Institutional Development Specialist – MSMEs

Organizational Setting

FAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and other relevant partners are incepting the project on Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM). The project aims at building climate resilience in vulnerable watersheds and communities through increasing climate resilience of watershed ecosystems, stabilizing productivity and farmers’ incomes and enhancing enabling environment. Total cost of the project is estimated at USD 53.2 million, which will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO and the Government of Malawi. The project will be implemented in 11 targeted districts in different regions in Malawi over a period of 6 years. Around 575,000 vulnerable people in rural communities will benefit from project interventions and more than 83,000 heIPOres of land will be restored through application of Ecosystem-based Adaptation approach.

Reporting Lines

The Institutional Development Specialist - MSMEs will work under direct supervision of the technical supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of EbAM in-country supervision and guidance of the FAOR Malawi, and in close coordination with the EbAM National Agribusiness & Finance Specialist (NAFS) and other project team members and national-level counterparts in government and technical partner institutions.

Technical Focus

The Institutional Development Specialist-MSMEs will provide technical support for the inception, development, and long-term sustainability of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) for production, processing, and marketing in agriculture and forestry-based value chains that align with EbAM objectives. These enterprises will depend on sustainable ecosystem services and/or contribute to ecosystem restoration and resilience. The Specialist will directly contribute to the establishment or strengthening of approximately 270 MSMEs, engaging an estimated 5,400 farmers and smallholders over the six-year duration of the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Design and implement participatory processes to identify farmers, groups, and organizations with potential for MSME development.
•     Map and prioritize value chains with strong ecosystem-based adaptation potential (e.g., agroforestry, climate-smart crops, eco-tourism).
•     Build partnerships with government, community organizations, and private sector actors to support MSME mobilization and investment.
•     Conduct institutional and capacity needs assessments of MSMEs, covering governance, leadership, and financial literacy.
•     Develop and deliver tailored training in business management, financial planning, market access, product development, and quality assurance.
•     Strengthen MSMEs’ compliance with legal registration, taxation, and regulatory requirements, including environmental and social safeguards.
•     Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching for MSME leaders and members throughout the project cycle.
•     Identify barriers to women’s and youth participation in MSMEs and design targeted measures to enhance inclusivity.
•     Facilitate MSMEs’ access to finance through linkages with financial institutions, and support preparation of bankable business plans.
•     Strengthen MSME integration into value chains through aggregation, forward contracts, and market linkages, including digital solutions.
•     Ensure MSMEs align with EbA principles, contributing to ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable land/water management.
•     Support innovation and diversification in agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and ecosystem service-based enterprises.
•     Establish monitoring systems to track MSME performance, inclusivity, profitability, and ecological impact.
•     Document and disseminate lessons, success stories, and contribute to knowledge management and policy dialogue on MSMEs and EbA.
•     Prepare regular progress reports and a final report summarizing achievements, lessons, and recommendations for sustainability.
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree in economics, agribusiness, agronomy, business administration or related field.
•     Five years of experience in agronomy, agribusiness, rural commerce or related fields
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and Chichewa.  
•     Nationality of Malawi.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Knowledge of Tumbuka is an advantage.
•     Experience of working with UN agencies and other international organizations.
•     Strong background in, and experience of, small-scale institutional development
•     Knowledge and skills in designing and delivering capacity building packages for MSMEs
•     Demonstrated success in establishing sustainable MSMEs
•     Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team and build good partnerships.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION