Portfolio Officer – Seed for Impact Programme at AECF | March 2024

The Tanzania-specific window of funding under the Seed for Impact Programme (SIP 2.0) funded by the Government of Sweden seeks to address the challenges smallholder farmers (SHFs) face in accessing seeds of improved and high-yielding climate-resilient crop varieties face. By providing catalytic funds to private seed enterprises through a grant coupled with technical assistance, this initiative aims to empower SHFs to increase agricultural production, mitigate the effects of adverse climate conditions, and promote the consumption of nutrient-dense foods.

In Tanzania, SHFs play a vital role in the country’s agricultural sector and food security. However, they often face limited access to high-quality seeds that are adapted to changing climatic conditions. This constraint hampers their ability to achieve sustainable productivity gains and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. By improving seed access and availability, the Tanzania-specific funding window aims to address these barriers and support SHFs in realizing their full agricultural potential.

The core objective of this funding initiative is two-fold. First, to increase the availability of seeds of improved and high-yielding climate-resilient crop varieties specifically tailored to the agroecological conditions of Tanzania. This will be achieved through partnerships with private seed enterprises, which will receive catalytic funds in the form of grants. These funds will enable the enterprises to invest in product sourcing and development, production, and seed distribution of these climate-resilient crop varieties. Secondly, the initiative will provide technical assistance to the supported seed enterprises. This assistance will focus on enhancing their capacities in seed production, quality control, and distribution systems. By strengthening these enterprises’ operational and technical aspects, the initiative aims to ensure a sustainable supply of quality seeds to SHFs across Tanzania.

The role

The Portfolio Officer will be responsible for the overall comprehensive planning and execution of assigned programme activities to ensure that: implementation is on track, performance targets are met, progress reporting is timely and accurate, and resources are utilized appropriately. The role holder must have excellent technical skills and the ability to offer expert support to the portfolio of seed companies, as well as a deep understanding of business management processes and the challenges SMEs face in the seed business.

Key responsibilities:

• • Work with the Head of Programmes-Agribusiness to design the marketing strategy and conduct new funding competitions/challenges in Tanzania.

Qualifications

Suitable candidates should: 

• • Hold a university degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Business Management with Information Technology (BBIT), Project management, or a related field.
  • Have at least 5 years of relevant experience in the agricultural sector, including work on managing donor programmes, preferably in the seed sector.
  • Experience in relevant AECF sectors and portfolio or investment management is preferred, as is experience with financial and operational due diligence of early or growth-stage businesses.
  • Have proven project management skills, demonstrate the ability to manage complex and competing resource allocation requirements, with the ability to work with a diverse group of clients.
  • Have a good understanding of rural markets in Africa and especially Tanzania. An understanding of the operations of donors and international development organizations will be an added advantage.
  • Have good analytical and communication skills with the ability to prepare proposals, reports, investment memos, and concept papers to a high level of proficiency.

How to apply

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. AECF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or other fees).

If you believe you can demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, register and apply at https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org .

To be considered, your application must be received by April 5, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About AECF 

A leading non-profit development organization AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) works to reduce rural poverty, build resilient communities, and create jobs by supporting creative businesses in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors.