Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing the Zimbabwe – Mozambique Agriculture Vale Chain and Trade Development Project, financed by AICS in the Provinces of Manica and Sofala. The project aims to strengthen the region’s agricultural driven economies by facilitating bilateral, regional and international trade.

The project has two main intervention areas. The first relates to supporting Government and relevant stakeholders in implementing effective trade policy frameworks, operationalization of trade agreements and provision of effective trade support to the private sector, for deepening existing or expanding new market opportunities. The second area focuses on trade and investment facilitation, which includes strengthening the capacity of economic agents along selected value chains to meet quality requirements and comply with trade regulations in international markets. Additionally, the project will support the private sector in expanding new market opportunities through export facilitation.

By expanding new market opportunities, lowering trade barriers, the project will unlock new economic opportunities and improve trade relationships between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, fostering regional and international integration.

The project post is based in Chimoio.

Reporting Lines

The Agribusiness Technician reports to the Agribusiness HUB Coordinator and the Chief Technical Officer.

Technical Focus

The Agribusiness Technician will work closely with farmers (primary focus on commercial, medium to large) and other private sector along the value chains (MSMEs to large) on a day-to-day basis. The technician assists and capacitates the economic agents in capturing new market opportunities, implement quality and certification measures and supports voicing of policy need.

Tasks and responsibilities

Market Opportunity Identification.
•    Assist farmers and agribusinesses in identifying and capturing new market opportunities.
•    Organize and conduct training sessions on market trends, requirements, and opportunities.
•    Support farmers and agribusinesses in developing business plans and marketing strategies.

Quality production.
•    Provide technical assistance to farmers to improve production practices and increase the quality of agricultural products in line with international standards.
•    Facilitate the implementation of quality standards and certification measures to meet market requirements, including but not limited to soil or water testing, pest and disease management strategies, conservation agriculture or organic farming, post-harvest handling.

Certification and Quality Assurance.
•    Provide guidance on quality assurance and certification processes required for market development and export.
•    Assist in the development, dissemination and implementation of easy-to-use guidelines and protocols for production and handling practices.
•    Conduct training sessions on implementing quality and certification measures.

Network building.
•    Develop a solid public and private sector network within the Beira Corridor.
•    Gather relevant information from farmers and private sector stakeholders regarding policy needs and challenges.
•    Facilitate dialogues between farmers, private sector representatives, and policymakers to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed in trade policies.
•    Participate in multi-sectoral policy dialogue forums.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Bachelor’s degree in (Business) Economics, Agribusiness, Agriculture or any related field.
•    Minimum of 3 years of experience in agribusiness or market development.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and Portuguese.
•    National of Mozambique.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional skills

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work
•    Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    Strong organizational and planning skills and commitment to discretion and confidentiality
•    Familiarity with UN human resource administrative procedures and systems
•    Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION