FIELD BUSINESS ADVISOR

Job description

VACANCY: FIELD BUSINESS ADVISORS (69 POSITIONS)Posted by Mvungi Job MasterOrganisation: National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) Programme: Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) Positions Available: 69 Contract Duration: 12 Months (Performance-Based) Age Requirement: 18–35 Years Duty Stations: Selected districts across Lilongwe, Kasungu, Machinga and Salima Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs) Reports to: YEFFA Project ADD Officer / Designated Project Officer Application Deadline: Wednesday, 25 November 2026About the OrganisationThe National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) is a statutory organisation established under the National Youth Council of Malawi Act, Chapter 31:04 of the Laws of Malawi.The Council promotes youth development, supports youth organisations, facilitates training and capacity-building initiatives, and creates opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in Malawi's social and economic development.About the YEFFA ProgrammeWith technical and financial support from AGRA Malawi, NYCOM is implementing the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) Programme.The five-year programme aims to create 251,523 dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young people, particularly young women, through food systems transformation.NYCOM is therefore recruiting 69 Field Business Advisors (FBAs) to provide practical business development support, entrepreneurship coaching and mentorship to youth organisations and agribusiness enterprises.Distribution of PositionsThe vacancies are allocated across four Agricultural Development Divisions as follows: Agricultural Development Division Positions Districts Covered Lilongwe ADD 17 Lilongwe Rural, Dedza, Ntcheu Kasungu ADD 19 Kasungu, Ntchisi, Dowa, Mchinji Machinga ADD 19 Machinga, Balaka, Mangochi, Zomba Salima ADD 14 Salima, Nkhotakota Total 69 Successful candidates will be based within communities and Traditional Authorities in their designated districts to ensure close engagement with youth groups.Purpose of the PositionThe Field Business Advisors will support youth-led agricultural enterprises to strengthen business planning, financial management, market access, enterprise development and long-term sustainability.The role also involves community mobilisation, stakeholder coordination, field monitoring, documentation and programme reporting.Key Duties and Responsibilities1. Business Advisory and Enterprise DevelopmentHelp youth groups identify viable agribusiness opportunities based on market demand, available resources and business potential.Support the development and implementation of practical business plans.Assist youth groups in establishing and strengthening commercially oriented agribusiness ventures.Identify suitable business development services and technical support providers.2. Entrepreneurship Coaching and MentorshipProvide practical business coaching and mentorship to assigned youth groups.Assist in preparing business concepts, proposals and financing applications.Support the development of business models, operational plans, budgets, cost estimates and revenue projections.Help youth enterprises identify viable investment opportunities within agricultural value chains.Ensure business plans are practical, market-oriented and responsive to enterprise needs.3. Community Engagement and MobilisationWork with youth structures, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote the YEFFA Programme.Identify and engage eligible youth groups and enterprises.Communicate programme objectives, opportunities and participation requirements.Maintain positive relationships with youth groups, local authorities and relevant stakeholders.4. Market Linkages and NetworkingIdentify agricultural input suppliers, buyers, aggregators and other private-sector actors.Connect youth farmers with suppliers of seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, equipment and other agricultural inputs.Support youth enterprises in developing relationships with buyers, suppliers and market actors.Facilitate access to markets for agricultural products.5. Field Visits and Enterprise Follow-UpConduct regular field visits to youth enterprises.Assess business progress and provide practical guidance.Monitor implementation of agreed business development activities.Identify operational, financial, technical and market-related challenges.Document enterprise progress and refer specialised issues to relevant programme staff or partners.6. Monitoring, Documentation and ReportingMaintain accurate records of youth groups, enterprises and advisory activities.Track completed business plans, business concepts, loan applications and business linkages.Document evidence of enterprise development and progress.Maintain updated enterprise tracking registers and beneficiary databases.Use approved digital data collection tools, including Kobo Collect, where required.Prepare and submit work plans, field reports and progress reports.Support programme monitoring, data verification and reporting requirements.7. Safeguarding and Programme ComplianceComply with NYCOM policies, procedures and programme requirements.Observe safeguarding, child protection and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment standards.Maintain professional boundaries and promote respectful, inclusive engagement.Protect confidential beneficiary, financial and business information.Obtain appropriate consent before collecting or sharing photographs, testimonials or success stories.Demonstrate integrity, accountability and responsible use of organisational resources.Minimum Qualifications and RequirementsApplicants must possess:A Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness Management or another relevant business-oriented agribusiness discipline.Practical knowledge of agribusiness development, entrepreneurship, small-business management and youth economic empowerment.Experience in fieldwork, community engagement, stakeholder coordination and programme reporting.Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and relevant digital tools.Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Chichewa.Knowledge of good agricultural practices and agribusiness opportunities in Malawi.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.Ownership of a smartphone or laptop, with the ability to use it for assigned duties.Age between 18 and 35 years.Added AdvantagesExperience working with youth groups.Experience supporting cooperatives, SMEs or small-scale agricultural enterprises.Required Skills and CompetenciesStrong business-oriented thinking and practical problem-solving skills.Ability to develop business plans, concepts and financing applications.Good understanding of agricultural value chains and agribusiness opportunities in Malawi.Business advisory, enterprise development and commercial facilitation skills.Ability to build relationships with youth groups, financial institutions, suppliers and market actors.Strong analytical, planning and organisational skills.Effective communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.Excellent record-keeping, data management and reporting skills.Integrity, professionalism, accountability and a results-oriented approach.Performance ExpectationsThis is a performance-based contract.Field Business Advisors will be assessed on:Achievement of agreed work plans and programme targets.Quality and timeliness of deliverables.Progress of supported youth enterprises.Effectiveness of enterprise follow-up and stakeholder engagement.Accuracy and completeness of programme data.Compliance with NYCOM policies and programme requirements.Successful candidates will be expected to submit work plans, field visit reports, beneficiary records and other required documentation.How to ApplyInterested and suitably qualified candidates should submit:An application letter explaining their suitability for the position and indicating their preferred ADD.An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), including contact details of at least three professional referees.Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates.A copy of their National ID.Any other relevant supporting documents.Important: Applicants must clearly indicate the ADD and district in which they wish to work.Candidates currently residing in the specified districts who meet the eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.Email ApplicationsApplication Email: jobs@nycom.mwEmail Subject: Application – Field Business Advisor (YEFFAPhysical ApplicationsApplications may also be submitted to:The Executive Director National Youth Council of Malawi Private Bag 389 Area 10, Along Mphonongo Street Lilongwe, MalawiApplication Deadline: Wednesday, 25 November 2026Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.NYCOM is committed to fair recruitment, equal opportunity and inclusive participation. Qualified women and candidates from underserved communities are encouraged to apply.Find More Employment Opportunities with Mvungi Job MasterAre you looking for opportunities in agribusiness, community development, NGOs, entrepreneurship or project management?Mvungi Job Master helps job seekers discover employment opportunities, prepare professional ATS-friendly CVs and access AI-assisted job application services.You can register for free and receive three free job applications before choosing a subscription.You can also choose between Manual Review Mode, where you review applications before submission, and automatic application submission for suitable opportunities.Browse Latest Vacancies: https://mvungi.com/jobsRegister for Free: https://mvungi.com/registerJoin Our WhatsApp Job Updates Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7gbc91XquZnalOXc2iOfficial Website: https://mvungi.com/Mvungi Job Master — Connecting Talent with Opportunities.

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Apply by email: jobs@nycom.mw