Summary
Date Posted: Friday, January 31 2025, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Purpose of the Role
The Private Sector Engagement Advisor will play a critical role in supporting the implementation of programs aimed at enhancing private sector participation in agricultural value chains, climate-smart initiatives, and sustainable development. The Advisor will ensure alignment between the goals of the program, private sector actors, and stakeholders by fostering partnerships, conducting analysis, and providing technical assistance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Assistance and Program Support
• Provide technical guidance to partners on private sector engagement activities, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Facilitate the utilization of established online data management systems for improved service delivery, particularly with DWDAs (District Women Development Associations).
• Support the development and sustainability of business start-ups, focusing on women’s economic empowerment in agricultural value chains.
Partnership Development
• Build and maintain relationships with private sector actors, including seed and agro-trading companies, financial institutions, and SMEs, to strengthen value chain linkages.
• Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and development organizations to ensure coordinated efforts in achieving program goals.
• Engage with stakeholders to address institutional barriers limiting women’s advancement in value and market chains.
Knowledge Management and Reporting
• Conduct value chain analysis and strengthen value chain business models, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and utilization.
• Lead the preparation of reports, knowledge products, and dissemination materials related to private sector engagement and program results.
• Monitor and document program impact, including sustainability and scalability of business models.
Capacity Building and Coordination
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and collaborative monitoring visits with private sector actors, government extension partners, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities aimed at enhancing storage, aggregation, and transportation of agricultural produce to improve market access.
• Support farmers and We Effect partners in adopting the Farming as a Business principle by equipping them with skills to integrate business practices into their agricultural activities.
• Help We Effect partner businesses meet industry standards, ensuring their readiness to operate within competitive business environments.
• Strengthen the capacity of partner organizations to develop and understand business principles, enabling them to create sustainable and scalable models.
Strategic Input and Leadership
• Contribute to strengthening business relations within agricultural value chains by fostering partnerships and enhancing market linkages.
• Identify opportunities for scaling successful interventions and develop business cases for private sector investment in climate-resilient practices.
• Participate in program reviews, inception, and close-out meetings to ensure strategic alignment and sustainability of results.

Competency
• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, deliver under pressure, and adhere to ethical standards.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work well in teams, foster relationships with stakeholders, and focus on results.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to conduct value chain analysis, develop business models, and generate actionable insights.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to develop reports and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Capacity Building: Demonstrated experience in building the capacity of farmers and local organizations, enabling them to engage effectively in value chains and market systems.
• Negotiation and Engagement: Strong ability to negotiate and engage with private sector players, including SMEs, financial institutions, and corporate stakeholders, to foster partnerships and enhance value chain linkages.

Qualifications and Experience
Education
• Master’s degree in business administration, Economics, Environmental Management, International Development, or related fields. A bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of experience will also be considered.
Experience
• At least 5 years of experience in private sector engagement or corporate social responsibility within the sustainable development context.
• Proven experience in value chain analysis, partnership development, and knowledge management.
• Experience working with private sector coalitions, SMEs, or MSE to strengthen value chains.
• Mentoring smallholder businesses, with a particular focus on women-led enterprises, to enhance their sustainability and market competitiveness.
• Familiarity with climate change adaptation and mitigation issues is an added advantage.
Languages
Fluency in English (required). Proficiency in French is an asset.
Institutional Arrangement
The Private Sector Engagement Officer will report to the Program Coordinator and collaborate with program staff and external stakeholders. The role requires flexibility to work remotely and travel to program sites as needed.

Education Requirement: No Requirements

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education:

Job application procedure
Interested in applying for this job? Click here to submit your application now.
• Apply by sending your CV/Profile and cover letter/EoI to no later than 8th February 2025. Your application documents should be in English.
• Please note that the position requires that the Consultant/Company to have permission to live and work in Zambia.

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