Agri Business Development Officer at VisionFund Tanzania

Work Reference No. 23/24
Reporting to: Head of Business Development & Innovation Officer

Responsibility:
The Agri-Climate Business Development Officer is integral to driving the successful implementation of innovative agricultural loan products. This role involves refining and overseeing tailored financial products while understanding the unique needs of smallholder farmers. As a subject matter expert and leader, the Officer will convene VFT teams, consultants, and stakeholders, ensuring sustained growth and resilience in VisionFund Tanzania’s agricultural lending initiatives. In this role, the Agri-Climate Business Development Officer will influence knowledge leadership within the agricultural landscape. The Officer will be committed to staying informed on industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices to position VisionFund effectively in agricultural finance. The Officer will be the focal point for engagement with governmental bodies, industry associations, and research institutions. The Officer will be responsible for analyzing value chains, changing trends and dynamics, and ensuring that agricultural loan products respond to the immediate needs of value chain actors.

Main tasks:

• Contribute to the development of a VFT’s agriculture master planning for the agricultural lending unit, delineating clear short-term and long-term strategies.
• Oversee the effective implementation of the plan, ensuring that all activities align with VisionFund Tanzania’s strategic plan and VFI's Vision.
• Work closely with consultants and the project team to refine and tailor agricultural loan and other finance products based on comprehensive value chain analyses and market insights.
• Continuously assess and enhance existing products, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of smallholder farmers.
• Foster close collaboration with the Credit Analyst, Insurance Manager, and other pertinent stakeholders to ensure a seamless integration of agricultural products and services.
• Collaborate actively with marketing and communication teams to devise and execute strategies that effectively promote agricultural loan products.
• Develop and execute robust strategies for the strategic positioning of VFT’s agricultural products in the market.
• Establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) for agricultural loan products, providing a measurable framework for success.
• Institute effective mechanisms for collecting valuable feedback from smallholder farmers and clients, ensuring a continuous feedback loop for improvement.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agriculture Economics, Business, Agriculture Finance, or a related field.
2. Experience in working with development organizations and agricultural partners.
3. Experience in delivering training in value chain development.
4. Any formal training courses or certificates in agricultural finance.
5. Proven experience in product management or a similar role, with a focus on financial products.
6. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
7. Excellent project management and organizational skills.
8. Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
9. An understanding of the functions of and the implementation of Credit Bureau strategies.
10. Familiarity with the agricultural sector and knowledge of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
11. Experience working in microfinance or similar financial institutions.

Special / Personal Abilities:

Achieving Capabilities:

• Achieving quality results.
• Practicing accountability and integrity.
• Communicating information effectively.

Thinking Capabilities:

• Thinking clearly and deeply.
• Understanding the Microfinance Industry.
• Understanding VisionFund's mission and operations.

Self-Managing Capabilities:

• Demonstrating Christian values in life.
• Learning for growth and development.
• Maintaining work/life balance and effectiveness.

Relational Capabilities:

• Building collaborative relationships.
• Practicing gender and cultural diversity.
• Influencing individuals and groups.