Agribusiness Development Officer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agribusiness Development Officer in Vereeniging to drive growth for agricultural SMEs and enhance market linkages across the Gauteng region.

The role requires a strong background in agribusiness, market development, and project management, with a passion for empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs. A hybrid work model is offered, with field visits and client engagements alongside remote work.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in agribusiness development, project management, or a related role, preferably within the Gauteng region.
• Proven experience in providing business development services to SMEs.
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains and market systems.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess opportunities for agribusiness development and market linkages.
• Provide technical assistance and business development support to agricultural SMEs.
• Facilitate access to finance, technology, and market information for agribusinesses.
• Develop and implement training programs on business management, marketing, and value chain development.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of agribusiness development initiatives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, financial institutions, and private sector partners.
• Support the development of business plans and proposals for agribusiness clients.
• Organize workshops, seminars, and networking events for agribusiness stakeholders.
• Ensure project activities align with the strategic objectives of the agency and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth in Vereeniging.

Skills

Agribusiness development

Market development

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent development agency focused on enhancing the agricultural sector in Vereeniging, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced Agribusiness Development Officer. This role is pivotal in fostering the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises within the agriculture and forestry value chain. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of agribusiness principles, market development, and project management, with a passion for empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs in the Gauteng region. You will be instrumental in driving economic development and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess opportunities for agribusiness development and market linkages.
• Provide technical assistance and business development support to agricultural SMEs.
• Facilitate access to finance, technology, and market information for agribusinesses.
• Develop and implement training programs on business management, marketing, and value chain development.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of agribusiness development initiatives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, financial institutions, and private sector partners.
• Support the development of business plans and proposals for agribusiness clients.
• Organize workshops, seminars, and networking events for agribusiness stakeholders.
• Ensure project activities align with the strategic objectives of the agency and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth in Vereeniging .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in agribusiness development, project management, or a related role, preferably within the Gauteng region.
• Proven experience in providing business development services to SMEs.
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains and market systems.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in developing business plans and financial projections.
• Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in facilitating training and capacity building programs.
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing agribusinesses in Vereeniging is essential.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development. This role provides the chance to make a tangible impact on the economic development of the Gauteng region by supporting local agribusinesses. Employees will engage with a network of industry professionals and contribute to innovative agricultural projects. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility, combining field visits and client engagements in and around Vereeniging with remote work.