Agribusiness Development Officer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Travel allowance

Professional development

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agribusiness Development Officer to identify opportunities around Upington, working with farmers, cooperatives and related enterprises to improve profitability and access markets.

The role requires a degree in agribusiness or related field, at least 3 years’ experience, strong networking, analytical and project management skills, and willingness to travel.

We offer a competitive salary, travel allowances, professional development, medical aid and generous leave.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree or diploma in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Management or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in agribusiness development, agricultural extension, or related role.
• Strong understanding of business principles, financial management and market analysis in agriculture.
• Proven experience in providing business advisory services or training to enterprises.

Responsibilities

• Identifying and evaluating potential agribusiness development projects and opportunities within the region.
• Providing business development support and advisory services to farmers, cooperatives, and small agricultural enterprises.
• Conducting market research and analysis to identify market access opportunities and challenges.
• Facilitating linkages between producers, processors, and markets to strengthen agricultural value chains.
• Assisting enterprises in developing business plans, financial projections, and funding proposals.
• Organizing and delivering training workshops on business management, financial literacy, and market access for farmers.
• Monitoring the progress and impact of development projects, collecting data, and preparing reports.
• Networking with government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and private sector players in the agricultural industry.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and value addition initiatives.
• Staying abreast of trends and policies affecting agribusiness in the Northern Cape and broader South African context.

Skills

Networking

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Education

Degree in Agribusiness / Agricultural Economics / Business Management

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a dynamic organization focused on fostering agricultural growth and empowering farming communities in the Northern Cape . We are seeking a motivated and entrepreneurial Agribusiness Development Officer to identify and support new business opportunities within the agricultural sector around Upington. This role involves working closely with farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and related enterprises to enhance their business practices, access markets, and improve profitability. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of agribusiness principles, market dynamics, and rural development. You will be instrumental in providing business advisory services, facilitating access to finance and resources, and supporting value chain development. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the economic development of the region and make a tangible difference in the lives of farmers. The position requires strong networking, analytical, and project management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Identifying and evaluating potential agribusiness development projects and opportunities within the region.
• Providing business development support and advisory services to farmers, cooperatives, and small agricultural enterprises.
• Conducting market research and analysis to identify market access opportunities and challenges.
• Facilitating linkages between producers, processors, and markets to strengthen agricultural value chains.
• Assisting enterprises in developing business plans, financial projections, and funding proposals.
• Organizing and delivering training workshops on business management, financial literacy, and market access for farmers.
• Monitoring the progress and impact of development projects, collecting data, and preparing reports.
• Networking with government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and private sector players in the agricultural industry.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and value addition initiatives.
• Staying abreast of trends and policies affecting agribusiness in the Northern Cape and broader South African context.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agribusiness development, agricultural extension, or a related role.
• Strong understanding of business principles, financial management, and market analysis within the agricultural sector.
• Proven experience in providing business advisory services or training to enterprises.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong networking capabilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• A genuine interest in rural development and supporting farming communities.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape and key players in the Upington and Northern Cape region is highly desirable.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within the region.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary of R , based on qualifications and experience.
• Travel allowance and reimbursement for business-related expenses.
• Opportunities for professional development and capacity building.
• A challenging and rewarding role contributing to agricultural growth and development.
• Work within a supportive and mission-driven organization.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.