MARKET ACCESS LINKAGE MANAGER (AGRICULTURE)

The Market Access Linkage Manager will lead initiatives to connect smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to sustainable, high-value markets. The incumbent will be responsible for market intelligence, negotiating buy-sell agreements, implementing quality standards, and developing partnerships along the agricultural value chain. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Market Linkage & Buyer Engagement

Identify and Map Markets: Identify high-potential local, regional, and international market opportunities (processors, exporters, retail chains).
Buyer-Seller Matchmaking: Facilitate connections between farmers/farmer organizations and buyers, ensuring buyer requirements are met.
Contract Negotiation: Facilitate negotiations and finalization of fair, transparent contracts (off-take agreements).
Relationship Management: Maintain long-term, trust-based relationships with buyers, traders, and logistics providers. 

2. Supply Chain & Quality Management

Value Addition & Quality Standards: Ensure farmers adhere to market-required quality standards, certifications, and packaging requirements.
Logistics Coordination: Coordinate with transport and logistics companies to facilitate efficient product movement and reduce post-harvest losses.
Capacity Building: Train producers/cooperatives on market requirements, aggregation, and post-harvest handling. 

3. Strategy & Business Intelligence

Market Intelligence: Collect and analyze data on market trends, pricing, demand, and competitor analysis.
Strategy Development: Design strategies for agricultural product commercialization, including market entry and penetration.
Business Plan Support: Support agribusinesses in developing business plans and strengthening organizational capacity. 

4. Project Implementation & Reporting

Project Management: Lead the implementation of market-access projects, monitoring progress against key performance indicators (KPIs).
Reporting: Submit monthly/quarterly reports on sales volumes, revenue, and project impact to senior management and donors. 

Required Qualifications and Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Business Administration, Economics Agricultural Economics, Marketing, or related field (Master’s preferred).
Experience: 3–5+ years of experience in agricultural marketing, supply chain management, or market access projects, particularly with smallholder farmers.
Technical Skills: Deep understanding of agricultural value chains, quality standards, contracting, and logistics.
Soft Skills: Strong negotiation, networking, and communication skills. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Languages: Fluency in English (local language proficiency is often required). 

Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this Job

Increase in farmer/cooperative income.
Volume and value of produce traded (e.g., kwacha volume traded).
Number of new buyer contracts or partnerships secured.
Reduction in post-harvest losses. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send application with qualifications, CV and cover letter to jobs@clivelikumbi.co.za