Agribusiness Advisor – ()
Description
Reporting to the Regional Agribusiness Manager, the Agribusiness Advisors (AAs) will act as an integral part of implementing the EGF Food and Agriculture projects. The Agribusiness Advisors will be responsible for recruitment and supporting the project target beneficiaries by implementing different interventions across the Country.
The AAs will serve also as pipeline builders towards the financial inclusion goals through customer acquisition of farmers and Agriculture Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Ag-MSMEs).
Key Responsibilities
• Identify, mobilize, and conduct sensitization forums of target participants/clients, partners, and value chain actors (smallholder farmers and MSMEs), including youth and women
• Enroll the targeted participants/clients into the project/ Bank in accordance with the project-set target and timelines.
• Train the project beneficiaries in Financial Education, Agribusiness, and Good Agriculture Practices, Climate smart Agricultuire including, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection, and adopt technologies and mechanization and other agriculture assets
• Support farmers and other players in the food and agriculture value chain in implementing appropriate practices to increase productivity and improve their technical, financial and entrepreneurship skill.
• Introduce the project beneficiaries to Equity Bank for them to learn and access relevant financial services based on their financial needs and handhold them to access and utilize bank products and services.
• Organize and coordinate farmer groups on a regular basis to provide mentoring/coaching and track the implementation of the project interventions and increase their capacity to offtake or be ecosystems players through which smallholder farmers and MSMEs access financial products and agriculture markets
• Respond to farmer queries regarding agribusiness and financial services to enhance their knowledge in farm decision-making.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly status reports to Field Managers, Branch Managers, Pillar leaders, EGF leaders and other management requests when needed
• Organize, coordinate, and execute project activities as per the project work plan and targets (e.g., field days, exchange visits, value chain actors’ collaboration meetings, etc.
• Represent Equity Group in agriculture to other Equity staff and local partners in the respective branches, counties, and regions.
• Work with the monitoring and evaluation team to collect quality project data as required at all stages of project life.
• Provide accurate and timely data on programme and commercial targets reach
• Provide analytical and critical data and reports for programme monitoring
• Undertake any other business activities as may be required by business needs
Qualifications
Qualifications, Experience
• A highly motivated and results-oriented Agribusiness Advisor with extensive experience in agricultural production, MSME development, and extension services.
• Possessing a strong understanding of agronomic principles, agribusiness management, and market linkages, coupled with a proven ability to provide practical solutions and drive sustainable growth.
• Adept at conducting farmer and MSME in different settings and value chains training, developing business plans, and facilitating access to finance and markets for smallholder farmers and MSMEs.
• Committed to empowering rural communities and fostering economic development through innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
• A university degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Animal production/health, Range Management, Agroforestry, Agricultural Extension and Education, Horticulture, agriculture-related degree from a recognized University/or business/finance related courses with exposure to the agriculture program implementation,
• 3-5 years’ experience in industry for Officer, over 5 years’ experience for Senior Officers
Experience:
Essential
1. Agricultural Production & Technical Expertise:
a. Extensive practical experience in production and management, including implementation of sustainable agricultural practices (e.g., integrated pest management, soil conservation, water efficiency).
b. Deep understanding of agronomic principles, seed selection, fertilizer application, and irrigation management.
c. Ability to conduct on-farm demonstrations and training sessions on improved agricultural techniques.
2. MSME Development & Support:
a. Strong understanding of MSME needs, including access to finance, market linkages, skills development, and technology adoption.
b. Experience in facilitating access to microfinance, credit guarantee schemes, and government grants.
c. Experience aiding in the digitalization of MSME businesses.
3. Agribusiness Management & Market Linkages:
a. Comprehensive knowledge of agricultural value chains and market dynamics.
b. Ability to develop and implement agribusiness development programs that enhance market access and profitability.
c. Experience in facilitating connections between farmers, processors, distributors, and markets.
4. Extension & Training:
a) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.
b) Proven ability to develop and deliver engaging training materials and presentations.
c) Strong facilitation skills for group discussions and workshops.
d) Experience in creating and delivering digital training programs.
5. Project Management & Data Analysis:
a) Experience in managing agricultural development projects, including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
b) Ability to develop and write comprehensive reports and proposals.
c) Managed agricultural development projects, including budgeting, resource allocation, and monitoring and evaluation.
d) Conducted market research and analysis to identify opportunities for agribusiness development.
e) Facilitated access to finance for farmers and MSMEs.
f) Provided expertise in the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, including climate smart agriculture practices.
6. Desirable:
a) Proven track record of providing business development services to MSMEs, including financial analysis, business planning, and market access facilitation.
b) Proficiency in data collection and analysis using statistical software and agricultural technology (GPS, GIS, farm management systems) would be an added advantage.
c) Technical Skills:
d) Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
e) Experience with farm management software and agricultural technology (GPS, GIS).
f) Data analysis using statistical software.
g) Fluency in [Local Language(s)] and English.
h) Digital literacy, and experience with digital marketing.
7. Key Achievements:
a) Increased farmer yields by through the implementation of improved agricultural practices.
b) Facilitated access to finance for MSMEs, enabling them to expand their operations.
c) Developed and delivered successful training programs that enhanced the skills and knowledge of farmers and MSMEs.
d) Improved market access for a targeted group of MSMEs.
8. Key Competencies & Skills
a) Ability to evaluate challenges at the farm level and work to implement interventions to solve the challenges.
b) Have a good understanding of farming dynamics from food security, household incomes, and agriculture commercialization points of view.
c) Have a good understanding of agriculture enterprise dynamics from, agriculture commercialization points of view, including critical financing and capacity needs of MSMEs
d) Ability to evaluate challenges at the firm/enterprise level for MSMEs to support then in business performance assessments and improvements
e) Good knowledge of Equity’s financial products and services suitable for farmers and SMEs
f) Excellent communication skills, both writing and verbal.
g) Good social skills for initiating projects, partnerships and closing with various actors
