Jobs – Agribusiness at Private Sector Foundation Uganda

Job Title: Business Advisor MGF – Agribusiness

The Government of Uganda has received credit from the World Bank towards implementation of the Competitive and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP). The project development objective (PDO) is to improve the competitiveness of enterprises in Uganda through supporting reforms in priority productive and service sectors geared towards a better investment climate with particular focus on MSMEs.

The 5 year project comprises of four major components and will be implemented by seven agencies. However, the overall coordination of the Project will lie with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) through a Project Coordination Unit (PCU).

About MGF:

Government of Uganda recognizes the vital role that the private sector plays in the social economic development of the country. In a bid to address some of the constraints facing the private enterprises, Government has included a Matching Grant Facility (MGF) component under CEDP that will be implemented by the PSFU. The MGF component of CEDP aims at

• Improving enterprise capacity by facilitating beneficiaries access to grants of up to 50% towards use of sector specific business development services (BDS) , building skills and improving quality standards at firm level.
• Increasing the growth and competitiveness of the private sector in Uganda in order to maximize returns on products/services through value chain analysis.

The MGF will support interventions in high-potential and sector specific sub-sectors including; tourism, coffee, horticulture, grains and pulses, fisheries, edible oils, and information communication technology (business process outsourcing).

Job Summary: The Business Advisor-Agribusiness will also ensure timely implementation of the matching grant facility component of CEDP in accordance to the laid down guidelines and ensure the highest level of honesty, integrity and transparency in processing grant awards that are geared towards enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the enterprises. The selected candidates are expected to play a key role in linking the facility to the ultimate beneficiaries. The major task under this contract is to intensify support across the value chain for agro/service related MSMEs through business advisory and support services; while targeting sector specific business entities and encouraging them to utilize available financial support mechanisms.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Carry out an in depth study and analysis of identified key priority sectors and deliver a sector report and identify potential areas of intervention to strengthen the sector value chains.
• Work with prospective clients to explain how the facility shall benefit them and eligibility criteria.
• Conduct regular reviews and appraisal of grant application and recommend them for award of grants.
• Offer private sector enterprises and associations with guidance in defining their business needs and help them determine the business support services that are most beneficial, practical and cost effective for their growth, but also those that will cause multiplier effects across the identified sector value chains.
• Offer regular advice to the GM on progress of the facility activities and potential areas for facility improvement and promotion of the targeted sectors.
• Critique the value chain processes and identify any gaps, critical success factors and mechanisms for upgrading the value chains.
• Work in liaison with the M&E Officer, identify key performance indicators for the facility and participate in collection of vital information for input to the results framework.
• Evaluate and process client’s claims for reimbursement.
• Actively participate in the promotion component activities.
• Participate in preparation of work plan and procurement plan for the component.
• Compile and submit quarterly reports on the MGF sector’s progress.
• Conduct any such duties as shall be assigned from time to time by GM.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• The applicants must possess a Honors degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics.
• Possession of a master’s degree in relevant and related field and post graduate qualification will be an added advantage
• Past exposure and experience in one or more of the value chain analysis and MSMEs support and have sufficient knowledge on one or more specific sector: (i) coffee, (ii) grains & pulses, horticulture and edible oils
• Excellent track record in granting experience of at least three years with donor funded programs.
• Good knowledge and understanding and appreciation of private sector development issues in Uganda.
• Strong and proven analytical skills to be supported by a sample of written reports.
• Excellent computer skills including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, Project and
• Power Point
• Excellent writing and communication skills including making presentations and public speech.
• Must have proven integrity, versatility and clean record.

How to Apply for the job: 

All candidates are encouraged to deliver their application letters, updated curriculum vita and photocopies of academic and professional certificates to the address below.

Please indicate the position being applied for on top of the envelope.

The Project Coordinator,

Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP)

Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)

Plot 43, Nakasero Road,

P. O. Box 7683, Kampala- Uganda.

Deadline: 1^st September, 2014