Job Description
Research Officer [No. of vacancies- Two (2)
Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) is a wholly owned Government Development Finance Institution (DFI) incorporated under the Agricultural Finance Corporation Act (Cap 323 of the Laws of Kenya). AFC is charged with the mandate of supporting the development of agriculture and agriculture industries by making loans and providing managerial and technical assistance to the loan beneficiaries.
The corporation invites applications for the position of Research Officer.
Role Profile
As a Research Officer at AFC, you will be instrumental in conducting essential research, evaluations, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance our agricultural offerings and business efficiency. Your keen eye for detail and analytical skills will contribute to the growth of our clients and the agricultural community.
Key Responsibilities
1. Conducting Research and Analysis: Undertake comprehensive research and data analysis to identify market trends, customer needs, and opportunities for business growth.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation: Conduct thorough monitoring and evaluations of AFC’s projects, programs, and plans to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with our objectives.
3. Agronomic Manual Development: Develop comprehensive agronomic manuals for internal and external use, promoting best practices and enhancing agricultural knowledge among stakeholders.
4. Business Consultancy and Advisory: Provide expert business consultancy and advisory services to both existing and potential clients, supporting them in optimizing their agricultural ventures.
5. Business Research Initiatives: Initiate and lead business research projects to gather insights, identify market trends, and develop strategic recommendations for AFC.
6. Business Opportunities Identification: Research and identify new business opportunities and viable income streams to expand AFC’s reach and impact in the agricultural sector.
7. Quarterly Reports Preparation: Prepare detailed and informative quarterly reports for the corporation, highlighting key research findings, achievements, and recommendations.
8. Business Development Strategies: Develop and implement business development strategies to drive growth, increase market share, and enhance AFC’s competitive position.
9. Internal Process Support: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure business effectiveness and efficiency, streamlining processes to improve overall operations.
10. Market Segmentation Analysis: Conduct market segmentation analysis to identify potential markets for targeted marketing and sales activities.
11. Customer Satisfaction Survey: Conduct regular customer satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and insights to improve our products and services.
12. Ad Hoc Duties: Undertake any other duties assigned from time to time to support AFC’s research, business development, and growth initiatives.
Person Specifications
To excel in this role, you should possess the following qualifications, skills, and attributes:
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Economics, Research, or a related field. Advanced degrees and certifications in research methodologies are advantageous.
• Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in research, project monitoring, business development, or a related field within the agricultural or financial sector.
• Research Skills: Proficient in conducting research, data analysis, and developing actionable insights to drive informed decision-making.
• Business Acumen: Strong business acumen and the ability to identify and evaluate new opportunities for growth.
• Agronomic Expertise: Solid understanding of agronomic practices and the ability to develop comprehensive manuals to enhance agricultural knowledge.
• Analytical Thinker: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and research findings.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills to present research findings and recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Time Management: Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.
• Passion for Agriculture: A genuine passion for agriculture and a strong desire to contribute to the advancement of the agricultural sector.