Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.
Senior Commercial Horticulture Business Management and Finance Specialist, Lesotho
ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Senior Commercial Horticulture Business Management and Finance Specialist for an upcoming Market Driven Irrigation Horticulture (MDIH) Activity in Lesotho funded by Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The program aims to ensure that strong legal and policy frameworks are in place in Lesotho to support the growth of irrigation throughout the country in an equitable and sustainable way. It intends to achieve this goal by improving the capacity of government and other institutions to deliver and sustain the services necessary for inclusive growth in irrigated horticulture.
The Senior Commercial Horticulture Business Management and Finance Specialist will provide business and financial management training and capacity building for emerging commercial farmers. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in Lesotho.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate the development of business models and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that demonstrate how to improve commercialization in the value chain
- Identify constraints with financial institutions and SMEs towards lending/financing and services; facilitate activities to overcome the constraints
- Provide operationally focused support to partner businesses and financial institutions
- Work with smallholder businesses to build strategy, business planning, and problem-solving systems
- Deliver capacity building, business skills, and knowledge sharing workshops for SMEs
- Facilitate partnerships between emerging farmers and established commercial farmers using extensive consultations between landholders in the scheme areas, anchor farmers, associations of farmers, other relevant consultants
- Support the development of model agricultural production and commercialization options that are fit for context and purpose, including land, access to inputs, commercial production and marketing as well as governance dimensions
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in business or finance required.
- Minimum 10 years of experience designing and supporting agricultural business, finance, and financial management programs or systems for smallholder/emerging commercial farmers, preferably in horticulture.
- At least 5 years of experience in designing business and financial management training and capacity building for smallholder/emerging commercial farmers.
- English required (written and spoken).
Basotho nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Please apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs. The applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt, only finalists will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. ACDI/VOCA will never request payment or charge a fee to apply for any position.