Cooperative Advisor – INSPIRE Project at Agriterra, Uganda, Lango

Job Description

Agriterra is an international non-profit organisation founded by the Dutch agricultural sector. We are dedicated to strengthening farmer organisations, because we believe they are the cornerstone of thriving rural communities.

By building on the success of the Dutch cooperative sector, we provide the knowledge, resources, and support farmer organisations need to grow stronger, thrive economically, and create lasting local prosperity.

With a strong presence in the countries where we work, Agriterra fosters collaboration and long-term impact.

Together, we sow the seeds of change today, for a thriving tomorrow.

About the INSPIRE Project

The Integrated and Sustainable Production for Inclusive Resilient Economies (INSPIRE) project is a five-year initiative focused on strengthening smallholder farmers’ incomes and resilience to climate and market shocks.

INSPIRE is implemented by a consortium led by GOAL and Wageningen Environmental Research, together with Resilience BV and Agriterra. The project works across nine districts in the Lango (Alebtong, Lira Rural, Amolatar, Dokolo) and Busoga (Kamuli, Buyende, Kaliro, Luuka, Jinja Rural) sub-regions.

At the heart of INSPIRE is a simple belief: when farmer organisations are strong, inclusive and well-governed, farmers are better able to shape their own future.

Location: Uganda – Lango & Busoga sub-regions

Your role as a Cooperative Advisor

We are looking for one Cooperative Advisor who believes in the power of collective action and wants to help farmer organisations in the Lango sub region take their next step.

In this role, you work closely with cooperatives and farmer groups throughout their development journey – from first assessment to long-term sustainability. You support change from within, strengthen governance and business performance, and help cooperatives turn shared ambition into practical results.

You will spend much of your time in the field, partnering up with farmer organisations, facilitating dialogue, guiding planning processes and supporting business-oriented growth.

What you will do

Map and understand farmer organisations

• Identify and map cooperatives and farmer groups with growth potential
• Visit organisations to understand their history, structure, management practices, business models and value for members

Assess and guide development

• Assess cooperatives using the INSPIRE cooperative assessment methodology
• Look at governance, financial management, business potential, climate resilience and member commitment
• Support cooperatives through Agriterra’s categorisation and graduation pathway

Build capacity and confidence

• Organise and deliver practical trainings on governance, financial management and business planning
• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning and exchange visits between cooperatives

Plan for progress

• Support cooperatives in developing milestone-based action plans
• Monitor progress and adjust advisory support where needed

Provide hands-on advisory support

• Advise cooperatives on production, finance, marketing and organisational development
• Mobilise specialised expertise through Agriterra’s Agripool network

Strengthen participation and voice

• Support inclusive participation of women, youth and remote farmers
• Assist cooperatives with advocacy planning around market and policy challenges

Support participatory planning (PIP)

• Assist cooperatives in developing and implementing Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP)
• Link household and community plans with cooperative strategies

Track progress and sustainability

• Monitor cooperative development using Agriterra’s graduation tools
• Document progress, lessons learned and achievements
• Support cooperatives towards long-term sustainability

Who we are looking for

You are motivated by working closely with farmers and cooperatives, and you believe that lasting change comes from within strong organisations. You are comfortable in the field, enjoy facilitating dialogue, and bring a practical, business-oriented mindset.

You bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, agriculture, economics, development studies, entrepreneurship or a related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in agricultural or rural development projects
• Experience working with cooperatives and farmer groups
• Strong facilitation and advisory skills
• A proactive, flexible and results-oriented approach
• Willingness to travel frequently to rural areas