FIELD BUSINESS ADVISORS – YEFFA PROGRAMME

Job description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTNATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF MALAWI (NYCOM)POSITION: FIELD BUSINESS ADVISORS – YEFFA PROGRAMMENumber of Positions: 69Contract Duration: 12 MonthsDuty Stations: Various Districts Across Four Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs)Age Requirement: 18–35 YearsApplication Deadline: 26th November 20261. ABOUT NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF MALAWIThe National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) is a statutory organization established under the National Youth Council of Malawi Act, Chapter 31:04 of the Laws of Malawi. Its mandate includes promoting youth development, coordinating youth activities, registering youth organizations and facilitating opportunities that enable young people to contribute to national development.NYCOM envisions a Malawi where young people are empowered to realize their full potential and actively contribute to sustainable development.2. ABOUT THE YEFFA PROGRAMMEThe National Youth Council of Malawi, with technical and financial support from AGRA Malawi, is implementing the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) Programme.YEFFA is a five-year programme aimed at creating 251,523 dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young people, particularly young women, through food systems transformation.NYCOM is therefore inviting applications from suitably qualified, motivated and results-oriented individuals to fill 69 positions of Field Business Advisors (FBAs).3. POSITION OVERVIEWThe Field Business Advisors will provide business development support, entrepreneurship coaching and mentorship to youth organizations participating in the YEFFA Programme.The successful candidates will support youth-led agribusiness enterprises to strengthen business planning, financial management, market access and business sustainability. They will also facilitate field-level programme implementation, monitoring, stakeholder engagement and reporting.Field Business Advisors will be based within communities in their respective designated districts to ensure continuous engagement and timely support to participating youth groups and enterprises.The position reports to the designated YEFFA Project Officer responsible for the respective Agricultural Development Division (ADD).4. POSITION ALLOCATION BY AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISIONThe 69 positions will be distributed as follows:Lilongwe ADD – 17 Positions: Lilongwe Rural, Dedza and Ntcheu.Kasungu ADD – 19 Positions: Kasungu, Ntchisi, Dowa and Mchinji.Machinga ADD – 19 Positions: Machinga, Balaka, Mangochi and Zomba.Salima ADD – 14 Positions: Salima and Nkhotakota.Total: 69 Positions5. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESA. Business Advisory and Enterprise Development- Identify viable agribusiness opportunities for youth groups based on market demand, available resources and business potential.- Support youth groups in developing practical business plans and implementing agreed business development activities.- Strengthen commercially oriented agribusiness ventures established by youth organizations.- Identify relevant business development services and technical support providers for participating enterprises.B. Business Coaching and Mentorship- Provide business development coaching and mentorship to assigned youth groups and enterprises.- Assist youth groups in preparing business concepts and proposals for establishing or expanding agribusiness ventures.- Support the development of business models, operational plans, budgets, cost estimates and revenue projections.- Identify viable investment opportunities across agricultural value chains.- Ensure that business plans and concepts are practical, market-oriented and responsive to the needs of youth enterprises.C. Community Engagement and Mobilization- Work with youth structures, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote the YEFFA Programme.- Identify and engage eligible youth groups and enterprises within assigned communities.- Communicate programme objectives, opportunities and participation requirements.- Maintain positive working relationships with youth groups, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.D. Market Linkages and Networking- Identify agricultural input suppliers, buyers, aggregators and other private-sector actors within targeted value chains.- Facilitate linkages between youth farmers and suppliers of seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, equipment and other agricultural inputs.- Support youth groups in establishing business relationships with buyers, suppliers and other market actors.- Connect youth enterprises to potential markets for their agricultural products.E. Field Visits and Enterprise Follow-up- Conduct regular field visits to youth enterprises to assess progress and provide practical business guidance.- Monitor progress against agreed business development plans and identify operational, financial, technical and market-related challenges.- Document enterprise progress and refer issues requiring specialized assistance to relevant programme staff and partners.F. Monitoring, Documentation and Reporting- Maintain accurate records of assigned youth groups, enterprises and business advisory activities.- Track developed business plans, business concepts, loan applications and established market linkages.- Document evidence of business development and achievements among supported youth groups.- Maintain updated enterprise tracking registers and beneficiary databases.- Use approved programme data collection tools and digital platforms, including Kobo Collect, where required.- Prepare and submit work plans, field reports, progress reports and other required documentation within agreed timelines.- Support programme monitoring, data verification and reporting activities.G. Safeguarding, Accountability and Programme Compliance- Comply with NYCOM policies and procedures, including safeguarding, child protection and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment standards.- Maintain professional boundaries and promote inclusive and respectful engagement.- Report safeguarding concerns through approved organisational channels.- Protect the confidentiality and security of beneficiary, financial and business information.- Obtain appropriate consent before collecting or sharing photographs, testimonials and success stories.- Demonstrate integrity, professionalism and accountability in the use of organisational resources.6. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS- A Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness Management or another relevant business-oriented agribusiness discipline.- Practical knowledge of agribusiness development, entrepreneurship development, small-business management and youth economic empowerment.- Experience working with youth groups, cooperatives, SMEs or small-scale agricultural enterprises is an added advantage.- Experience in fieldwork, community engagement, stakeholder coordination and programme reporting.- Good computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and other relevant digital tools.- Excellent written and verbal 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 and fast-paced environment.- Applicants must have access to and be able to use their own smartphone or laptop to effectively perform assigned duties.- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age.7. REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES- Strong business-oriented thinking and practical problem-solving abilities.- Ability to develop business plans, business concepts and financing applications.- Good understanding of agribusiness opportunities and agricultural value chains in Malawi.- Strong business advisory, enterprise development and commercial facilitation skills.- Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with youth groups, financial institutions, suppliers and market actors.- Good analytical, planning and organizational skills.- Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.- Excellent record-keeping, data management and reporting abilities.- High levels of integrity, accountability, professionalism and commitment to achieving results.8. PERFORMANCE AND REPORTINGField Business Advisors will report to their designated YEFFA Project Officer or Programme Manager.Performance will be assessed based on agreed work plans, programme targets, quality and timeliness of deliverables, enterprise follow-up, data quality, stakeholder engagement and compliance with NYCOM policies.This is a performance-based contract, and successful candidates will be assessed based on the results they deliver, rather than simply providing general training.9. HOW TO APPLYInterested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents:1. An application letter explaining their suitability for the position and indicating their preferred Agricultural Development Division (ADD).2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), including contact details for at least three professional referees.3. Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates.4. A copy of their National Identity Card.5. Any other relevant supporting documents.Applicants must clearly indicate their preferred ADD and the district in which they wish to work.Candidates currently residing in the designated districts who meet the eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.Applications can be submitted through either of the following channels:Email Applications:jobs@nycom.mwEmail subject line: Application – Field Business Advisor (YEFFA)Physical Applications:The Executive DirectorNational Youth Council of MalawiP/Bag 389Area 10, Along Mphonongo StreetLilongwe, Malawi.APPLICATION DEADLINE: 26TH NOVEMBER 2026Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.EQUAL OPPORTUNITYNYCOM is committed to fair recruitment, equal opportunity and inclusive participation. Qualified women and candidates from underserved communities are particularly encourage

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Apply by email: jobs@nycom.mw