CALL FOR MENTORS & COACHES
FAO ICA 4 Project — Soybean Value Chain
Share your agribusiness expertise and help strengthen youth-led enterprises in seed multiplication, mechanization, and local soybean processing across Central and Eastern Provinces.
3
Priority Value Chains
2
Provinces Covered
12
Months Mentorship
100+
Youth Enterprises
About the FAO ICA 4 Project
The FAO ICA 4 Project is a strategic initiative focused on strengthening youth-led enterprises in Zambia's soybean value chain. Implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the project supports enterprise growth and market readiness across three priority areas.
Strengthen youth-led enterprises in the soybean value chain across Zambia
Promote innovation in seed multiplication, mechanization, and local processing
Enhance market readiness and enterprise growth for young agribusiness entrepreneurs
Expand inclusive economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs in agriculture
Three Priority Value Chains
The project targets youth-led enterprise growth across these critical areas of the soybean value chain.
Seed Multiplication
Supporting youth enterprises in certified seed production, quality assurance, and seed systems development to improve soybean yields across Zambia.
Mechanization Services
Enabling youth-led mechanization service enterprises to provide modern agricultural machinery solutions to smallholder farmers and growing operations.
Local Soybean Processing
Strengthening local processing enterprises in value addition, post-harvest handling, and soy product development for domestic and export markets.
Call for Mentors & Coaches
Jacaranda Hub, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), invites applications from experienced professionals and industry leaders to serve as Mentors and Coaches under the FAO ICA 4 Project.
We are seeking professionals with strong expertise in the soybean value chain and a commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises through structured guidance and business growth support.
Role of Mentors & Coaches
Mentors and coaches will provide structured guidance, strategic advice, and business growth support to selected enterprises by:
Areas of Expertise
We are seeking mentors and coaches with experience in the following areas.
Desired Profile
Ideal candidates should meet the following criteria.
Minimum 4 years of professional experience in agribusiness, soybean value chain development, mechanization, seed systems, or agro-processing
Demonstrated experience in mentorship, coaching, incubation, acceleration, or advisory support to startups and early-stage enterprises
Strong knowledge of business growth challenges and market opportunities for youth-led enterprises in the soybean value chain
Practical understanding of seed multiplication, mechanization services, or local soybean processing
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to guide entrepreneurs at different stages of growth
A strong commitment to youth empowerment, inclusive enterprise development, and sustainable agricultural livelihoods
Availability to dedicate a modest number of hours each month over a 12-month mentorship period
Preferred Attributes
The following attributes will strengthen your application.
Experience supporting youth entrepreneurs in Zambia or similar contexts, especially in agriculture or agribusiness
Knowledge of soybean production systems, post-harvest handling, processing, or agribusiness service delivery
Experience working with donor-funded programmes, innovation hubs, incubators, or enterprise support initiatives
Strong professional networks across agribusiness, input supply, mechanization, processing, finance, or market systems
Geographic Scope & Commitment
Geographic Focus
Central and Eastern Provinces of Zambia
Engagement Mode
Virtual, in-person, or hybrid mentorship and coaching
Commitment
12-month structured mentorship with modest monthly hours
Activities may include one-on-one mentoring, group coaching, business clinics, peer learning sessions, and networking support.
What Mentors Gain
Being a FAO ICA 4 mentor is an opportunity for professional growth and national impact in agriculture.
Agricultural Transformation
Contribute directly to strengthening youth-led enterprises in Zambia's soybean value chain.
Professional Network
Connect with agribusiness leaders, development partners, and FAO networks across Zambia.
National Visibility
Gain recognition within a national-level FAO programme implemented by Jacaranda Hub.
High-Impact Outcomes
Drive inclusive enterprise development outcomes that create lasting change in agriculture.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
For enquiries, contact [email protected]
Commitment to Inclusion
The FAO ICA 4 Project strongly encourages applications from:
- Women professionals in agribusiness
- Persons with disabilities
- Professionals from Central and Eastern Provinces