Director, Agriculture Policy Reform and Institutional Strengthening (Ag PIR)-MCA Zambia II

About MCA Zambia II

The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in Zambia, collaborating with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the Government of the United States of America, delivers projects under the $491.75 million Farm to Market Compact (Compact) that promotes agriculture and agro-processing in the country through the implementation of the Roads and Access Project, Asset Finance Project, Agriculture Policy Reform and Institutional Strengthening (Ag PIR) Project, and American Catalyst Facility for Development (ACFD) Project. More information on the Compact can be found in the following link: https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/program/zambia-farm-to-market-compact/“.

The MCA Zambia II offices are in Lusaka, Zambia.

Director, Agriculture Policy Reform and Institutional Strengthening (Ag PIR)

Position Objective

The Director, Agriculture Policy Reform and Institutional Strengthening (Ag PIR) is responsible for providing technical expertise, guidance, and support for the design, implementation, and monitoring of agriculture systems strengthening and capacity-building for the Ministry of Agriculture, the Food Reserve Agency, and ancillary market institutions such as the commodity exchange and a market observatory, projects and programs under the MCA Compact, ensuring alignment with the overall program objectives and compliance with the MCC’s policies and procedures.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Deputy CEO, Programs, and other MCA team members to design, plan, and implement activities that improve the enabling environment for private sector involvement in the agriculture production, marketing, and processing of grains projects and programs under the MCA Compact, ensuring alignment with overall program objectives and compliance with MCC’s policies and procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project partners and stakeholders in developing and implementing agriculture PIR-related activities, ensuring quality and effectiveness.
• Promote robust and proactive engagement with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to advance significant economic and democratic reforms that benefit the agricultural sector.
• Oversee the implementation of the Agriculture Reform and Institutional Strengthening Project, ensuring all project goals and objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
• Implement and manage procurements and interventions to enhance the operational rules and capacities of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), improving their overall efficiency and effectiveness in managing the strategic grain reserve. Assist FRA in coordinating their response to vulnerability assessments with other agencies focused on assessing, monitoring, and analyzing the impact of FRA’s policies and practices on food security, poverty, and vulnerability assessment and monitoring.
• Oversee the implementation of activities to strengthen the Ministry of Agriculture’s capacity to develop and implement market-friendly reforms through overall capacity-building in policy development and their implementation.
• Oversee the implementation of systems support activities, including improving the delivery of an efficient export and import permitting system by coordinating among systems in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, and the Zambia Revenue Authority.
• Oversee the establishment and implementation of the public-private Agricultural Marketing Council.
• Coordinate efforts with the MCA team responsible for implementing the Asset Finance Project, including collaboration with financial intermediaries and equipment providers to increase the flow of affordable credit to the agriculture sector, facilitating access to necessary resources for farmers and agribusinesses.
• Monitor and evaluate project performance, identify issues and challenges, and recommend appropriate corrective actions or improvements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with government counterparts, agricultural institutions, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to ensure effective collaboration and coordination of agriculture projects and programs.
• Contribute to developing project reports, briefings, and other communication materials, ensuring accurate and timely information is provided to internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in capacity-building initiatives for project partners and stakeholders, promoting best practices and knowledge sharing in the agriculture sector.
• Stay current with agricultural policy and institutional reform developments, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement in MCA’s agriculture PIR projects and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Programs.

Required Competencies

• An Advanced University degree in Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, Agronomy, Agriculture, Public Administration, Development Administration, International Development, Humanitarian Aid, Non-for-Profit Management, or another related field is required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring agriculture PIR projects and programs at the executive management level, preferably in an international development context.
• Eligible for relevant Agriculture certification with the Zambian Institute of Agriculture at time of application is required. MCA will support the candidate in securing membership, including covering associated fees.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with agriculture policies, systems, and practices in the country or region. Experience with private-sector enterprise development in agriculture is preferred.
• Familiarity with results-based management principles, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting.
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English is required. Communication skills in local language(s) are strongly desired.

Diversity Statement:

“MCA Zambia is committed to equal opportunities for all and does not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, religion, disability or any other status. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply”.