Land O’Lakes Venture37

Project Description: Land O’Lakes Venture37, the University of Minnesota (UMN), Stellenbosch University (SU), and Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) have forged an innovative partnership to establish the Center for Agricultural Transformation (CAT), an inclusive science, technology, and market systems center of excellence, which is helping smallholder Malawian farmers make economically viable, data-driven decisions for diversifying their livelihoods. Supported by Foundation for a Smoke Free World (FSFW) through its affiliate Agricultural Transformation Initiative (ATI), the CAT leverages strategic partnerships to facilitate smallholder farmer (SHF) adoption of new/improved technologies and innovations in alternative value chains. Core to the refreshed CAT strategy under implementation since mid-2022 is the renewed recognition that without trusted off-take markets smallholder farmers (SHF) are and will continue to be reluctant to adopt new productivity-increasing or risk-mitigating technologies and practices, as well as move into production of new value chains outside tobacco.

Position Summary and Primary Responsibilities: The Market Access Officer plays a pivotal role in promoting access to markets for smallholder farmers engaged in alternative value chains. The officer will be responsible for supporting initiatives that empower smallholder farmers to access profitable markets for their produce, as well as markets for inputs and other agricultural technologies. The Market Systems Officer will support the establishment of connections between farmers and upstream value chain players, including financial service providers, agro dealers for procurement of inputs, and off takers for the sale of produce.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Market Systems Director to develop and implement effective market access strategies for smallholder farmers.
• Conduct market assessments to identify opportunities and challenges in accessing markets for agricultural produce, and inputs.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of strong relationships with agro dealers, off takers, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders in the selected agricultural value chains.
• Facilitate collaboration between smallholder farmers and upstream value chain players to ensure a seamless flow of inputs and sale of produce.
• Support the design and deliver of training programs for smallholder farmers to enhance their knowledge and skills related to market access, financial management, and value chain integration.
• Provide technical assistance to farmers adopting best practices for improving the quality and marketability of their products.
• Assist farmers in accessing credit and financial resources for purchasing inputs and productive assets.

Reporting & Supervision: The position will report to the Market Systems Director.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• 2+ years’ relevant experience in Malawi
• Proven experience in market access, value chain development, and working with smallholder farmers.
• Strong understanding of the agricultural sector in Malawi and familiarity with alternative value chains.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good command of English and Chichewa, spoken and written.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of financial mechanisms and access to finance for smallholder farmers.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted. 

Land O’Lakes Venture37 never requests money or payment from candidates for any position type. Please report any such requests to Land O’Lakes Venture37.

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is an equal opportunity employer and an organization striving to help global communities thrive through agriculture. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, among other factors. Our culture values a diversity of voices. So, bring us your unique experiences, your workstyle, and your dreams — they’ll only make us stronger.