Under the overall responsibility and technical supervision of the Project Director, the BDSO/A has the responsibility to work in close collaboration with the agriculture sector team to design strategies and actions that support producers, producer organizations, off takers, SMEs and Lead Firm(s) to increase business production, productivity and therefore, profitability and returns for all participating stakeholders in each respective agriculture value chain.

The specific duties of the BDSO/A will include, to
• Assist the agriculture team in the implementation of work plan activities relating to the Agriculture sector, including liaison for purposes of coordination with players in the Lead Firm Structure (LFS);
• Assist agriculture team in the design and delivery of training and mentoring activities for stakeholders participating in the Agriculture sector LFS;
Provide oversight and technical assistance to assigned LFs to effectively plan, achieve performance, and report results.
• Support the drafting of terms of reference and identification of potential consultants to undertake outsourced assignments relating to the agriculture sector in accordance with the approved Annual Work Plan;
• Assist the agriculture team in monitoring and supervision of the work of consultants and in preparing for and facilitating meetings relating to the agriculture sector and for the project committee
Identify policy/regulatory issues likely to affect project and sector operations and initiate proposals for solutions;
• Draft reports, concept notes and any other material on the sector for the attention of the sector specialists;
• Support the agriculture team in maintaining contact with sector stakeholders and be responsible for keeping them adequately informed of developments;
Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to you.

DURATION, LOCATION AND NATURE OF APPOINTMENT: The appointment will be for an initial 3 years in the Project Unit, renewable. The BDSO/A will work from the Project Unit in Kampala but will be required to travel throughout the country in accordance with approved work plans and programmes.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The BDSO/A will be recruited competitively and must have the following qualifications:
• A Bachelor’s level degree in agribusiness, economics, marketing,business management/administration, development economics, project management, or related field. Candidates in possession of a master’s degree will be at an advantage;
At least 3 years’ working experience implementing projects in the agriculture sector, including in a private sector setting;
• Proven analytical skills, including the ability to work with business development services;
• Overall knowledge of the economic and market environment in which the private sector is operating, including the wider East and Central African region;
• An appreciation of the workings of the Agriculture/economic/agribusiness policies as well as a good understanding of private sector operations and concerns;
• A good understanding of private sector development issues and appreciation of the role the private sector can play in economic development;
An appreciation/understanding of the extent and effects of youth unemployment; and of the social (especially gender and youth) dimensions of development;
• Good interpersonal skills with experience in networking with different stakeholders;
• Demonstrated written, analytical, presentation, reporting and computing skills and familiarity with modern communication systems (internet, World Wide Web, email etc.);
• Ability and readiness to work in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary environment;
A good understanding of how to apply market-led approaches for development;
• Good command of the English language.

Desirable Attributes:
• A passion for youth – men and women;
• A commitment to the protection of youth and children