Agricultural Finance Specialist
ProsperaImpact is a boutique, senior-led advisory firm specialising in development finance, inclusive finance and sustainable finance solutions. We work with development finance institutions, donors, financial institutions, public agencies and ecosystem stakeholders to design and implement practical, high-impact programmes that expand access to finance, support inclusive growth and accelerate sustainable transition. Our work spans areas such as gender and youth finance, SME finance, green and climate finance, agricultural and rural finance, microfinance, blended finance, guarantee mechanisms, market assessments, institutional diagnostics, programme design, monitoring and impact assessment. With a strong field orientation and hands-on implementation approach, we support clients across Türkiye, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, the Balkans and MENA.
ProsperaImpact is expanding its pool of experts working on agricultural finance, rural development, sustainable agriculture, climate-smart investments and inclusive financing solutions for farmers, cooperatives, agri-SMEs and agricultural value chain actors.
We are looking for an experienced Agricultural Finance Specialist with strong exposure to donor- and IFI-funded projects, preferably with hands-on experience in the design and implementation of agricultural development and agricultural finance programmes involving banks, public institutions, donors and international financial institutions.
About the Role
The Agricultural Finance Specialist will contribute to ProsperaImpact’s advisory assignments in areas such as agricultural and rural finance, sustainable agriculture finance, climate-smart agriculture, agri-SME finance, farmer financing, cooperative finance, value chain finance, green investments in agriculture, guarantee mechanisms and blended finance.
The role will involve market assessments, feasibility studies, agricultural value chain analysis, stakeholder consultations, financial institution diagnostics, programme design, capacity-building support and donor-standard reporting. We are looking for someone who combines strong technical understanding of the agricultural sector with practical experience in how agricultural finance programmes are designed, implemented and translated into viable solutions for financial institutions, public agencies and end beneficiaries.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead and/or contribute to the design, planning and implementation of agricultural finance, rural development, sustainable agriculture and climate-smart agriculture assignments.
· Conduct and supervise market assessments, feasibility studies, needs assessments and technical analyses related to farmers, cooperatives, agri-SMEs, rural MSMEs, agricultural value chains and financial institutions serving the agriculture sector.
· Analyse agricultural value chains, production systems, farmer segments, investment needs, risks, seasonal cash flows, advisory needs and barriers to finance.
· Assess banks’, MFIs’ and other financial institutions’ agricultural finance products, delivery models, credit assessment practices, risk management approaches, MIS/reporting systems and non-financial service offerings.
· Contribute to the design of agricultural credit lines, guarantee schemes, blended finance structures, technical assistance programmes, extension/advisory models and non-financial service packages for farmers and agri-SMEs.
· Support the development of financing approaches for climate-smart agriculture, resource efficiency, water efficiency, sustainable farming practices, renewable energy in agriculture, green technologies and rural resilience.
· Coordinate interviews, consultations, workshops and field visits with donors, IFIs, banks, MFIs, public institutions, ministries, farmer organisations, cooperatives, agribusinesses, private sector actors, civil society organisations and other ecosystem stakeholders.
· Prepare, review and quality-assure donor-standard deliverables, including inception reports, assessment reports, market studies, feasibility reports, strategy notes, action plans, concept notes, presentations and final reports.
· Ensure that project outputs are practical, evidence-based, technically sound and aligned with donor/IFI expectations and ProsperaImpact’s quality standards.
· Maintain regular communication with clients, partners and stakeholders, supporting meeting preparation, follow-up notes, reporting and relationship management.
Required Qualifications
· Minimum 10 years of professional experience in agricultural development, rural development, agricultural finance, development finance, sustainable agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, agri-SME finance or related fields.
· Demonstrated experience in donor- and/or IFI-funded projects. Experience with institutions such as EBRD, World Bank, IFC, AFD, KfW, EIB, EU, FAO, IFAD, UN agencies or similar organisations would be a strong asset.
· Experience in the design and/or implementation of agricultural development and agricultural finance projects involving banks, public institutions, donors and/or international financial institutions.
· Strong understanding of agricultural value chains, farmer financing needs, rural MSMEs, cooperatives, agri-SMEs and the challenges of financing agriculture.
· Experience in sustainable agriculture, regenerative agriculture, climate adaptation, water efficiency, resource efficiency, organic agriculture, good agricultural practices or green technologies in agriculture.
· Experience working on agricultural credit lines, guarantee schemes, value chain finance, rural finance, green finance, climate-smart agriculture investments, extension services or non-financial services for farmers and agri-SMEs.
· Experience supporting banks or financial institutions in developing agricultural finance products, farmer segmentation, credit appraisal tools, non-financial services or advisory models.
· Experience with public agricultural support mechanisms, rural development agencies, ministries of agriculture, credit guarantee funds, chambers, cooperatives or farmer organisations.
· Experience in stakeholder consultations, field research, institutional assessments, market research, qualitative interviews, focus groups and/or farmer or agri-SME surveys.
· Excellent written and spoken English and Turkish, including proven ability to prepare donor-standard reports and technical deliverables.
· Strong analytical, writing and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex sectoral and field findings into practical recommendations.
· Ability to conduct field visits and engage directly with farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses and rural ecosystem actors.
· Ability to work independently in a flexible consulting environment while collaborating closely with senior experts and project teams.
· Degree or professional background in agricultural engineering, agronomy, agricultural economics or a closely related agricultural field would be a strong asset.
· Project experience in Türkiye, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans, Eastern Europe or MENA.
What We Offer
ProsperaImpact offers the opportunity to work in a boutique, senior-led advisory firm focused on meaningful and practical development impact. The selected expert will contribute to high-quality assignments with donors, IFIs, financial institutions, public agencies and ecosystem partners, and will be part of a growing platform that values technical excellence, collaboration, trust and hands-on implementation.
This role is well suited for professionals who want to use their agricultural development and agricultural finance experience in a flexible, entrepreneurial and impact-oriented consulting environment.
Application
Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and a short cover note to info@prosperaimpact.com.
Position: Agricultural Finance Specialist
Engagement type: Project-based / part-time / full-time options may be considered
Location: Türkiye-based preferred; remote work and field travel may be required
Language: Excellent command of English and Turkish is required.