Agribusiness Technical Associate (SPARK Internship) at East Africa Market Development Associates (EAMDA)

The Opportunity

EAMDA is seeking a motivated, analytical, and results-oriented Agribusiness Technical SPARK Associate to support the design, implementation, and monitoring of agribusiness and market systems development interventions.

The SPARK Associate will work closely with technical teams to support value chain assessments, technology integration, enterprise development initiatives, market research, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building activities targeting farmers, producer organizations, agribusiness enterprises, and other market actors. This SPARK internship offers an excellent opportunity for emerging professionals to gain practical experience in agribusiness development, agricultural value chains, market systems facilitation, and inclusive economic development.

Key Responsibilities

Agribusiness Technical Support

• Support in coordinating technical activities with farmer groups, agribusiness enterprises, cooperatives, and other market actors.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, activity updates, and programme documentation.
• Participate in field visits to support project implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Value Chain Analysis & Market Research

• Assist in conducting value chain assessments, market studies, and sector analyses.
• Support the collection, compilation, and analysis of market intelligence and agribusiness data.
• Contribute to identifying market opportunities, constraints, and potential interventions within agricultural value chains.
• Support the development of technical briefs, market profiles, and agribusiness insights.

Cross-Functional Support

• Collaborate with programme, research, communications, and data teams on assigned activities.
• Support proposal development, technical research, and business development initiatives where required.
• Perform other agribusiness and technical support assignments as assigned by the supervisor.

Learning Opportunities

The intern will gain practical exposure to:

• Agricultural technologies and innovations
• Agricultural market systems development
• Agricultural value chain analysis
• Market research and market intelligence
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
• Capacity building and business advisory services
• Programme implementation and technical reporting
• Inclusive and sustainable agricultural development approaches

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in:

• Agriculture Engineering
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Agriculture/Agronomy/Horticulture
• Agribusiness Management/Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Extension
• Agriculture and Natural Resources Management
• Or a related field

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Strong interest in agricultural innovations and technologies, agribusiness, agricultural development, and market systems programming.
• Understanding of agricultural value chains and agribusiness concepts.
• Basic knowledge of market research and business analysis techniques.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience participating in agricultural projects, farmer outreach activities, research assignments, or agribusiness initiatives is an added advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and engage with stakeholders in field settings.

Critical Competencies

• Ability to assess market information and identify practical insights and opportunities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to support the identification and resolution of challenges affecting market actors and programme implementation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Curious, adaptable, and eager to develop technical expertise in agribusiness and market systems development.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all assignments.

Eligibility

Applicants should:

• Be recent graduates (within the last three years).
• Be available for the full three-month SPARK internship period.

Organizational Information

• This is a three-month internship position based in Nairobi.
• Hybrid working arrangements may apply depending on project requirements.
• Regular travel within Kenya may be required to support field activities and stakeholder engagements.
• SPARK Associates will receive structured mentorship and professional development support.
• A monthly internship stipend will be provided.