NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR – MINISTRY OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER, AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT 283 views

VACANCY 

 

 

MINISTRY OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER, AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

 

INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT / SMALLHOLDER AGRICULTURE CLUSTER PROJECT (SACP)

 

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

 

 

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO: SACP/NPC/2025
DATE OF ISSUE: 10 November 2025
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 21 November 2025

 

 

NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR

 

 

REPORTS TO: PERMANENT SECRETARY

 

DUTY STATION: NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT, HARARE

 

 

Project Background

 

The Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP) is a collaborative initiative between the Government of Zimbabwe and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched in 2021. The project aims to enhance the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers by transforming the smallholder farming sector into a more market-oriented and climate-resilient system.

 

 

Key Objectives and Components

 

i. Inclusive Value Chain Development
Organizes smallholder farmers into Irrigation Schemes/ Producer Groups (PGs) and clusters to integrate them into profitable value chains. It enhances the rural business enabling environment, and infrastructure support for APGs, rural micro-enterprises, and value chain stakeholders.
ii. Climate-Proofed Infrastructure
Invests in climate- resilient infrastructure, including small-scale irrigation covering 1,738 hectares, rehabilitation of 40 km of feeder roads, and water and sanitation facilities across 100 wards.
iii. Policy and Institutional Support
Strengthens regulatory and policy reform and access to finance, including a line of credit for lead enterprises and PPP promotion.

Geographical Coverage
SACP is implemented in 528 wards in 18 rural districts spread across the five provinces of Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Midlands, and Matabeleland North. The project targets approximately 210,242 households (50% women and 30% youth).

Objective of the Assignment
Reporting directly to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, the National Project Coordinator (NPC) will head the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) and be responsible for overall coordination for management and coordination of SACP with the objective to enhance the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers by transforming the smallholder farming sector into a more market-oriented and climate-smart value chains in the project area.

The NPC assures that the SACP is implemented along the guidelines and procedures set forth in the Financing Agreement, Project Implementation Manual, and following the guidance given by the lead ministry (MLAFWR), and project coordination and supervision missions.

 

 

Main tasks and Responsibilities

 

 

• To promote efficient coordination within the Joint Management Team (JMT), and with relevant IFAD-funded projects, especially the Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP);

• Lead development and supervise all activities of the SACP National Project Coordinating in particular the efficient use of human and financial resources.

• To ensure the effective and efficient execution in line with the agreed objectives of the project;

• To manage the preparation of Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWPB) process at all levels, and ensure that these are realistically priced, implementable and are approved in time.

• To ensure project implementation in accordance with agreed plans and to report on progress and outcomes in a methodological sound way, including regular performance based reporting.

• To ensure the project adheres to social, environmental, and gender-related standards and safeguards in line with equal women’s empowerment and inclusive development.

• To ensure the functioning of the Project’s monitoring and evaluation system that captures and analyses disaggregated data on gender and age that serves the purpose of the project as a management tool.

• To ensure excellent knowledge management of the project, including information dissemination about project developments, lessons, and best practices.

• To ensure proper financial management, including timely disbursement and expenditure/reporting of expenditures and expenditure forecasts;

• To ensure efficient procurement in line with the Procurement Plans;

• To ensure a strong sense of teamwork within the NPMU and wider JMT and to foster constructive engagement among the project’s implementing partners/agencies.

• To drive APGs into growth as Head Offices and add provincial-level as well as need service providers and consultants, to carry out IFAD funded duties in a way aimed at achieving the project objectives;

• To maintain liaison with local councils, districts, area leadership, and their representatives in the project area;

• To maintain constructive and positive alignments with project partners, including communities, private sector, government agencies, and non-government organizations, and others as deemed necessary; and

• To promote the project to all external stakeholders.

 

 

Qualifications

 

 

• A Master’s Degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Management, or any other relevant discipline related to Agricultural Development.

 

 

Work Experience

 

 

• 5+ years’ experience in rural development in Zimbabwe, of which two are in project management.

• Experience in Project administration, financial management and results-based monitoring and reporting will be an added advantage.

• An existing network of relations pertaining to community services, smallholder agriculture, value chains and financial inclusion.

• Experience in collaborating across government ministries and in public-private dialogue; and

• Proven supervisory skills, including the ability to delegate responsibility within the team and to implementing partners.

 

 

Mode and Duration of Contract

 

 

• The office will offer a fixed-term contract based on performance.

• Performance will be assessed annually based on quality of deliverables, efficiencies, and good governance principles.

• The incumbent will be based at the NPMU, with field travel to implementation sites required.

Job Summary

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Job Type

Contract

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Location

Harare

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Category

COORDINATOR

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Closing Date

November 21, 2025