Agribusiness Development Officer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and pension

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Agribusiness Development Officer to drive growth in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role involves supporting farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses to improve productivity, market access, and competitiveness within the local sector.

The candidate will collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, and financial institutions, delivering market analyses, feasibility studies, and capacity-building initiatives across the region. Hybrid work arrangement may apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, or related field.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years in agribusiness development, project management, or agricultural consulting.
• Strong understanding of value chains, market dynamics, and business development.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate agribusiness development projects and investment opportunities in the region.
• Provide advisory services to farmers and agribusinesses to improve productivity and market access.
• Develop and implement business plans for agricultural enterprises focused on sustainability and profitability.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Project management

Market research

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture / Agribusiness / Economics / Business Admin

Master's degree an advantage

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the agribusiness sector, is seeking an Agribusiness Development Officer to be based in or serve the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region. This strategic role focuses on identifying and cultivating new business opportunities, supporting agricultural enterprises, and fostering sustainable growth within the local agribusiness landscape. The successful candidate will work closely with farmers, cooperatives, and related businesses to enhance their operations, market access, and overall competitiveness. This is a dynamic position that requires strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, contributing to the economic development of the agricultural sector in KwaZulu-Natal . Our client is dedicated to empowering agricultural communities through targeted development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential agribusiness development projects and investment opportunities within the designated region.
• Provide technical assistance and advisory services to farmers and agribusinesses to improve productivity, efficiency, and market access.
• Develop and implement business plans and strategies for agricultural enterprises, focusing on sustainability and profitability.
• Facilitate linkages between producers, processors, and markets, including identifying export opportunities.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies to assess the viability of new agricultural ventures.
• Support agribusinesses in accessing finance, technology, and other essential resources.
• Organize and conduct training workshops and capacity-building programs for agricultural stakeholders.
• Monitor the progress of development projects and provide regular reports on key performance indicators and outcomes.
• Network with government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to foster collaboration and leverage resources.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sector-specific strategies for agribusiness growth in Richards Bay and surrounding areas.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agribusiness development, project management, or agricultural consulting.
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains, market dynamics, and business development principles.
• Proven experience in conducting market research, feasibility studies, and business plan development.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in training and capacity building for agricultural communities.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector and economic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal .
• Ability to travel within the region as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive compensation package, including performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid and pension.
• This role provides a significant opportunity to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the agribusiness sector in Richards Bay .
• Professional development and training opportunities are provided.
• The hybrid work arrangement offers a blend of remote flexibility and on-site collaboration.
• Our client fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• You will be instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture in the region.
• We are committed to creating impactful change and supporting our employees' career progression.