Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Agribusiness
- Closing Date: 2026-07-23
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, profile, and support agribusiness SMEs, with particular emphasis on women- and youth-led enterprises and maintain an up-to-date database of eligible project beneficiaries.
- Provide business development services to SMEs, including business diagnostics, enterprise improvement planning, business formalisation, financial management, governance strengthening, and investment readiness support.
- Facilitate financial and digital literacy training, entrepreneurship development, and climate-smart business practices to improve enterprise performance and financial inclusion.
- Support SMEs to prepare bankable business plans, loan applications and financial records that meet the requirements of Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs).
- Facilitate access to finance by linking SMEs to access finance opportunities while monitoring financing pipelines and loan performance.
- Strengthen value chain integration and market access by facilitating aggregation models, contract farming arrangements, business-to-business (B2B) engagements, buyer linkages, export readiness initiatives, and participation in domestic and international markets.
- Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and post-disbursement support to SMEs to improve business performance, productivity, loan repayment, sustainability, and enterprise growth.
- Promote the adoption of digital financial services and innovative business solutions, including digital payments, digital record keeping, mobile financial services, and alternative credit-scoring approaches that enhance enterprise efficiency and access to finance.
- Engage and collaborate with local stakeholders, including financial institutions, business associations, value chain actors, local authorities, government agencies, and development partners, to strengthen enterprise support services and facilitate coordinated implementation of project activities.
- Monitor enterprise performance and project results, collect and report beneficiary data, document success stories and lessons learned, and contribute to project monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptive management processes.
Requirements
- Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Development Studies or related programme.
- Experience working with SMEs/farmers in the agribusiness sector.
- Strong communication and mentoring skills.
- Understanding of financial literacy and basic credit processes.
- Clean Class 4 Driver’s Licence.
- Willingness to travel for field assignments.
- Strong analytical, data management, and report-writing skills.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications and experience required for a Market Systems Facilitator role in Zimbabwe?
A degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a related field is often essential. Employers also look for practical experience in value chain development, farmer engagement, or private sector partnerships, demonstrating a strong understanding of the Zimbabwean agricultural landscape.
What would be my common day-to-day responsibilities as a Market Systems Facilitator in the Zimbabwean agribusiness sector?
You would typically engage with smallholder farmers, aggregators, and other market actors to identify challenges and facilitate market linkages. This involves field visits, conducting assessments, and supporting the implementation of market-driven solutions to improve agricultural value chains across different regions.
What is the typical work culture and expectations for this role within the agribusiness sector in Zimbabwe?
The work culture often involves extensive field travel to rural communities, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills to build trust with diverse stakeholders. Punctuality, strong communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are highly valued, especially when working with both local communities and international partners.
What realistic career progression or growth paths are available for a Market Systems Facilitator in Zimbabwe?
Successful Market Systems Facilitators can progress to Senior Facilitator, Program Manager, or Value Chain Specialist roles within NGOs, private agribusiness firms, or development agencies. Gaining expertise in specific agricultural commodities or regional markets can also open doors to consultancy opportunities.
What typical benefits, such as leave, medical aid, or pension, can I expect from a full-time Market Systems Facilitator position in Zimbabwe?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave, sick leave, and often a basic medical aid package. Some employers might offer a pension scheme or a transport allowance, particularly given the extensive field travel required for the role.
How should I apply for this role in Zimbabwe, and what do employers typically look for in applications?
When applying, emphasize your practical experience in rural development, value chain analysis, or community engagement, specifically highlighting work done within Zimbabwe's agricultural context. Employers look for candidates who demonstrate strong analytical skills, cultural sensitivity, and a clear understanding of market dynamics affecting smallholder farmers.
