Agribusiness Business Development Officer

About the role

The Agribusiness Business Development Officer will coordinate and lead the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies that promote agribusiness development across seven districts in the Bukedi region. Working from the head office in Mbale, the role focuses on creating an enabling environment for inclusive agriculture, linking smallholder farmers with markets, finance and support services.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments for SMEs and develop capacity‑building strategies.
• Strengthen farmer skills in treating farming as a business through targeted training.
• Create market linkages for SMEs.
• Support groups in developing bankable business plans and operational plans.
• Assist farmer groups with record‑keeping tools such as business diaries and log books.
• Help groups build internal and external resource mobilisation and management strategies.
• Provide guidance on farm labour and mechanisation management.
• Develop marketing plans using the 4Ps framework (product, price, place, promotion).
• Facilitate contract‑farming arrangements between farmer organisations and off‑takers or processors.
• Support formalisation of farmer businesses with relevant authorities.
• Link farmer organisations to business development services such as mechanisation, packaging and inputs.

Required profile

• Mid‑level professional with at least 36 months of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in agribusiness development, SME support and capacity building.
• Knowledge of oilseed value chains and rural market dynamics.
• Ability to design, implement and evaluate agricultural investment strategies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills.

Required skills