Job Detail

Total LandCare (TLC) is a registered non-governmental organization founded in 1999. With its headquarters in Malawi, TLC is also registered and operating in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. TLC’s mission is to transform the livelihoods of rural households from subsistence to prosperity and self-reliance.

Achieving this goal involves building the capacity of organized groups of farmers and cooperatives to integrate sustainable agricultural and natural resource practices with initiatives to strengthen livelihoods and value chains linked to micro-finance and markets. The ultimate aim is to increase farm productivity, diversification, profitability and resilience with lower input costs and sound management of the landscapes for current and future generations.

Total LandCare has received funding from the Government of Flanders and the Embassy of Ireland in Malawi, towards the implementation of the Sustainable Management of Landscapes (SAMALA) project in Mzimba, Kasungu, Ntchisi, and Dowa districts. The goal of the project is to contribute to the Malawi Government efforts in restoring degraded landscapes to support sustainable livelihoods. The project aims at improving
catchment management with sustained land productivity, strengthening inclusive community governance structures and local institutions for sustainable management of landscapes, increasing land tenure security and community knowledge on existing regulatory frameworks, and diversifying and strengthening of livelihoods.

Applications are therefore invited from suitably qualified Malawians to fill the post of Agri-Business Specialist (X1) under the project. Those interested and qualified, both male and female, are encouraged to apply. The responsibilities and requirements for the position are described below:

AGRI-BUSINESS SPECIALIST
The Agri-business Specialist will be technical lead and responsible for implementing project aimed at boosting
selected agro-based and natural resource based enterprises, and promoting Village Savings and Loans in farmer producer groups. He/She will help producer groups navigate the difficult process of adding value to and marketing their products. He/She will relate the production of commodities under the selected enterprises to the potential market demands to satisfy the needs and wants of buyers, but at a profit for the producer groups. His/Her services will be conducted under the technical and administrative supervision of the Project Manager. As with all project staff, she/he is also accountable to primary stakeholder groups.

Main Position Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct value chain analysis for the targeted enterprises
• Support Field Coordinators in facilitating organization and formation of farmer producer groups
• Lead delivery of trainings on the value chain relationships package to farmers using relevant agricultural extension methodologies such as Farmer Business School (FBS) and Farmer Marketing School (FMS)
• Provide technical oversight in the strengthening of producer farmer groups in governance, business, and
  financial management capacities
• Support the dissemination of new production technologies, best farming practices, , post-harvest storage, handling and quality, product certification and new product development to producer groups
• Providing technical guidance in the implementation of the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) approach and methodology.
• Facilitate linkages between farmer producer groups and financial service providers
• Assist producer farmer groups in the preparation and execution of sustainability plans for the selected
  enterprises.
• Ensure that lessons learned and best practices on the enterprise activities including production and marketing are documented and disseminated to relevant stakeholders
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant national and local government, private sector, and community stakeholders in the enterprise development
• Support farmer producer groups to set up demonstration of different values chains and conduct displays and man stands at agricultural shows, field days and other events
• Participate in the development of Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWPB).

Qualifications And Desired Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business, Entrepreneurship or related discipline with emphasis on rural development, or agriculture.
• Practical experience in training farmers in the FBS and FMS methodologies
• Practical knowledge of VSLA methodology
• Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training.
• Leadership skills with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent oral and written analytical communication skills, ability to work well with diverse group of people.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines under pressure.
• Fluency in English and at least one locally spoken language.
• Demonstrated computer literacy in MS Office packages.
• Willingness to travel approximately 75% of time to remote areas of the country to interact with field staff
  and project partners (farmers and others).
• Previous NGO experience of at least three years preferred.
• High level of professionalism, trustworthiness, confidentiality, and integrity.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 
An attractive remuneration will be offered to successful candidates commensurate with qualifications and experience. The contract is for 12 months renewable yearly based on performance and continued funding of the project.

METHOD OF APPLICATION
Applications including up-to-date curriculum vitae giving names, telephone numbers, physical and email addresses of traceable referees should be sent to the address below not later than 8th September, 2022, clearly indicating the post you are applying for on the submission envelope.

Note: Applications via email will not be considered.

The Managing Director
Total LandCare Malawi
Plot Number 12/520, Songwe Street, New Area 12
P.O. Box 2440
LILONGWE