Job Description

Posted on January 10, 2022

Call for expression of Interest For the position of technical experts for Usaid Zambia enterprise development and growth enhanced (edge) projectREF: USAID EDGE-TE/11/2021Agova Zambia Ltd.Contract Length: 12 MonthsContract Type: Part-TimeBackgroundAgova is an impact-driven consultancy that finds business value in addressing social challenges. Since 2014, Agova has been delivering management and technical advice to actors in the business sector in Zambia to develop business models and norms that increase economic, social and environmental prosperity. We aim to leverage capital, data and innovative ideas to develop a sustainable form of poverty reduction; one that focuses on creating win-win, or ‘shared value’, business models within our client organisations such that commercial imperatives can be whilst improving the livelihoods of their low-income customer and supplier segments. Agova has been registered in Zambia since August 2014 and has been a venture supported by Engineers without Borders since 2011.Project Background The USAID Zambia Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) Activity is a five-year activity aimed at increasing the profitability for agricultural small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by addressing their key investment constraints on access to finance, limited business management skills and technology, and access to markets, thereby increasing SMEs’ productivity and ability to create new jobs. The EDGE Activity is implemented by ACDI/VOCA and its partners Agova, Open Capital Advisor and Dimagi.Over the next five years, EDGE will boost SMEs’ competitiveness by addressing key constraints that they face. The activity will use a facilitative approach and work closely with, and through, local partners to drive lasting systemic changes that create sustainable impact at scale. EDGE will also apply its inclusive market systems approach, which addresses the root causes, rather than the symptoms, of a poorly performing market. Over its life of project, EDGE is expected to support 450 agricultural SMEs across six (6) different value chains namely: Poultry, Aquaculture, Groundnuts, Honey, Horticulture (annual vegetables and fruits) and Animal Feed (sunflower, soybeans, maize, etc.) in the Lusaka, Central and Eastern Provinces of Zambia, which will become the main vehicle to promote economic growth in the agriculture sector.Background of the Technical Expert RoleAgova is seeking to procure the services of Technical Experts (TEs) to provide technical assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the USAID Zambia EDGE project. Expressions of interest are required from appropriately qualified professionals who can demonstrate the capacity to undertake and commit to the focus and scope of this project. Those who can demonstrate a high potential to deliver positive social impact, have strong demonstrable knowledge of value chain specific technical expertise or management and marketing expertise and experience, leading to the creation of improved measurable business performance of small enterprises and sustainable employment opportunities for all, especially youths and women. Applicants must have demonstrable experience of having supported SMEs to reach a high propensity for profitability, to integrate resilient approaches in value chain development and, have strong networks within the agricultural sector and connectivity potential, where possible for immediate tangible benefits from the support provided.Agova and their collaborating partners will provide TEs with project background documentation, as well as short business briefs of SMEs currently on the EDGE beneficiaries portfolio. Familiarisation support will include organised meetings with Business Advisors, who are local entrepreneurs and community leaders supporting SMEs through business training, coaching and business growth implementation plans. This background will be sufficient for TEs to develop suitable approaches and methodologies of working with the SMEs to achieve the desired objectives of improved productivity and competitiveness within their respective value chain(s).Technical expert (te) roles and responsibilitiesThe EDGE project is looking to work with Value Chain and Business Management oriented TEs, who will play a key role in the implementation of the EDGE project as a support system for growing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). TEs will be working directly with SMEs to support them with capacity building by developing and strengthening their knowledge and application of value chain best practices. These will include all stages of the value chain from production, processing, resource, and quality management. In terms of business management and scaling activities, TEs are required to work with SMEs to improve internal management and marketing capabilities, strengthen governance structures, improve performance tracking systems, and increase establishments of business partnerships within their communities, to survive, grow, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world.The duties and responsibilities of the TEs will include but not limited to the following:Provide technical assistance and support to SMEs that have specific needs and challenges in the TEs specified area of expertise. This support will be provided through situational analyses, bespoke training, coaching & mentoring, site visits etc, all of which seek to help SMEs address challenges that slow down their competitiveness, chances of entering markets and general developmental progress, to improve and grow their businesses.Support the coordination and linkage of opportunities for the SMEs that relate to the EDGE activity’s goals of increasing access to markets, creating employment, accessing finance, increasing SMEs competitiveness etc. For example, linking an SME to a relevant off-taker or facilitating a grant opportunity, coordinated through the SME Development and ACDI VOCA teams.Requirements and Qualifications:Must be a qualified and experienced expert within a relevant field or value chain, with 8 – 10 years of demonstrable experience in the implementation of similar and relevant activities in the specified value chains or business fields operating in the Lusaka, Central and Eastern provinces of Zambia.Specific expertise in any of the following:Aquaculture (fingerling production, feed formulation and overall production and water management good practices)Poultry (village chicken, layers and broilers production, feed formulation, disease management)Groundnuts (production and processing)Honey (traditional and modern hives management)Animal feed (soybeans, sunflower, maize production)Horticulture (annual vegetables and fruits production and processing).Agricultural Engineering (installation of agriculture and processing systems, machine efficiency and maintenance)Business Management (Business Registration; Business Plan Development; Business Case Development; Competitive Marketing Analysis and Strategy Development, Go-to-Market Strategy Development, Digital Marketing and Branding, Corporate Governance Advisory for SMEs)Product Quality Certification and Assurance (Packaging, Labelling and Food Safety Standards, Products Standards):At least eight to ten (8 – 10) year proven experience in the identified areas with proven track record.Exceptional ability to identify business risks and develop mitigation strategiesMinimum diploma in any field relevant to the supported value chains or Business Management and Accountancy.Excellent communication and motivational skills.Must be computer literate in Microsoft office i.e., word, excel and powerpoint.Youths and women entrepreneurs are highly encouraged to apply.Method of ApplicationInterested individuals or businesses who have experience in carrying out similar assignments should send the application and relevant documents clearly indicating “EDGE Technical Expert Application” and must be addressed to:Agova SME Development Specialist,Agova Zambia Ltd, Plot No 1277. Lubuto Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka-Zambia