Agri Finance Specialist

Khula!; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agri-finance organization in South Africa is seeking an experienced Agri-Finance Specialist to guide farmers in securing funding and managing financial practices. This role entails preparing funding applications, providing post-investment support, and fostering relationships with financiers. Candidates should hold a degree in Agricultural Economics and possess at least 5 years of relevant experience in finance and agriculture. This full-time position requires strong analytical and interpersonal skills, with flexibility for travel.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in finance and agriculture.
• Proficient in preparing funding applications and financial models.
• Strong understanding of agricultural practices and funding requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare funding applications and business plans for farmers.
• Provide post-investment support and compliance monitoring.
• Act as the primary contact between farmers and financiers.

Skills

Financial analysis

Relationship management

Agricultural knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics

Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Agri-Finance Specialist to lead the preparation and submission of funding applications for emerging farmers and to serve as a key relationship manager between farmers and financiers.

This role is central to helping farmers access capital by ensuring their applications are professional, compliant, and compelling.

The successful candidate will combine financial expertise with a strong understanding of agriculture, while also building lasting partnerships across the funding ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Application Support

Take ownership of preparing funding applications on behalf of farmers, including drafting business plans, compiling supporting documentation, and preparing financial models / cash flows.

Ensure applications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with funder requirements.

Track applications through to submission and liaise with funders for feedback and follow-up.

Analyse farmers' financials and business plans to determine eligibility and strengthen applications.

Prepare funding scenarios and help farmers understand the implications of each option.

Post-Investment Support

Provide advisory support once funding is secured, including budget monitoring, risk management, and fund utilisation guidance.

Monitor projects to ensure compliance with funder requirements.

Relationship Management

Act as the primary contact between farmers, financiers, and funding institutions.

Build and maintain strong relationships to facilitate smooth communication and negotiations.

Advocate for farmers to secure favourable funding terms and timely approvals.

Training and Development

Equip farmers with skills to prepare future applications and manage their finances more effectively.

Conduct workshops or coaching sessions to improve financial literacy and funding readiness.

Agricultural & Agri-Finance Expertise

Strong understanding of agricultural value chains, from inputs to markets.

Ability to evaluate farm production plans and align them with financial viability.

Experience structuring finance for different farming models (crops, livestock, mixed farming, etc.).

Knowledge of risks specific to agriculture (seasonality, climate, pests, market fluctuations) and strategies to mitigate them.

Ability to bridge the gap between agricultural operations and financial institutions by translating farming realities into funder-ready applications.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics and / or a relevant qualification.

Proven track record in preparing funding applications, business plans, and financial models.

Minimum of 5 years experience working in finance and agriculture.

Strong understanding of agricultural practices and funding requirements.

Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Proficiency in financial analysis and documentation preparation.

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with government and private funding programs for agriculture.

Ability to develop creative funding solutions tailored to unique agricultural needs.

Experience in project management and stakeholder collaboration.

This role may require travel to meet with farmers and other stakeholders.

Flexibility and adaptability are key to understanding and addressing farmers' funding needs.

Application Deadline: 19 November

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Function: Finance and Sales

Industries: Food & Beverages