Senior Agriculture Commercialization Specialist

Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP)

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
SHIRE VALLEY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME (SVTP)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Senior Agriculture Commercialization Specialist
MW-MOAIWD-505768-CS-INDV

1.0 Introduction
The Government of Malawi with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank is implementing the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP). The program development objective (PDO) for SVP is to increase agricultural productivity and commercialization for targeted households in the Shire Valley; and to improve the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources. The SVP is a
14-year program (2018-2031) which is being implemented in three sequential but partially overlapping phases. The Program targets the development of 43,370 ha abstracting water from the Shire River at Kapichira and conveying it by gravity to the irrigable area (in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts) through canals and pipelines. It is structured around three coordinated pillars:

  1. Providing reliable, professionally managed sustainably financed irrigation service to irrigators in a phased construction of the scheme and providing multiple services including water supply;
  2. Support farmer organization within a comprehensive land use plan; supporting land tenure strengthening and consolidation; as well as natural resources management; and
  3. Establishment of smallholder owned commercial farm enterprises transitioning into commercial agriculture from subsistence farming and integrating them into commercial value chains.

The SVTP is being managed by a Project Management Team (PMT) consisting of various technical specialists headed by a Project Coordinator. One of the specialists is a Senior Agriculture Commercialization Specialist (SACS).

The Ministry of Agriculture therefore invites applications for an International Consultant, suitably qualified, to fill the position of SACS, recruited as individual within the PMT.

2.0 The Position
The SACS will be a competitively recruited and will lead in the implementation of the Agriculture Development and Commercialization component (Component 3) in the overall project execution process. S/He will be reporting to the Project Coordinator.

The SACS is part of a larger Project Management Team, which comprises the Coordinator and other specialists. The SACS will be responsible for coordinating activities related to on farm investments under component 3 aimed at transforming smallholder subsistence farmers into commercial farmers. The following are the responsibilities of SACS:

  • SACS shall be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day implementation of all activities under component 3
  • Coordinating implementation of mechanized and commercialized agriculture and value chain development.
  • Ensuring that Smallholder Owned Commercial Farm Enterprises (SOFCEs) are formed and empowered for commercial management of their business enterprises.
  • Mentoring the Business Development Specialist in all technical aspects of Component 3. on a monthly basis present a progress report to the Coordinator, highlighting a synthesis of progress against planned actions, key challenges and proposed management solutions.

3.0 Tasks and Responsibilities

The tasks and responsibilities of the SACS shall include, but not limited to the following:

  • Communicate with relevant PMT members from other components to ensure transparency of information and coordination of implementation.
  • Facilitate formation and empowerment of Smallholder Owned Commercial Farm Enterprises (SOFCEs);
  • Facilitate development of SOCFE level scheme designs and business plans;
  • Facilitate provision of farm equipment/assets through a demand-based matching grant mechanism;
  • Facilitate linkages of farmers to relevant service providers (financial institutions and markets)
  • Facilitate development of financial and management skills for running of irrigation schemes and impart knowledge on how to develop business planning and financial management skills of the farmers and other stakeholders
  • Facilitate training for staff, farmers and in business management.
  • Coordinate participation of project beneficiaries at local, national and regional agribusiness fairs.
  • Provide guidance on economic use of resources.
  • Conduct and disseminate market studies and researches to farmers, and stakeholders;
  • Produce terms of reference for studies required for SVP phase 2 in terms of market diagnostics, applied research, support to agri-spatial approaches;
  • Analyze the various stages of the value chain (inputs, production, processing, distribution, consumption) to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
  • Supervise consultants recruited for facilitation of component 3 activities;
  • Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the PC from time to time.

4.0 Qualifications and Experience
A post graduate qualification in Agri-business Management, Agricultural Economics or any other related field relevant to agribusiness with 10 years of minimum experience. He/ She must have experiences and skills in working with private sector. He/She should have extensive knowledge on value chain and addition best practices. The Senior Agriculture Commercialization Specialist should have excellent facilitation, communications and writing skills. He/she should have experience in working with rural communities, farmer organizations and interaction with key cooperative players in developing countries.

5.0 Services and facilities to be provided by the client

The client will provide the following services and facilities to the consultant
• Office space
• Office equipment
• Communication facilities
• Logistics for field work

6.0 Performance Assessment Criteria

  1. Timely implementation of planned activities
  2. Coordination with stakeholders, including contractors and consultants, ensuring timely sharing of information and other related program implementation issues.
  3. A structured communication update, in liaison with other specialists, to inform external stakeholders on progress is developed;
  4. Timely periodic provision of a synthesis of progress against planned actions, key challenges and proposed management decisions
  5. Reports summarizing mentorship skills transferred
  6. Interventions developed to address challenges affecting value chain development

7.0 Location of Employment
The SACS will be based in Blantyre, but will be required to travel regularly and extensively to the project area (Chikwawa & Nsanje) and work closely with an Inter-ministerial Task Force on SVP in Lilongwe to ensure that progress follows project plans and that appropriate support is provided for project activities.

8.0 Duration of Employment
The assignment is for 2 years renewable for another 12 months upon satisfactory performance in first year.
9.0 Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 7:30hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs except on Weekends and Public Holidays.

10.0 Applications including detailed updated Curriculum Vitae and copies of academic qualifications must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 7th November, 2025.

The Director of Irrigation Services,
Department of Irrigation,
Off Paul Kagame Road,
P.O. Box 30797,
Lilongwe
MALAWI.
(Attention: The Principal Human Resources Management Officer)
Alternatively, applications may be emailed to: enakoma@yahoo.com cc: mwalabu2005@yahoo.co.uk