TECHNICAL ADVISOR I – MARKET-ORIENTED EXTENSION
Location: Lilongwe
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Technical Advisor I – Market-Oriented Extension Expert will provide technical advice and support across a range of program design and implementation issues within their area of expertise. In line with established program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices, the Advisor will play a pivotal role in strengthening producer organizations by promoting inclusive, sustainable, and market-driven approaches. The successful candidate will support country program teams to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to poor and vulnerable farming communities, ensuring interventions enhance organizational capacity, improve market linkages, and contribute to resilient livelihoods.
Location: Lilongwe
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Technical Advisor I – Market-Oriented Extension Expert will provide technical advice and support across a range of program design and implementation issues within their area of expertise. In line with established program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices, the Advisor will play a pivotal role in strengthening producer organizations by promoting inclusive, sustainable, and market-driven approaches. The successful candidate will support country program teams to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to poor and vulnerable farming communities, ensuring interventions enhance organizational capacity, improve market linkages, and contribute to resilient livelihoods.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Agriculture
- Closing Date: 2026-07-28
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and implementation of strategies, standards, tools, and best practices for market-oriented extension systems, ensuring integration of value chain approaches, climate-smart agriculture, gender, youth inclusion, and resilience.
- Provide technical assistance to country program teams and partners, both remotely and in the field, on demand-driven extension models, farmer advisory services, and integration of production with market requirements.
- Contribute to the technical design and development of proposals, including concept notes and full proposals, integrating market-oriented extension, commercialization pathways, and private sector engagement.
- Support capacity strengthening of extension staff, partners, and producer organizations through development of training curricula, facilitation of workshops, and coaching on good agricultural practices (GAP), business skills, and market systems.
- Provide technical solutions to improve farmer productivity and commercialization, including adoption of improved technologies, climate-smart practices, and strengthening of extension-delivery mechanisms (e.g., lead farmer models, digital extension).
- Collect, analyze, and utilize agricultural and market data to inform extension services, track performance, and document lessons learned and best practices for adaptive management and learning.
- Contribute to building and maintaining strategic partnerships with government extension systems, private sector actors, research institutions, and development partners to strengthen coordinated service delivery.
- Ensure quality assurance and technical excellence in program implementation and reporting, including integration of MEAL frameworks, compliance with standards, and timely delivery of technical outputs and consultancy deliverables.
Requirements
- Proficiency in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), web conferencing applications, and information and budget management systems.
- Experience in project design and proposal development, including writing content for proposals.
- Knowledge of capacity-strengthening best practices and experience with program monitoring, evaluation and analysis.
- Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and secure buy-in from individuals across diverse geographical and cultural settings.
- Good strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills, with sound judgement and the ability to see the big picture.
- Good technical writing, presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring and coaching skills.
- Proactive, resourceful and results oriented.
- Master’s Degree in Agricultural Extension and Development, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or Applied Agricultural Sciences from an accredited institution.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Extension and Development, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or Applied Agricultural Sciences from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in implementing market-driven extension strategies, including participatory approaches that enhance farmers’ access to demand-driven advisory services.
- Strong expertise in agricultural technology adoption, digital extension tools, and linking smallholder farmers to high-value markets.
- Experience designing and executing farmer field schools, business incubation programs, and tailored extension packages for diversified agricultural enterprises.
How to Apply
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About the Company
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Founded in 1943 by the Bishops of the United States, the agency provides assistance to 130 million people in more than 110 countries and territories in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typical qualifications and experience are required for a Technical Advisor I in Market-Oriented Extension in Malawi?
Candidates typically need a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or a related field, often with a postgraduate qualification being an advantage. Practical experience (3-5 years) in agricultural extension, value chain development, or market linkages in a Malawian context is crucial.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Technical Advisor I in Market-Oriented Extension in Malawi?
Daily tasks involve field visits to support farmer groups, developing training materials for market-oriented practices, and collaborating with local partners and government stakeholders. You would also monitor project progress, provide technical assistance to field teams, and help farmers access market information and opportunities.
What is the typical work culture and what are the expectations for this role in Malawi, especially concerning community engagement?
The work culture often emphasizes strong community engagement, collaboration with local leadership, and adaptability to rural conditions and diverse stakeholder needs. Punctuality, respect for local customs, and a proactive, problem-solving approach are highly valued in Malawian project environments.
What are the realistic career progression paths for a Technical Advisor I in Market-Oriented Extension within an NGO in Malawi?
Successful Technical Advisors can progress to Senior Technical Advisor roles, Project Manager positions, or even specialize further in areas like M&E or specific value chains. Opportunities for professional development and training are often provided to support career growth within the sector.
What kind of benefits, such as leave, medical aid, or pension, can a Technical Advisor I expect from an international NGO in Malawi?
International NGOs typically offer a competitive benefits package, including annual leave, sick leave, and potentially compassionate leave, alongside comprehensive medical aid for the employee and dependents. A provident fund or pension scheme is also common, contributing to long-term financial security for employees.
How should one apply for this type of role in Malawi, and what do employers typically look for in applicants?
Applications usually require a detailed CV and a cover letter tailored to the specific job description, highlighting relevant experience in market-oriented agriculture and community development in Malawi. Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, proven field experience, excellent communication abilities, and a clear understanding of the local agricultural landscape.