Agri-finance expert – malawi trade and investment programme (value chains component)

OVERVIEWAdam Smith International (ASI) invites applications from highly experienced agricultural finance professionals for the position of Agri-Finance Expert (AFE) under the Malawi Trade and Investment Programme (MTIP), Value Chains Component.The Malawi Value Chains (MVC) programme is part of a six-year, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded initiative aimed at improving Malawi’s economic growth through increased exports.The MVC component focuses on improving the productivity, quality, production, and export performance of the macadamia and mango value chains, while also supporting increased mining investment and exports.The Agri-Finance Expert will provide technical assistance to medium-scale farmers (MSFs), aggregators, processors, and other agricultural market actors. The role will focus on improving farm-level financial management, assessing sources of finance, strengthening relationships with financial institutions, and helping viable agricultural businesses access appropriate financing.JOB TYPE: Consultancy – Part-TimeDate Posted: Thursday, 29th October 2026Application Deadline: Friday, 13th November 2026Assignment Duration: From commencement until 31st December 2027, subject to programme requirements, funding, and satisfactory performance.Preferred Candidates: Malawi-based applicants are strongly preferred.POSITION: AGRI-FINANCE EXPERTJOB SUMMARYThe Agri-Finance Expert will work as part of the Agricultural Competitiveness team, providing technical analysis, developing financial tools, delivering training, engaging financial institutions, and offering tailored advisory support to agricultural businesses.The successful candidate will help financial institutions better understand financing opportunities in the macadamia and mango value chains. The role will also assess the demand for formal finance, review commercial and concessional financing options, improve farm financial management tools, and support selected businesses to prepare for suitable sources of finance.The assignment requires an experienced professional who can translate complex financial concepts into practical tools and guidance for farmers, processors, aggregators, bankers, and other stakeholders.DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Agricultural Lending Market AssessmentMap and assess banks and financial institutions in Malawi that currently provide agricultural or agribusiness lending, or have a credible intention to enter or expand this market.Gather information on lending policies, eligibility criteria, appraisal and approval procedures, collateral requirements, interest pricing, loan tenors, and the structure of agricultural finance teams.Assess current agricultural lending portfolios, performance, growth plans, and relevant donor- or project-supported initiatives.Conduct interviews with financial institutions, preferably in person where practical.Prepare a comparative summary report identifying realistic financing pathways for medium-scale farmers, aggregators, and processors, including major barriers and information gaps.Submit the lending market assessment report by mid-December 2026.2. Concessional and International Finance ReviewReview concessional and international financing sources available to Malawi-based businesses, including grants, challenge funds, impact investment funds, climate finance facilities, and development finance institutions.Assess relevant financing facilities offered by organisations such as FMO, MAIIC, Old Mutual, and IFC, alongside other suitable providers identified during the assignment.Document each facility’s purpose, target beneficiaries, financing instruments, typical financing size, eligibility requirements, application process, and timing.Assess the potential relevance of each financing option to MSFs and other businesses supported by the MVC programme.Prepare a summary report by the end of December 2026.3. Assessment of Demand for Formal FinanceAssess the current knowledge of the MVC programme regarding the financing needs and experiences of medium-scale farmers, aggregators, and processors.Design and deliver awareness sessions for macadamia and mango farmers, aggregators, and processors on suitable formal financing opportunities, including concessional finance.Identify businesses that are ready, or potentially ready, to access formal finance.Document the potential pipeline of businesses requiring support to access finance.Summarise levels of interest and recommended next steps by mid-December 2026.4. Awareness and Training for Financial InstitutionsAssess the interest of formal financial institutions in financing macadamia and mango value-chain businesses.Determine whether financial institutions prefer individual institutional training or open training sessions.Design awareness-raising and training programmes for financial sector staff on financing opportunities in the macadamia and mango value chains.Provide guidance on the requirements for successfully structuring and comple