Agribusiness Development Specialist at Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development

Position Title: Agribusiness Development Specialist
Duty Station: PCMU Eldoret
Reporting to: National Programme Coordinator
1. Job Purpose
The Agribusiness Development Specialist will work closely with the Community
Development Specialist, Agronomist, NRM Specialist and Livestock Specialist, the
Agribusiness Development Specialist will be responsible for promotion and coordination of agribusiness activities in the Programme.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Market-Oriented Agribusiness Models
• Guiding service providers in provision of value chain support activities to target
beneficiaries including the promotion of entrepreneurial skills in farmer
organizations and other stakeholders.
• Coordinating the development of marketing strategies for commodities promoted
by the Programme and monitoring the implementation of these strategies.
• Facilitating linkages and contracts between farmers/ groups and business
development service providers (stakeholders) including distributors, local
promoters etc.
• In liaison with M&E Officer, develop appropriate monitoring and evaluation tools
and initiate appropriate impact surveys/studies.
B. Agri-finance and Partnerships
• Facilitating the linkage of income generating activity (IGA) groups with financial
service providers, in liaison with the other Programme Specialists.
• In liaison with Knowledge Management and Learning Officer, identifying and
supporting innovative business models to ensure systematic documentation of the
same for learning, adaptation and sharing through the project knowledge
management system.
C. Value Addition and Post-Harvest Management
• Ensuring adequate synergies and linkages between providers of post-harvest
management services, market support services and financial services of the
Programme, in collaboration with the Programme Specialists.
• Guiding the preparation and implementation of the various value chain related
activities/studies.
D. Producer Organizations and Cooperatives
• Capacity building project beneficiaries on agribusiness issues and other businessrelated aspects.
• Facilitating in identification of capacity needs of the target beneficiaries and
relevant value chain actors and designing training modules to address the gaps.
• Championing the formation of apex organizations including cooperatives, user
groups etc. among the project beneficiaries for the various enterprises promoted
by the Programme.
• In liaison with other Specialists, review business plans of the common interest
groups, Community Forest Association/Water Resource User Associations and
other project groups and advising them on how to develop bankable business
proposals for their enterprises.
• Support and train beneficiaries in effective enterprise organization and
management with emphasis on farming as a business and good governance.
E. Other Duties
• Participating in preparation of the Annual Work Plan &Budgets and periodic
progress reports
• Undertake any other relevant duties assigned by the National Programme
Coordinator.
3. Academic Qualifications
• Holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics,
Finance, Business Administration or any other related field from a recognized
university.
4. Applicable Professional Experience
• Have at least seven (years) years of continuous work experience in a similar field,
five (5) years of which must have been at a senior management position in
GoK/Development Partner funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating agribusiness development, value chain
analysis and building capacities of value chain actors.
• Experience in coordinating and collaborating with partners including private
enterprises, community-based organizations and NGOs working on livelihood
diversification and enhancement.
• Demonstrated experience in working with communities in similar engagement.
5. Competencies and Skills
• Team player and can work with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of technologies and issues in value chain development, inclusive
finance, business development and rural livelihoods.
• Strong computer skills; and
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

1. Access the National Employment Authority’s Integrated Management System (NEAIMS) through www.neaims.go.ke
2. Sign up as a Jobseeker/Intern (if not already signed up).
3. Login and capture your CV/Profile comprehensively.
4. Submit your registration in the portal.
5. Apply for the position(s) of interest as advertised.
6. Frequently check on the status of your application and wait for shortlisting to be done.

Note: Manual/paper applications will not be accepted.

Documents Required (for shortlisted candidates)

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of National ID, academic and professional certificates
• Supporting documents and testimonials
• Letter of recommendation from the current or recent Supervisor (Optional)

Successful candidates will also be required to submit documents in compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution (2010).

Important Notes

• All appointments are on performance-based contract terms and are subject to an IFAD No Objection.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is an equal opportunity employer.
• Applications from women, youth, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.