The Role

The Market Linkage Officer is responsible for developing and strengthening market access opportunities for farmers, cooperatives, aggregators, processors, and other value chain participants by connecting supply with profitable market demand. The role facilitates commercial relationships between producers and buyers while ensuring efficient execution of trade transactions, customer satisfaction, and long-term business sustainability.

Working closely with the Commercial, Supply Chain, Operations, and Value Chain teams, the Market Linkage Officer will identify new markets, establish strategic partnerships, coordinate buyer engagements, support contract execution, and strengthen market intelligence to improve sales volumes, increase producer incomes, and expand the Company's commercial footprint across domestic and export markets.

Key Responsibilities

Market Development & Business Linkages

Identify and develop new market opportunities for agricultural commodities across domestic and international markets.
Build and maintain strong relationships with institutional buyers, wholesalers, retailers, processors, exporters, hospitality businesses, and development partners.
Facilitate commercial linkages between producers, aggregators, and buyers.
Expand the Company's customer base through proactive business development initiatives.
Support market penetration and customer acquisition strategies.

Buyer Relationship Management

Develop and manage relationships with existing and prospective customers.
Understand customer requirements and coordinate supply solutions that meet quality, quantity, and delivery expectations.
Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through effective account management.
Resolve customer issues and coordinate timely responses to enquiries and complaints.
Promote long-term customer retention and repeat business.

Sales & Commercial Coordination

Support the negotiation and execution of commodity supply agreements.
Coordinate order processing and customer fulfilment activities.
Work closely with Commercial and Supply Chain teams to ensure timely product availability and delivery.
Monitor sales performance and contribute towards achieving revenue targets.
Support pricing discussions and commercial negotiations.

Market Intelligence & Research

Monitor commodity prices, customer demand, competitor activities, and emerging market trends.
Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities.
Prepare regular market intelligence reports to support commercial decision-making.
Identify high-potential sectors and geographic markets for expansion.
Provide insights that improve pricing strategies and commercial planning.

Value Chain Coordination

Collaborate with Value Chain Leads to align production with market demand.
Facilitate communication between farmers, aggregators, processors, logistics providers, and buyers.
Ensure efficient coordination throughout the supply chain to meet customer commitments.
Support demand forecasting and production planning.
Minimize supply disruptions through proactive coordination.

Contract & Trade Management

Support the preparation, administration, and monitoring of commercial contracts.
Ensure compliance with contractual obligations by all parties.
Monitor product delivery schedules and customer fulfilment.
Coordinate documentation required for domestic and export transactions.
Maintain accurate records of commercial agreements and customer transactions.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build productive relationships with government agencies, commodity associations, development organizations, financial institutions, and trade partners.
Represent the Company at trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer forums, and industry events.
Promote the Company's products, services, and value proposition to prospective customers.
Support partnership initiatives that expand market access and business opportunities.

Reporting & Performance Management

Maintain an up-to-date database of customers, buyers, and strategic partners.
Prepare periodic sales, customer, and market performance reports.
Monitor customer satisfaction and market performance indicators.
Track business opportunities from lead generation through contract execution.
Ensure timely submission of commercial activity reports.

Qualification & Skills

· Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Food Science, Supply Chain Management, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

· Master's Degree in Agribusiness, Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field will be an added advantage.

· Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in agricultural value chain management, commodity sourcing, agribusiness operations, food processing, supply chain management, or agricultural trading, with at least 4 years in a management role.

· Demonstrated experience managing wet commodities (fruits, vegetables, tubers, livestock, dairy, poultry, fisheries, etc.) or dry commodities (grains, legumes, cereals, spices, oilseeds, nuts, etc.).

· Professional certification in Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness, Project Management, Food Safety, or related disciplines will be an added advantage.

· Strong knowledge of agricultural production systems, commodity aggregation, post-harvest handling, warehousing, processing, logistics, and export operations.

· Good understanding of Nigerian agricultural markets, commodity pricing, contract farming, and farmer engagement models.

· Experience implementing quality management systems, traceability programmes, and food safety standards.