Farmers Organisation Ltd seek to fill the position of Commercial Specialist based in Lilongwe. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating all activities relating to commercial market segment in Central and Northern Regions of Malawi. In addition, the incumbent will be required to engage key stakeholders at strategic level to build business relationships and influence decisions.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Agriculture
- Closing Date: 2026-08-25
Key Responsibilities
- To promote FOL technologies and services
- To prepare and present spray programs
- To expand the target base
- To determine customer needs
- Plan and report activities
- To handle customer complaints
- Actively seek out new accounts
- Compile and manage the sales strategy per client for the allocated region
- Be prepared to travel to and service clients that form part of the portfolio
- Manage the necessary demonstration trials at various clients with regard to the AECI Malawi product range
- Assist in drafting crop programmes, promotional material and presentations for the AECI Malawi product range
- Have a solid technical knowledge of the AECI Malawi product range in order to assist distributors and farmers technically on farm and offer them a solution to their problem/s.
- To understand the requirements of the farmer and how and where the AECI Malawi products range will fit into his farming practice
- Attend farmers’ days and promote the AECI Malawi products range
- Forecasting to assist the supply chain by having products on time
- Train clients on the AECI Malawi products range
- Evaluate competitor products in the various markets in order to position the AECI Malawi products range strategically
- To appreciate the importance of customer satisfaction and responding to this accordingly
- Assist the Commercial Manager with timeous forecasts of the products required by the respective clients
- Required to conform to relevant SHEQ rules and regulations as per company policy
- To ensure adherence to the high level of safety standards
- To adhere to all internal control policies as directed by Management
- To undertake any legal ad hoc tasks for which the incumbent is competent as directed by Management
- To represent AECI Malawi as directed by Management
Requirements
- First degree in Agronomy or Soil Sciences would be preferable
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ relevant experience in the agricultural industry in Malawi
- Must have work experience in servicing internal and external stakeholders within the agriculture landscape in Malawi
- Ability to connect and communicate with commercial and corporate customers
- Must have a sound knowledge of the Malawi market dynamics
- Computer literate MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook).
- Must be prepared to travel within the region and other international countries for periods at a time, in some cases for training
- Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: jobs.aeciworld.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Commercial Specialist role in Malawi's agriculture sector?
A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, or Economics is commonly required. Professional certifications such as the Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) Certificate in Marketing or short courses from Bunda College or the National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) add value. Relevant work experience in input supply chains, farmer cooperatives, or agri-input sales is often prioritised over academic credentials alone.
What does a typical day look like for a Commercial Specialist working with a farmers’ organisation in Malawi?
You’ll spend time visiting farmer groups and agro-dealers across districts to assess market needs, train on product use, and support sales tracking. You’ll also prepare weekly sales reports, coordinate with logistics teams for timely input delivery, and facilitate feedback sessions with extension staff and smallholder farmers. Fieldwork is frequent, especially during planting seasons, and requires flexibility with travel across rural areas.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for this role in Malawi compared to other countries?
Employers expect strong interpersonal skills, cultural fluency in local languages (e.g., Chichewa), and respect for hierarchical structures — including deference to senior extension officers and cooperative leadership. Punctuality and relationship-building through face-to-face engagement are highly valued, and responsiveness to community needs often outweighs strict adherence to office hours. Trust is built over time through consistent presence and follow-through in rural settings.
What realistic career progression paths exist for a Commercial Specialist in Malawian agricultural organisations?
With 3–5 years’ experience, you may advance to Senior Commercial Officer or Regional Commercial Manager, overseeing multiple districts. Some transition into technical advisory roles with NGOs like FAO or WFP, or join agribusinesses as Market Development Managers. A few pursue further studies locally (e.g., MSc at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources) to qualify for policy or donor-funded programme leadership positions.
What benefits are typically offered to Commercial Specialists employed by Malawian farmers’ organisations or agri-NGOs?
Most offer statutory benefits including 21 days’ annual leave, maternity/paternity leave per the Employment Act, and enrolment in the National Pension Scheme (NPS). Medical aid is common but often limited to basic outpatient cover through schemes like NASFAM Health Plan or partnerships with local clinics. Housing or transport allowances vary and are rarely guaranteed unless specified in the contract.