Background

We are seeking a senior agricultural expert and partnership lead to join our team in Zambia. This role is crucial for our significant growth phase, which includes expanding our farmer base to over 50,000 by 2030, scaling our agroforestry program to 30 million trees, and implementing a 5-year Green Climate Fund grant in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. You will work with leadership on program strategy, strategic partnerships, and market development. You will report to the Country Director and work closely with our global sourcing and government relations teams.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Growth Partnerships: Identify and develop new partnership opportunities aligned with OAF Zambia’s integrated farm system model to grow the customer base. Manage partnership agreements, relations, and reporting, ensuring mutual benefit. Build and maintain relationships with local grant providers and internal business development teams.
• Agricultural Strategy: Serve as one of the program’s key agricultural experts, advising on crop diversification and product strategy, market dynamics, and regulatory shifts in Zambia’s agricultural landscape. Conduct market scoping for higher-value crops, particularly horticulture and tree crops, assessing commercial viability for smallholder integration.
• Input Sourcing: Work with OAF’s global sourcing team to ensure competitive seed and fertiliser procurement as the credit portfolio scales. Build supplier relationships and identify hedging or forward-purchasing opportunities to de-risk supply. Support the tree seed supply chain development, working closely with aggregators and the government.
• Government Relations: Manage government tender relationships and any relevant government supply programs. Represent OAF on industry bodies, associations, and related forums.

Career Growth and Development

We have a strong culture of constant learning, and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have:

• 8+ years of experience in Zambia’s agriculture sector—seed, commodity, agri-input, or related fields.
• A track record in any of the following: sales, key accounts, business development, grant management, or off-take brokerage.
• Farmer-facing background; demonstrated credibility in the field.
• Strong partnership-building experience across either the private sector, NGOs, or development partners.
• Experience managing or influencing cross-functional teams and working across organizational boundaries.
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity in a high-paced environment.
• Zambia market insights.

Preferred:

• Existing relationships with government counterparts in agriculture, finance, or seed regulatory bodies.
• Membership or board participation in Zambian agricultural industry associations.

Preferred Start Date

As soon as possible.

Benefits

Health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits.

Eligibility

One Acre Fund can support a work permit for this role. However, nationals of (or those with an extensive professional background and work history in) our countries of operation are preferred.

• Strategic Growth Partnerships: Identify and develop new partnership opportunities aligned with OAF Zambia’s integrated farm system model to grow the customer base. Manage partnership agreements, relations, and reporting, ensuring mutual benefit. Build and maintain relationships with local grant providers and internal business development teams.
• Agricultural Strategy: Serve as one of the program’s key agricultural experts, advising on crop diversification and product strategy, market dynamics, and regulatory shifts in Zambia’s agricultural landscape. Conduct market scoping for higher-value crops, particularly horticulture and tree crops, assessing commercial viability for smallholder integration.
• Input Sourcing: Work with OAF’s global sourcing team to ensure competitive seed and fertiliser procurement as the credit portfolio scales. Build supplier relationships and identify hedging or forward-purchasing opportunities to de-risk supply. Support the tree seed supply chain development, working closely with aggregators and the government.
• Government Relations: Manage government tender relationships and any relevant government supply programs. Represent OAF on industry bodies, associations, and related forums.

• Zambia market insights
• Partnership building
• Agricultural strategy
• Market scoping
• Supplier relationship management
• Government relations
• Cross-functional team management

• 8+ years of experience in Zambia’s agriculture sector—seed, commodity, agri-input, or related fields.
• A track record in any of the following: sales, key accounts, business development, grant management, or off-take brokerage.
• Farmer-facing background; demonstrated credibility in the field.
• Strong partnership-building experience across either the private sector, NGOs, or development partners.
• Experience managing or influencing cross-functional teams and working across organizational boundaries.
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity in a high-paced environment.
• Zambia market insights.
• Preferred: Existing relationships with government counterparts in agriculture, finance, or seed regulatory bodies.
• Preferred: Membership or board participation in Zambian agricultural industry associations.