Company Description

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.
Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigour. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

For more information on our operations in Zambia visit our website: www.snv.org/country/zambia

Project Background

The anticipated Increased Productivity and Competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Agricultural Sector program is a five-year initiative supported by the Embassy of Sweden in Lusaka, Zambia. This program aims to enhance enterprise development and job creation for rural communities, particularly women and youth, by improving market systems and business competitiveness.

The project will be implemented through a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, beginning with a 12-month inception phase. This phase will include comprehensive sectoral analysis, market system assessments, environmental impact evaluations, and gender analysis to ensure inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Job Description

SNV seeks a dynamic and results-oriented Project Manager with Market Systems Development (MSD) experience to lead the anticipated program in Zambia. The Project Manager will work closely with market actors, private sector stakeholders, local government agencies, and development partners to foster enterprise growth, productive employment, and overall agricultural sector development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead coordination with market actors, business communities, and government agencies to facilitate enterprise development and value chain strengthening.

• Enhance the capacity of service providers and private sector actors to improve market linkages and business opportunities.

• Provide technical support for business planning, investment strategies, and market integration.

• Analyse systemic constraints and design interventions to improve market access, economic inclusion, and climate resilience.

• Implement adaptive management strategies to ensure program responsiveness and sustainability.

Mentor and coach private sector entities to identify market opportunities and develop high-quality services and products.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Economics, Agriculture, Business Administration, Development Studies, Agribusiness, Natural Resource Policy, or related fields.

• At least 10 years of experience in economic growth, market systems facilitation, private sector development, livelihoods, rural development, agribusiness, financial services, or economic empowerment programs.

• Strong expertise in Market Systems Development (MSD), value chain development, and private sector engagement.

• Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing MSD programs; experience in Zambia is an advantage.

• In-depth knowledge of market systems, including key actors, financial service providers, private sector, and governance frameworks.

• Experience in program design, adaptive management, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate inclusive, pro-poor market growth.

• Successful experience in business development and fundraising.

• Excellent leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills to strengthen private sector capacity.

• Minimum five years of experience designing and implementing rural development, climate adaptation, job creation, food security, and livelihoods programs.

Additional Information

If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about driving market-led development, we invite you to apply by submitting your CV and a motivation letter via Smart Recruiters by 17th March 2025.

Both National and International candidates are encouraged to apply.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your experience and suitability for this role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Vetting

SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for national determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, sexual harassment as well as Fraud), the “Statement of Conduct". This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any form of solicitation by phone or other means will be treated as disqualification of the candidate. SNV is an equal employment provider.