Incubation Officer

The Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), formerly known as the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA), boasts a remarkable 40-year legacy as a Swiss-based not-for-profit organization with its unwavering commitment centers around a compelling vision: “a world in which smallholders, communities, and nature thrive together”. We deliver demand-led innovations in agriculture, promote sustainable market access, and scale the adoption of improved technologies, services and business models to support smallholder farmers across Asia and Africa. Since 2011, we have spearheaded groundbreaking projects in agriculture and food systems, climate change and risk mitigation, carbon offset, nutrition, and rural economic development, and have positively impacted over a million smallholder farmers in Bangladesh through strategic collaborations with local, regional, and international partners.

In July 2024, Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA) globally underwent a transformative rebranding, emerging as the “Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF).” SAF Bangladesh is the full-fledged country chapter of the SAF International Association (SAFIA), an international development organization based in Basel, Switzerland. It remains steadfast in its mission “scaling up collective action on markets and innovations so that farming can better serve smallholder families, rural communities, and nature.” Sustainable Agriculture Foundation continues its legacy works of promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting smallholder development across the Global South.

Our ongoing and upcoming projects continue to enhance smallholder farming and agrifood systems in Bangladesh. Join us in shaping a sustainable future—one where agriculture thrives, communities flourish, and nature prospers.

SAF Bangladesh is seeking qualified individuals for the position of “Incubation Officer” as part of a proposed project aimed at strengthening the agri-entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh.

Number of Position           : Not Specific  

Type of Contract                 : Full term

Location of Posting            : Barishal, Khulna, Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions

Please note that this recruitment is contingent upon the project contract being awarded by the donor.

Job summary

The Incubation Officers (IO) will work as team members of the proposed agri-entrepreneurial ecosystem building project and will report directly to the project coordinator. In this role, the ISP will act as a mentor, connector, and strategist, providing comprehensive, end-to-end business support to the selected agri-entrepreneurs.

Responsibilities will include guiding entrepreneurs through the early stages of business planning and legal registration, and supporting them in achieving critical milestones such as market access, financial linkages, and operational compliance. The Incubation Officers will also leverage digital platforms to create both direct and online market opportunities for agricultural commodities.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive and resourceful facilitator, dedicated to nurturing the growth of individual entrepreneurs while simultaneously strengthening the broader agricultural and rural entrepreneurial landscape in Bangladesh.

Key roles and responsibilities

The Incubation Officer (IO) will be entrusted with the following key responsibilities:

A. Entrepreneurial Development & Business Support

• Provide dedicated mentorship and advisory services to trained entrepreneurs to ensure the sustainability and growth of their businesses.
• Provide comprehensive business guidance to enhance entrepreneurial skills, improve business operations, and facilitate the transition from training to sustainable business operations.
• Assist entrepreneurs in preparing robust business plans and in scaling their businesses, including establishing market linkages for both local and international (export) markets.
• Guide entrepreneurs through legal registration processes, compliance requirements, and adherence to industry standards.
• Facilitate direct and online-based market access for agricultural commodities through dedicated marketing platforms and E-commerce via mobile devices.

B. Program Facilitation & Ecosystem Enhancement

• Organize and conduct relevant program events, meetings, and platforms to share experiences, disseminate best practices, and foster innovation among entrepreneurs.
• Actively work to enhance the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem within the agricultural and rural sectors.
• Collect, manage, and maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of all supported entrepreneurs.

C. Reporting, Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare and submit MIS and Monthly reports of activities to the designated program coordinator.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of comprehensive Quarterly Reports, supported by all necessary documentation, to the Program Office.
• Contribute to the preparation of Annual Reports and a Final Report at the conclusion of the assignment, detailing all activities, outcomes, and the status of service recipients.
• Manage the administrative process for billing, including the preparation and submission of quarterly bills supported by attendance sheets, progress reports, and other evidence of services rendered.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Agribusiness, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of direct, hands-on experience in agribusiness development, agricultural marketing, or supply chain management within sectors such as agro-processing, agro-inputs, or agro-machinery.
• A proven track record of working with and supporting entrepreneurs, farmers, agribusinesses, and cooperatives and other stakeholders in agriculture value chains.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess business operations, market conditions, and financial data to provide actionable guidance.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building capabilities, comfortable engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders from the private sector, government, and NGOs.
• Ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions within the context of agribusiness and agricultural marketing systems.
• Practical experience in data management, report writing, and creating business presentations and marketing materials.
• A solid understanding of the challenges and dynamics within the agricultural entrepreneurship and agribusiness sectors.
• Familiarity with digital marketing and e-commerce platforms will be considered a significant advantage.

An attractive salary and benefit package will be offered according to the organization policy.

Application Instruction

Only those who meet the above requirements are requested to email CV (maximum 4 pages), one recent passport size photograph and motivational letter with competency related to job circular to the saf.bangladesh@susagfoundation.org mentioning the position applied on the subject line by 11 October 2025.

By applying for this position, the applicant gives his/her consent to use his/her CV in the project proposal.

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Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. SAF Bangladesh is an equal opportunity employer. All applications will be treated according to the merit and with strict confidentiality.