Job Details

Reporting to the CEO, he/she will be responsible for the development of partnerships with the private sector and agricultural commodity organizations.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) is a regional membership-based organization representing the common interests of farmers in southern Africa. Its Secretariat is based in Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa. In order to effectively discharge its mandate in the areas of policy advocacy on regional, continental and global matters, strengthening of farmers’ organizations and the provision of agricultural information, the organization is seeking to recruit candidates from the SADC region for vacancies described below for its Secretariat.

OFFICER: PRIVATE SECTOR LINKAGES AND AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

Reporting to the CEO, he/she will be responsible for the development of partnerships with the private sector and agricultural commodity organizations. Key duties include developing operational relations with the private sector; undertaking value chain analyses in the agricultural sector in the region; researching on and analyzing key value chain issues from a farmer’s perspective; facilitating structured consultations/dialogue and establishment of operational modalities for improved cooperation between agricultural producers and other value chain players in the private sector; undertaking period review and analysis of regional and global trends in agricultural commodities; facilitating and supporting the engagement of farmers’ organizations in the governance of agricultural value chains and in contract negotiations; supporting the development of regional agricultural commodity organizations/structures and advocacy; identifying opportunities for promoting value chain investments by the organization.

Qualifications and experience: At least a post graduate qualification in agricultural economics, business studies or related field. A minimum 5 years practical experience in private sector financial services, agro-processing, agro-dealers, agribusiness, consultancy or other related sectors in the region. Good communication skills (oral and written) in English and good interpersonal skills. Knowledge of French is an added advantage. The post entails extensive travel in the region.

All the above posts are offered on a 3-year contract and a remuneration package which is dependent on qualifications and experience. The application should provide 3 contactable references. All applications should be by e-mail to info [at] sacau.org (Attention CEO) by 20th September, 2010. Successful candidates are expected to start between November 2010 and 01 January 2011. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Women candidates are specifically encouraged to apply.