Agriculture & Raw Materials Value Chain Manager

We are seeking a highly experienced Agriculture & Raw Materials Value Chain Manager to lead the

development and management of raw material production and value chains. The role requires strong

agronomy expertise, value chain development experience, and the ability to engage effectively with

farmers, cooperatives, and sector stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of local raw material production strategies focusing on

priority crops (groundnuts, chickpeas, and soybeans).

• Conduct agro-ecological assessments to identify suitable production zones and cropping systems.
• Design and oversee crop production packages, including seed selection, soil management, irrigation

practices, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling.

• Establish and supervise demonstration plots
• Provide hands-on agronomic guidance to farmers and producer groups throughout the cropping

cycle.

• Map existing and potential raw material value chains, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities.
• Build and manage relationships with farmers, cooperatives, farmers’ associations, producer groups,

aggregators, and local traders.

• Support aggregation, quality improvement, grading, and traceability of raw materials.
• Promote contract farming or out-grower models where feasible.
• Maintain active engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL),

particularly extension and research departments.

• Design and deliver training programs for farmers, lead farmers, and cooperatives on improved

agronomic practices.

• Work with MAIL extension services and NGOs to strengthen knowledge transfer systems.
• Develop simple training materials, guidelines, and field manuals adapted to local contexts.
• Integrate nutrition-sensitive agriculture approaches where relevant.
• Prepare regular field reports, value chain assessments, and progress updates.
• Contribute to donor reporting and technical documentation as required.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, Crop Science, Rural

Development, or related field

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in agriculture, agronomy, or agricultural value chain development
• Proven experience working with farmers and producer groups in Afghanistan or similar contexts
• Knowledge of nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food value chains is an advantage
• Strong technical agronomy and crop production expertise
• Proven ability to develop and manage agricultural value chains
• Excellent stakeholder coordination and partnership-building skills
• Knowledge of Afghanistan’s agricultural sector and donor landscape
• Ability to work independently in challenging field conditions
• Strong report writing and analytical skills
• Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto; working proficiency in English

hr@gulzadgroup.com