Applications are invited from qualified candidates who wish to be considered for appointment at the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI) for the post of Business Development Officer.
Appointment to the post will be initially on a temporary basis for a period of six months. Subject to satisfactory service, candidate may be offered substantive appointment.

I. QUALIFICATIONS:
A. By selection from among serving employees on the permanent and pensionable establishment of FAREI, possessing a degree in Agriculture or Horticulture or Agricultural Business or Agricultural Management, from a recognised institution or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the Board.
B. A Master’s Degree in Agriculture or Entrepreneurship or Business Administration or Economics or Finance
C. At least three years’ experience in the agricultural sector with knowledge in agri-business development.
D. Candidates should
 (i) possess problem-solving skills and be able to deliver outputs in a timely manner;
 (ii) possess strong interpersonal and communication skills
 (iii) be computer literate
Candidates should produce written evidence of experience/knowledge claimed.

II. SALARY
The temporary appointment will carry flat salary at the rate of Rs 28,225 a month. The permanent and pensionable post carries salary in scale:
Rs 28,225 x 825 – 35,650 x 900 – 37,450 x 950 – 42,200 x 1,300 – 46,100 x 1,575 – 49,250 x 1650 – 54,200 x 1,700 – 62,700 (FAREI 36)

III. LIST OF DUTIES:
1. To assist in the development of strategic plans for sustained agricultural production and agri-business activities in line with government policy.
2. To maintain a knowledge repository of
 i. local market outlets in the agricultural (wholesale and retail) and the food chain sector;
 ii. stakeholders involved in the agro-processing and export of agricultural products.
3. To investigate and disseminate information to stakeholders, on the market requirements of products and demand and supply trends.
4. To develop business plans in connection with agricultural projects and schemes to meet the objectives of the organisation.
5. To assist in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of agricultural schemes set up by FAREI and the government.
6. To carry out market research to identify new and emerging prospects in agricultural production and agribusiness activities.
7. To assist in the value chain analysis of agricultural commodities and determine priority areas of intervention.
8. To liaise with other Divisions/Departments for maintaining up to date information of crops, fruits, ornamentals and livestock cost of production.
9. To assist in the development and strengthening of partnerships with the stakeholders of FAREI.
10. To assist in the corporate branding of the FAREI.
11. To assist in the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) in the Division.
12. To use ICT in the performance of his duties.

Qualified candidates may collect the application form during working hours at the FAREI, Head Office, Reduit or may download the application form from the website of FAREI (farei.mu).

IV. MODE OF APPLICATION
Instructions to candidates are:
1. Only application made on the prescribed form will be accepted.
2. Incomplete, inadequate or inaccurate filling of the form will lead to disqualification and elimination of the candidate.
3. Applicant should possess all certificates/qualifications at time of application.
4. Copy of certificates and Identity Card must be attached to the application form.
5. Documentary evidence will have to be submitted for experience claimed & should be attached at the time of application.
6. The onus for the submission of equivalence of qualification (if applicable) from the relevant authorities (Higher Education Commission or Mauritius Qualifications Authority) rests on the candidates. Applications will not be considered failing the non-submission of Equivalence Certificate, as appropriate, by the closing date.
7. The post applied for should be clearly marked on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.
8. Application received after closing date will not be accepted.
Note: FAREI reserves the right
 (i) to convene only the best qualified candidates for interview.
 (ii) not to fill any vacancy.

V. CLOSING DATE
The duly completed application form should reach the Chief Executive Officer, FAREI, Head Office, Reduit, not later than 3.00 p.m. on 28.06.2024.

Date: 07 June 2024