Rural Finance and Agribusiness Specialist

Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji·Other

Finance & Accounting·Full time

1 day ago

About the company

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry (MoAWSI) is the Fijian government body responsible for agricultural development, waterways, and the sugar industry. It is partnering with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) on a Multiphase Adaptive Programme (MAP) supporting sustainable growth and resilience of Fiji's rural economy. The programme focuses on ecosystem management, market access, and biodiversity protection, targeting six districts in Cakaudrove Province on Vanua Levu and engaging 3,500 households.

About the role

This role is based in the Project Management Unit (PMU) with regular travel to project implementation sites across Fiji, and reports to the Technical Manager (IFAD Investment). The Specialist will oversee all aspects of rural finance and agribusiness development under Components 2 and 3 of the project, taking a leadership role in improving access to financial products, grant mechanisms, and business development services for MSMEs, producer organizations, and entrepreneurs. The incumbent will work closely with and support local and international finance and agribusiness consultants engaged periodically during implementation, including in areas such as remittance and digital financial inclusion. The position also involves close coordination with MOAWSI technical divisions, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, several other government ministries, provincial stakeholders in Cakaudrove, Bua, and Macuata, local communities, and NGOs and private sector partners operating in Vanua Levu. The contract term is 4 years with an annual performance review and a 6-month probationary period.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of Matching Grants and Performance-Based Grants, ensuring alignment with project objectives and beneficiary co-financing
• Oversee outreach, evaluation, approval, and disbursement of grants with transparency and accountability
• Collaborate with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to develop rural-tailored financial products, including cash flow-based lending and green finance instruments
• Provide technical assistance to PFIs to strengthen risk management, credit processes, and environmental safeguards
• Coordinate business development services (BDS) to MSMEs and producer organizations, covering financial literacy, business planning, and market strategies
• Support value chain development, including investments in post-harvest management, processing, and market access
• Oversee financial literacy programs and provide hands-on technical assistance to help MSMEs and producer organizations prepare bankable business plans
• Monitor progress against logframe indicators, ensure timely quarterly and annual reporting to the Project Director, and conduct field visits to track grant and loan utilization

About the successful candidate

• Advanced degree in Agriculture, agro-industry, business administration, Economics, Agriculture Economics, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in value chain analysis and development, agribusiness and market development, and processing
• Experience in the formulation and/or implementation of agriculture investment and finance support solutions
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing financial instruments such as matching grants, performance-based grants, and value chain finance
• Experience working with financial institutions (PFIs) for product development and capacity building
• Strong understanding of green finance, climate-smart investments, and rural market systems
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools
• Fluency in spoken and written English, and awareness of gender inclusion, youth participation, and environmental sustainability issues