-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. You will have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that contribute to economic growth and community well-being in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . Our client is committed to professional development and provides a supportive work environment. Join a team dedicated to sustainable development and positive social impact.