Job Title: Program Officer – Market-Oriented Agriculture
Organization: Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About US:
Sasakawa Africa Association-Uganda (SAA) is a non-profit non-governmental international organization that promotes demonstration and widespread adoption of improved pre and post-production agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers in Uganda in collaboration with relevant government institutions, farmer’ organizations and the private sector.
Job Summary: We are seeking a strategic, business-minded, and innovation-driven professional who is a forward-thinking leader with demonstrated expertise in agricultural investment facilitation, market systems development, and cooperative strengthening. The role will focus on unlocking farmer profitability through investment readiness support, inclusive business model development, and value chain transformation.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the planning and execution of business-driven agricultural initiatives that enhance market access and income generation for smallholder farmers.
- Provide technical support and capacity building to farmer organizations, SACCOs, and agribusiness cooperatives to boost market participation and financial sustainability.
- Develop and maintain strong connections with private sector actors and commercial banks to mobilize investment and strengthen value chain financing mechanisms.
- Lead detailed assessments to identify value chain constraints, develop actionable upgrading strategies, and evaluate agribusinesses for investment readiness and risk.
- Promote scalable, climate-smart and gender-sensitive business models that enhance value-chain efficiency, inclusivity, and farmer-enterprise collaboration.
- Engage with financial institutions, government entities and private sector players to foster a conducive ecosystem for sustainable market-oriented agriculture.
- Identify skill gaps and deliver targeted trainings in Organization Capacity Assessments, agribusiness management, and marketing strategies.
- Contribute to proposal development and preparation of investment briefs and deal books for agricultural enterprises.
- Integrate ICT solutions in e-business , corporate governance and digital banking solutions for cooperatives.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Qualitative Economics, Actuarial Science or a related discipline (Master’s degree is a strong advantage)
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in agricultural development with a strong focus on market-oriented programming.
- Deep understanding of smallholder systems, farmer cooperatives, and private sector engagement.
- Field experience conducting value chain assessments and supporting inclusive agribusiness models.
- Proficiency in participatory training methodologies and stakeholder engagement.
- Willingness to travel frequently to field locations.
Key Competencies
- Ability to design and drive commercially viable agricultural strategies and partnerships.
- Track record of structuring deals, conducting due diligence, and preparing SMEs for investment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; adept at developing presentations, reports, and donor materials.
- Proficiency in financial modeling, business diagnostics, data and investment analysis, especially in agricultural contexts.
- Deep understanding of value chain development, inclusive agribusiness models, and sustainable agriculture.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, virtual collaboration platforms and ICT tools for agriculture.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects, coordinate diverse stakeholders, and deliver results under tight timelines.
How to Apply:
Send by E-mall with a cover letter, a two-paged CV and scanned copies of ONLY Relevant academic credentials as one attachment to: The Country Director, Sasakawa Africa Association, E-mail: [email protected]
Deadline: 10th June 2025
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