Agriculture Specialist: Origination

Are you passionate about advancing agriculture and contributing to sustainable farming practices? Our client in the banking sector is seeking an **Agriculture Specialist: Origination** to be based in Polokwane, Limpopo. This is your chance to make a difference in the agricultural sector, supporting both commercial and emerging farmers.

**Key Responsibilities**: As an Agriculture Specialist: Origination, you will play a crucial role in evaluating the business case viability of financing customers. Your responsibilities will include providing specialist inputs, conducting on-site visits, and offering ongoing technical advice to the provincial team. Key performance areas include:

- **Specialist Inputs into Business Case Viability**:

- Provide support to Commercial Bankers in structuring financial solutions.
- Conduct detailed assessments of potential business transactions.
- Determine the development phase of farming ventures and assess relevant conditions.
- Conduct on-site visits for asset valuation and viability evaluation.
- Make recommendations on financing requests and terms.
- **Provincial Agricultural Knowledge Database and Knowledge Sharing**:

- Collect and process information related to property, production costs, profit margins, and more.
- Maintain an up-to-date database and share knowledge at a divisional level.
- Contribute information to the national agricultural specialists' database.
- Transfer knowledge to empower the team's understanding of the technical context.
- **Customer and Stakeholder Relationship Management**:

- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Participate in agricultural events, contribute to research, and represent Land Bank in relevant forums.
- Ensure stakeholders are aware of Land Bank's products and principles related to agricultural financing.
- Stay informed about provincial initiatives and strengthen relationships for future business opportunities.

**Preferred Qualifications and Experience**:

- A relevant 3-year qualification in Agriculture or equivalent.
- 5 years of experience in Agricultural Extension Services or Agricultural businesses, Co-ops, or similar organizations.

**Critical Competencies**:

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge/experience of financial and business analytical principles, tools, and systems.
- Familiarity with property valuation principles, agricultural economics, risk management, and lending/credit assessment principles.
- Financial and business acumen.

**Additional Requirements**:

- Willingness to work extended hours and travel as required.
- Stay updated on agricultural economic trends.