Consultant

Consultant – Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation

Job Title: Consultant – Value Chain Development

Job Category: NGO & Development, Management

Job Location: Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Job Overview

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation is inviting applications from experienced professionals for the position of Consultant – Value Chain Development under the Smallholder Agribusiness and Resilience Project (SARP). This consultancy role offers an opportunity to lead strategic value chain development initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, market access, private sector engagement, and sustainable income generation for rural communities across Sri Lanka.

Position Details

Position: Consultant – Value Chain Development

Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation

Project: Smallholder Agribusiness and Resilience Project (SARP)

Employment Type: Consultancy Basis

Job Category: NGO & Development, Management

Work Location: Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Company Overview

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation is the lead implementing agency of the Smallholder Agribusiness and Resilience Project (SARP), jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sri Lanka. The project focuses on strengthening climate resilience, enhancing agricultural value chains, improving market participation, and increasing the livelihoods of smallholder farming communities across selected districts in Sri Lanka.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Rural Development, Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field.
• A PhD in a relevant discipline will be considered an added advantage.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in value chain development, agribusiness promotion, agricultural commercialization, or market systems development.
• At least 8 years of senior management or leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing donor-funded development projects.
• Strong experience in building private sector partnerships and investment facilitation.
• Excellent analytical, leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English and computer literacy.
• Applicants should be below 64 years of age on the closing date of applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for value chain development interventions under the project.
• Develop and implement Value Chain Development Strategies and annual action plans.
• Conduct value chain assessments, market studies, and competitiveness analyses.
• Identify opportunities to improve agricultural productivity, processing, logistics, and market access.
• Build partnerships with exporters, processors, retailers, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
• Promote climate-resilient and market-oriented agribusiness practices.
• Strengthen producer organizations, cooperatives, and agribusiness enterprises.
• Support access to finance and business development services.
• Coordinate with government agencies, development partners, and research organizations.
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, implementation reports, and knowledge products.
• Monitor project performance and recommend improvements for value chain interventions.

Required Skills

• Strategic leadership and project management.
• Agricultural value chain development.
• Agribusiness and market systems expertise.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Policy analysis and advisory skills.
• Business development and investment facilitation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Team leadership and coordination.

Salary & Benefits

• Consultancy fees based on qualifications and professional experience.
• Opportunity to lead a nationally significant IFAD-funded development project.
• Work closely with government agencies, development partners, and private sector organizations.
• Exposure to large-scale agricultural commercialization and rural development initiatives.
• Annual performance evaluation with the possibility of continued engagement based on project requirements.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their completed application, updated Curriculum Vitae, copies of educational and professional certificates, and details of two non-related referees through the application button provided with this job post.

Email: procurementsarp@gmail.com

Applicants currently employed in Government or Semi-Government institutions should forward their applications through the Head of their respective Department.

Important Notes

• Application Closing Date: 13 July 2026.
• The appointment is on a consultancy basis and is subject to annual performance evaluation.
• Frequent travel to project sites may be required.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
• The decision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation regarding recruitment will be final.

Source :

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