Agricultural Economist and Value Chain Analyst (Part-Time Consultant) at Jabulani Youths for Transformation

Purpose of the Role

• To provide economic and market insights, enterprise profitability analysis, and support resource management and business development efforts at Sote Tule to enhance cooperative sustainability and member livelihoods.

Key Responsibilities Market and Value Chain Analysis

• Map and analyze markets for Sote Tule products, including demand trends and pricing.
• Identify and address inefficiencies within value chains to increase member margins.
• Recommend quality improvements aligned with market requirements.
• Enterprise Profitability and Financial Modelling
• Develop enterprise budgets for key crops and livestock.
• Analyze cost structures and guide farmers on profitable enterprise selection.
• Create financial models and forecasts for cooperative-level planning.
• Business Development and Partnerships
• Identify potential buyers, processors, and institutional partners.
• Support partnership proposals and grant applications with economic justifications.
• Assist in negotiations with buyers for favorable, stable markets.
• Resource Management and Investment Planning
• Evaluate cooperative resource needs (irrigation, post-harvest facilities, mechanization).
• Conduct ROI and cost-benefit analyses to guide capital investment decisions.
• Advise on efficient cooperative resource allocation.
• Data Collection and Impact Measurement
• Design and implement data collection systems on production, sales, and pricing.
• Analyze and generate insights for continuous improvement and impact reporting.
• Share insights with funders, partners, and members.
• Training and Capacity Building
• Train farmers on cost tracking, farm business planning, and market interpretation.
• Build the capacity of extension agents to use economic data for farmer support.
• Policy and Compliance Guidance
• Track and interpret agricultural policies and regulations relevant to Sote Tule.
• Guide compliance with certifications and market standards.
• Identify subsidy and incentive opportunities for cooperative members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, or related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience (recent graduates encouraged if demonstrating strong data and analysis skills).
• Practical knowledge of farm-level economics, market systems, and value chain analysis.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Commitment to youth empowerment, cooperative principles, and ethical agriculture.