Extension Intervention Manager – Agribusiness Systems International (ASI) Zimbabwe

Agribusiness Systems International (ASI) is a specialized international development agency based in Washington, D.C. Agribusiness Systems International(ASI) works to create increasingly competitive and socially inclusive industries throughout the world. As an affiliate of ACDI/VOCA, Agribusiness Systems International(ASI) draws from 50 years of experience expanding economic opportunities in 145 developing and transitional nations. Agribusiness Systems International (ASI) combines expertise and technical capacity to work with partners across both public and private sectors to promote and reinforce our development mission of empowering people to succeed in a market-driven global economy.

Agribusiness Systems International(ASI)  is seeking an Extension Intervention Manager to serve on the Programme Management Unit (PMU) for an anticipated multi-year DFID-funded Zimbabwe livelihoods programme. The objective of the programme is to improve food security, reduce malnutrition and strengthen livelihoods amongst rural households, as well to facilitate market linkages in the agricultural sector. The programme aims to improve incomes of 100,000 vulnerable smallholders, 60 percent of whom are women.

The Extension Intervention Manager will develop and implement market-led agricultural and productivity interventions within the programme’s strategic M4P framework. He/she will contribute to effective programme implementation, with attention given to improving overall VfM (Value for Money). This position is contingent upon Agribusiness Systems International (ASI) being awarded a contract.

Duties and Responsibilities: Work with producer groups and SMEs to increase their on –farm productivity by increasing their capacity in good agricultural practices for primary agricultural products, including improving the adoption and efficiency of input use, improving the timing of agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting, and promoting conservation agriculture, when appropriate. Identify trainings and agronomic techniques for selected agricultural products that improve smallholder farmers’ yields, product quality and food security. Conduct training and mentoring targeted at producer groups through the tiered training structure in improved agricultural practices, environmental considerations and other productivity-related areas. Liaise with private sector organizations to ensure that the capacity building of farmers results in the firm’s desired product characteristics including the quality, variety, timing, etc. Work with other PMU team members to identify the financial needs of farmers and other key stakeholders and facilitate their access to financial services. Provide agribusiness technical strategy and support for the entire project, working closely with consortium partners. Ensure community participation and link with local government Incorporate gender considerations into programming as appropriate

Qualifications: Minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (agronomy, plant science, soil science, etc.). Master’s degree strongly preferred. More than 8 years of experience working in Southern Africa in agriculture, nutrition, livestock and/or food security is required. Research and delivery of private sector and market development interventions with focus on improved livelihoods through improved agricultural practices.
Experience in facilitating trainings for staff and beneficiary populations is required. Experience with M4P or value chain programs essential.