Looking to make a real difference in Malawi’s rural communities? The Agribusiness Specialist Jobs in Malawi with FAO in 2026 offers an exciting full‑time, on‑site position in Lilongwe, requiring a minimum of 10 years of professional experience with at least 5 years in agribusiness or related roles.
The salary for this specialist role typically falls between roughly MWK 51 million and MWK 78 million per year (based on an annual international pay range of roughly US $44,000–$68,000 converted to Malawi Kwacha).
Organizational Setting:
The Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM) project is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of Malawi and funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The objective of this initiative is to improve the climate resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and communities by implementing agroforestry systems, diversified agricultural value chains, integrated watershed management, and strengthened institutional capacity.
The initiative will be implemented in 11 districts over a six-year period, directly benefiting over 500,000 individuals in rural communities, restoring and improving the management of over 250,000 hectares of land, and achieving net emission reductions of 2.75 MtCO2e. The initiative enhances the livelihoods of individual farmers, farmer groups, and MSMEs by promoting the sustainable production of commodities, goods, and services, all while promoting climate-smart agriculture.
Role Overview:
The Agribusiness Specialist will be located in Lilongwe and will be directly supervised by the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of EbAM. They will report to the FAO Representative (FAOR). The position collaborates closely with the EbAM Component 2 team, which includes National Agribusiness and Finance Specialists, National Business Development Specialists, and National Institutional Development Specialists, as well as project partners.
This specialist will offer technical assistance in the execution of the project’s Agribusiness Strategy, guaranteeing that it is in accordance with the agricultural market context of Malawi and the priorities of the FAO.
Responsibilities of Agribusiness Specialist Jobs in Malawi:
- Provide strategic advisory support for agribusiness and private sector engagement to ensure the inclusion of smallholders and the resilience of the climate.
- With an emphasis on commercial viability and scalability, provide support for value chain assessments, business models, financing mechanisms, and public-private-producer partnerships (4Ps).
- Provide guidance on innovative financing solutions, market-based strategies, and risk-sharing mechanisms to attract private investment.
- Contribute to high-level analytical outputs, such as investment briefs, concept notes, synthesis papers, and learning products that connect ecosystem restoration, livelihoods, and markets.
- Contribute to donor reporting, which encompasses GCF annual reports, progress evaluations, and other strategic FAO documents.
- Create knowledge products, such as case studies, policy briefs, presentations, and success tales, to enhance the external recognition of EbAM initiatives.
- Foster cross-country learning events and regional knowledge-sharing among FAO programs in Southern Africa.
- Encourage interaction with private sector stakeholders, donors, development partners, and FAO teams.
- Assist in the development of pipelines and project designs for upcoming private sector and agribusiness initiatives.
Check Also: Agronomist Research Associate Jobs in Malawi
Candidate Profile for Agribusiness Specialist Jobs in Malawi:
Minimum Requirements:
- A university degree in Economics, Business, Agribusiness, Rural Economy, or a related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years in agribusiness, private sector development, or rural enterprise positions in emerging markets.
- A minimum of three years of experience in sub-Saharan Africa, with a preference for Malawi.
- English proficiency (Level C).
FAO Core Competencies:
- Concentration on Results
- Working together
- Exchange of information
- Establishing Successful Relationships
- Continuous Improvement and Knowledge Sharing
Technical and Functional Skills:
- Proficiency in the analysis of agricultural value chains.
- Experience in the formation of public-private partnerships with small-scale producers of agricultural or forestry products.
- Experience in advisory or finance positions within the private sector.
- It is advantageous to possess knowledge of Malawi’s agrarian economy.
- A robust network and extensive experience in forming partnerships with private sector entities, government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors.
Benefits of Agribusiness Specialist Jobs in Malawi:
- Impactful Work on Climate Resilience
Contribute directly to agroforestry, watershed management, and sustainable agriculture, making a tangible difference in the lives of smallholders and rural communities. - Competitive Salary
Earn between MWK 51 million and MWK 78 million per year while enjoying a full-time, stable international position with FAO Malawi. - Professional Growth Opportunities
Gain exposure to high-level agribusiness strategy, public-private partnerships, and innovative financing mechanisms that enhance your career trajectory. - Hands-On Project Experience
Work in 11 districts across Malawi, implementing real-world solutions that connect ecosystems, livelihoods, and markets. - Networking and Collaboration
Engage with government agencies, UN teams, donors, and private sector partners, expanding your professional network across Southern Africa. - Knowledge Sharing and Learning
Participate in cross-country learning events, regional workshops, and the development of knowledge products like case studies and policy briefs. - Contribution to Sustainable Development
Support initiatives that restore degraded land, improve food security, and reduce net emissions, aligning with global climate goals. - Recognition and Visibility
Showcase your work through investment briefs, success stories, and presentations that highlight the impact of climate-smart agribusiness initiatives. - Strategic Advisory Experience
Provide high-level guidance on agribusiness strategies, market-based solutions, and innovative financing that attract private investment. - Community Engagement
Empower smallholders, farmer groups, and MSMEs by promoting scalable and commercially viable solutions that improve livelihoods and resilience.
How to Apply for Agribusiness Specialist Jobs in Malawi?
This position offers a unique opportunity to influence climate-resilient agribusiness strategies in order to contribute to sustainable development and ecosystem restoration in Malawi. The position allows specialists to demonstrate a tangible impact on rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability by combining technical expertise, strategic advisory, and high-level stakeholder engagement.
So Apply Now to join:
Conclusion:
The Agribusiness Specialist role in Malawi offers a unique chance to combine expertise, strategy, and hands-on impact in climate-smart agriculture. By supporting smallholders, value chains, and public-private partnerships, you contribute directly to community resilience and sustainable livelihoods. This position lets professionals create meaningful change while advancing Malawi’s environmental and economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Agribusiness Specialist role in Malawi?
The Agribusiness Specialist in Malawi is a full-time position with FAO that focuses on strengthening climate-smart agriculture, supporting smallholders, and implementing sustainable agribusiness strategies under the EbAM project.
What are the required qualifications and experience?
Candidates must hold a university degree in Economics, Business, Agribusiness, or a related field, with at least 10 years of professional experience, including 5 years in agribusiness, rural enterprise, or private sector roles. Experience in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Malawi, is preferred.
What is the salary for this position?
The role offers a competitive annual salary ranging from MWK 51 million to MWK 78 million, reflecting FAO’s international pay scales for specialist positions.
