Remote Agribusiness Development Officer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Agribusiness Development Officer to support growth of smallholder farmers and emerging agribusinesses in South Africa, with emphasis on the Eastern Cape. The role is fully remote and requires strong business acumen and knowledge of agribusiness value chains.

You will work independently to identify opportunities, provide technical assistance, develop business plans, and facilitate market linkages while staying abreast of agricultural policy and market dynamics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness Management, Economics, Business Administration, Agriculture, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agribusiness development or rural economic development.
• Strong understanding of value chains, market systems and entrepreneurship.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess opportunities for agribusiness development and value chain enhancement.
• Provide business development support, including business plan formulation, financial literacy, and market analysis.
• Facilitate market access by linking smallholder farmers and agribusinesses with buyers and supply chains.
• Develop and deliver training programs for agripreneurs and farmer groups.
• Monitor, evaluate and report progress and impact of initiatives.

Skills

Agribusiness development

Project management

Market analysis

Financial analysis

Communication

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Digital collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an international agricultural development organization, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Agribusiness Development Officer to join their team in a fully remote capacity. This position will focus on supporting the growth and sustainability of agribusinesses within South Africa, with a particular interest in the Eastern Cape region. You will be responsible for identifying opportunities, providing technical assistance, developing business plans, and facilitating market linkages for smallholder farmers and emerging agribusinesses. The ideal candidate possesses strong business acumen, a deep understanding of agribusiness value chains, and a passion for rural economic development. You will work independently, leveraging digital communication tools to connect with stakeholders and drive project success. This is an impactful role for someone looking to contribute to agricultural transformation from a flexible, remote location.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess opportunities for agribusiness development and value chain enhancement.
• Provide business development support, including business plan formulation, financial literacy training, and market analysis.
• Facilitate market access for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses by establishing linkages with buyers and supply chains.
• Develop and implement training programs for agribusiness entrepreneurs and farmer groups.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of agribusiness development initiatives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, and farmer organizations.
• Prepare project reports, proposals, and communication materials.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and design of new agribusiness development projects.
• Stay informed about agricultural policies, market dynamics, and best practices in agribusiness development.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness Management, Economics, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agribusiness development, project management, or rural economic development.
• Strong understanding of agribusiness value chains, market systems, and entrepreneurship development.
• Proven experience in business plan development, financial analysis, and market research.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools and platforms.
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector and economic landscape of the Eastern Cape is highly desirable.
• Grant writing and proposal development experience is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in local languages is a plus.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and paid time off. The role provides significant flexibility and autonomy, allowing you to manage your work schedule effectively. Our client is dedicated to professional development, offering opportunities for training, online courses, and participation in virtual conferences. You will be part of a mission-driven organization focused on creating sustainable impact in the agricultural sector. This position is ideal for individuals seeking to leverage their expertise in agribusiness development while enjoying the benefits of a remote work arrangement. The organization values innovation, collaboration, and results-oriented approaches.