The Business Development and Partnerships Assistant supports the Directorate in mobilising Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), private sector off-takers, processors, input suppliers and other key value chain actors behind the Directorate’s rural development and industrialisation programmes. The role helps to originate, structure and manage partnerships that bring finance, inputs, technical support and guaranteed markets to Village Business Units (VBUs), Dairy Business Units and Milk Collection Centres, irrigation schemes, horticulture production and agro processing, so that these enterprises operate profitably and sustainably.
Job Summary
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Business Development
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, profile and map DFIs, NGOs, development partners, financial institutions, off-takers, processors, input suppliers and other value chain actors whose mandates align with the Directorate’s programmes.
- Support the development and maintenance of partnerships, joint ventures and collaboration agreements that provide finance, inputs, technical assistance and markets to business units.
- Prepare background briefs, partner profiles and engagement notes ahead of meetings with DFIs, NGOs and private sector partners.
- Track funding calls, grant windows and concessional finance opportunities and alert the Manager in good time.
- Identify new opportunities in horticulture, smallholder dairy, agro-processing, value addition and agricultural commercialisation in line with the Directorate’s mandate and annual work plan.
- Draft concept notes, funding proposals, business cases, feasibility studies and investment presentations for DFIs, NGOs and investors.
- Support the preparation of viable and bankable business cases for VBUs and Dairy Business Units, and assist business units to meet the documentation requirements of financiers.
- Conduct market research and analyse market trends, prices, buyer requirements and competitor activity to inform partnership and investment decisions.
- Link VBUs, Milk Collection Centres and agro-processing units to off-takers, processors and buyers, and support the negotiation of offtake arrangements.
- Ensure offtake documentation and harvest certificates are completed for contracted produce, and maintain records that support input cost recovery.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagements, investment forums, exhibitions, field days and trade fairs that showcase the Directorate’s programmes to partners and buyers.
- Maintain an up-to-date partner, investor and opportunity database (pipeline tracker) showing the status of every engagement.
- Monitor the implementation of partnership, finance and offtake agreements against agreed milestones, and flag risks or delays to the Manager.
- Compile partner reports, market intelligence briefs and inputs to the monthly VBU and Dairy Business Unit returns, Board Operations Committee packs and management presentations.
- Keep accurate records of signed agreements, correspondence and partner commitments, and support compliance with partner reporting requirements.
- Promote gender and youth inclusion in partnerships and report on the participation of women and young people in supported value chains.
- Perform any other relevant duties as may be assigned by the Business Development and Partnerships Manager.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Business Management, Economics, Marketing or a related field.
- At least 2 years’ relevant experience in agribusiness, agricultural value chains, business development, partnerships, development finance or agro processing.
- Working knowledge of agricultural value chains, value addition and contract farming or offtake arrangements.
- Exposure to DFI, NGO or donor-funded programmes, including proposal writing and partner reporting, is an added advantage.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
How to Apply
Apply by email: hrskillacqusition@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Business Development and Partnerships Assistant role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CIS, CIM, or project management credentials from IPMZ or PMI are highly advantageous. Practical experience in value chains, agribusiness, or development finance through internships or NGO work significantly strengthens your application.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities in this role?
You will typically support partnership negotiations, prepare funding proposals for development finance institutions, and conduct market research on agricultural or industrial value chains. Daily tasks include stakeholder mapping, drafting partnership agreements, coordinating field visits with farmers or SMEs, and tracking grant or loan disbursement progress. Reporting to donors and maintaining CRM databases for partner relationships are also standard expectations.
How does local work culture in Zimbabwe affect expectations for this position?
Zimbabwean workplaces, especially in development finance and NGOs, value relationship-building and personal networks alongside formal qualifications. Punctuality is expected, but flexibility around power outages and connectivity issues is common. Hierarchical respect is important—you will likely report to senior managers while also engaging directly with community stakeholders and international partners.
What realistic career progression paths exist from this assistant-level role?
With 2-3 years of performance, you can advance to Business Development Officer or Partnerships Coordinator managing larger portfolios. Specializing in value chain financing can lead to roles as Value Chain Manager or Investment Analyst with development banks like AFC or AfDB country offices. Some professionals transition into consulting or pursue Master's degrees to access senior advisory positions.
What typical benefits should I expect in this full-time role?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave of 21-30 days, depending on employer policy and length of service. Medical aid coverage varies—international NGOs and larger development finance institutions typically offer comprehensive schemes, while local organizations may provide limited coverage or NSSA pension contributions. Some employers include transport or housing allowances, particularly for roles requiring extensive field travel.
How should I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates?
Submit applications through advertised channels like LinkedIn, NGO networks, or newspapers such as The Herald and NewsDay, ensuring your CV highlights quantifiable achievements in partnership development or value chain work. Employers prioritize demonstrated grant writing success, existing relationships with government ministries or donor agencies, and fluency in local languages for community engagement. A tailored cover letter showing knowledge of Zimbabwe's agricultural or SME sectors will distinguish your application.
