Agriculture Specialist (Entrepreneurship/Value Chain)

Agriculture Specialist (Entrepreneurship/Value Chain) – Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP)

Job Title: Agriculture Specialist (Entrepreneurship/Value Chain)

Job Category: NGO & Development

Job Type: Full Time (Contract)

Job Location: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Job Overview

The Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP) – Stage II Project is inviting applications for the post of Agriculture Specialist (Entrepreneurship/Value Chain) under the Commercial Agriculture Development (CAD) Project. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced agriculture professionals to contribute to commercial agriculture development by strengthening entrepreneurship, value chains, market access, and sustainable agribusiness initiatives across Sri Lanka.

Position Details

Position: Agriculture Specialist (Entrepreneurship/Value Chain)

Organization: Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP) – Stage II Project – Commercial Agriculture Development (CAD)

Employer: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation

Project: Commercial Agriculture Development (CAD)

Location: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Vacancies: 01

Employment Type: Contract Basis

Category: Category C

Company Overview

The Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP) – Stage II Project is implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation with financial assistance from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Commercial Agriculture Development (CAD) Project focuses on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing market access, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening agricultural value chains, and increasing farmer incomes through sustainable commercial agriculture initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should satisfy one of the following qualification pathways:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant field together with Associate Membership or a similar professional qualification obtained from a recognized professional body, and at least 10 years of managerial experience in the relevant field.
• OR Corporate Membership or a similar professional qualification from a recognized professional body with at least 8 years of managerial experience in the relevant field.
• OR A Class I Officer of a Government All-Island Service (or equivalent status) together with Associate Membership or a similar professional qualification and at least 3 years of experience in the Class I position or equivalent.

Additional advantages include:

• Experience in commercial agriculture development projects.
• Experience in entrepreneurship development and agricultural value chains.
• Experience in foreign-funded development projects.
• Strong English communication skills.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with government regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Deputy Project Director (Agriculture) and Head of the CAD Project Implementation Unit.
• Design and implement entrepreneurship and agricultural value chain development strategies.
• Improve farmer profitability through market-oriented agricultural initiatives.
• Strengthen market linkages for agricultural producers.
• Facilitate agribusiness and entrepreneurship development.
• Conduct value chain analysis and identify new enterprise opportunities.
• Build farmer capacity in value addition and business development.
• Train farmers, youth, and women entrepreneurs.
• Support agricultural market information systems.
• Promote sustainable crop production and soil management practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve commercial agriculture outcomes.

Required Skills

• Agricultural value chain development
• Agribusiness and entrepreneurship expertise
• Market linkage development
• Project implementation and coordination
• Farmer training and capacity building
• Stakeholder engagement
• Business development planning
• Leadership and team management
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Report writing and communication
• Computer proficiency
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Scale: Category C – Rs. 305,000 – (2 × 10,000) Rs. 325,000
• Government-approved salary scale.
• Cost of living allowance applicable as per relevant government circulars.
• Annual contract renewable based on performance and project requirements.
• Opportunity to work in an internationally funded agricultural development project.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• Completed application
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Educational qualifications
• Professional qualifications
• Details of relevant experience
• Contact details of two non-relative referees

Applications should reach the Project Director on or before 10 August 2026.

Email: recruitment.mwsip2@gmail.com

Postal Address:

Project Director
Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program – Stage II Project
(Human Resources Division)
No. 493/1/1,
T.B. Jayah Mawatha,
Colombo 10.

Important Notes

• Applicants should be below 64 years of age.
• Experience in foreign-funded projects will be an added advantage.
• English proficiency, computer literacy, and knowledge of government regulations are essential.
• Government and Semi-Government employees should apply through their respective Heads of Department.
• Incomplete applications will be rejected.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews.
• Selection will be based strictly on qualifications, experience, and merit.
• Copies of all relevant certificates should be attached with the application.
• The application deadline is 10 August 2026.