Value Chain Development Officer

Reports To: Value Chain Development Specialist

Location: Njombe, Tanzania

Position Summary

The Value Chain Development Officer is responsible for working with farmers to determine the best method to improve extension and production techniques for improved crop yields, and work with farmers to resolve crop challenges.

Scope of Work

• Mobilize farmers into formal groups/associations and register them with TAHA.
• Establish a crop cluster for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, agro dealers and market linkages.
• Set up demonstrations on farming practices, improved production technologies, harvesting and post-harvest techniques.
• Establishing and managing farmers’ collection and distribution centers to ensure they operate commercially and sustainably.
• Introduce innovative horticultural practices that empower farmers with technical skills and capabilities through business-oriented extension services.
• Prepare and coordinate technical training programs, farmer field days, workshops, exchange visits and other farmers networking events.
• Identifying relevant new methods, develop training materials and technologies of irrigation, harvesting, processing, storage, cooling and transporting horticulture products to the market.
• Conduct periodic surveys to farmers to identify production, harvesting and transportation constraints and develop mechanisms of addressing such constraints.
• Organize Farmer Feld Days, where farmers can share production practices and experiences.
• Realize and coordinate the potential of other value chain within the region.
• To identify market opportunities at the local, regional & international levels.
• Develop and implement strategies for sustainable market linkages at local, regional and international markets. Understand key market and production requirement for aligning the demand and supply sides for market linkage processes.
• Create market opportunities and provide a range of marketing options for small scale producers.
• Conduct assessment of farmers and SMEs to identify their business capacity gap and propose the most economic and sustainable methods of addressing them.
• Coordinate market/business interactive sessions between farmers, traders and other relevant actors for the purpose of market linkages, networking, and learning purposes.
• Work with other TAHA- departments in identifying marketing challenges and opportunities and advice the best ways of addressing them.
• In collaboration with stakeholders involved in collection centres under your area and other TAHA departments (Business Environment, Finance) assume the role of facilitating collection centre business model development and implementation for operationalization of centres.
• Maintain solid relations between TAHA, and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and other ground partners in the respective areas.
• Identify and coordinate ground partners in and ensure resources are aligned with other ground partners for bigger/tangible results and impact.
• Identify and engage relevant potential horticultural actors/partners within your area and advice the best way of working/partnering with them.
• Ensure quality and timely reports are produced and shared with relevant parties in close collaboration with the Programs and M&E Departments.
• Represent TAHA and the industry in events related to production, technology and innovation.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A Bachelor’s or master’s degree of Science in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture general, Applied Agricultural extension and Crop production and Management
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in agricultural development, with a focus on horticulture and crop production
• Proficiency in modern agricultural techniques, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest management.
• Strong understanding of horticultural practices, including knowledge of innovative and sustainable methods.
• Experience in establishing and managing farmers’ groups, collection, and distribution centers.
• Familiarity with market analysis, linkages, and marketing strategies for agricultural products.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified individuals should send their applications enclosing:

• Application letter.
• Curriculum vitae (not exceeding 4 pages).
• Copies of qualification certificates.

Submit to: recruitment@taha.or.tz

Subject: APPLICATION FOR VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT OFFICER POSITION

Deadline: 2024-12-29