Remote Agribusiness Development Specialist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly motivated Remote Agribusiness Development Specialist to drive project design and implementation across Africa. The role focuses on improving farmer livelihoods, market access, and value chain development, working with farmers, cooperatives, governments, and private partners.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in a related field and at least seven years of progressive experience in agribusiness development, with strong project management, budgeting, and

Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in agribusiness development, project management, or value chain analysis.
• Experience designing and managing agricultural projects, including proposals and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for agribusiness development in target regions and value chains.
• Design and manage projects from conception through implementation, including budgeting and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide training and capacity building to farmers, cooperatives, and SMEs in production, processing, marketing, and finance.
• Facilitate market linkages and develop business plans to improve profitability and sustainability.
• Monitor progress, impact, and financial performance; prepare regular reports for management and donors.
• Conduct market research and value chain analyses to inform strategy development.
• Build relationships with government, NGOs, private sector, and farmer organizations.
• Contribute to strategy development and thought leadership in agribusiness and sustainable agriculture.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Remote collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Project coordination

Education

Master's degree in Agribusiness or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic organization focused on fostering sustainable agricultural growth across Africa, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Remote Agribusiness Development Specialist. This role is vital in identifying, developing, and implementing innovative agribusiness projects that enhance farmer livelihoods and market access. As a remote position, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, collaborating with diverse stakeholders including farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, and private sector partners. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of agribusiness value chains, project management skills, and a passion for sustainable development within the agricultural sector. You will be instrumental in designing and executing strategies that promote economic viability and environmental responsibility in farming communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess opportunities for agribusiness development within target regions, focusing on key agricultural value chains.
• Design and manage agribusiness projects from conception through implementation, including proposal writing, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to farmers, cooperatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as production, processing, marketing, and financial management.
• Facilitate market linkages and support the development of business plans that enhance profitability and sustainability for agribusinesses.
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, impact, and financial performance, preparing regular reports for management and donors.
• Conduct market research and value chain analyses to inform project design and strategy development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, private sector actors, and farmer organizations.
• Contribute to the organization's strategy development and thought leadership in agribusiness and sustainable agriculture.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agribusiness development, project management, or value chain analysis, preferably within the African context.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and managing agricultural projects, including proposal development and budget management.
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains, market dynamics, and farmer-based organizations.
• Proven ability to provide training and technical assistance to diverse groups, including farmers and entrepreneurs.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders remotely.
• Proficiency in project management software and standard office applications.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in other relevant languages (e.g., Afrikaans, Setswana) is an advantage.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to make a significant impact on rural economies. Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and generous paid time off. Professional development opportunities, including participation in relevant webinars and online courses, are provided. You will be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

• competitive salary
• comprehensive health benefits
• generous paid time off
• Professional development opportunities, including participation in relevant webinars and online courses, are provided.

This role is perfect for an experienced agribusiness professional seeking a challenging and rewarding career path with the convenience of remote work, contributing to positive change across South Africa, potentially impacting regions near Mahikeng and beyond.