The Commodity Based Trade (CBT) Manager will lead the development, operationalization, and scaling of Commodity Based Trade systems in Botswana’s beef sector, with a particular focus on communal rangelands and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-affected areas.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Agriculture
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, operationalization, and scaling of Commodity Based Trade systems in Botswana’s beef sector.
- Focus on communal rangelands and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-affected areas.
Requirements
- Requirements not explicitly listed in the visible text.
How to Apply
Apply online: www.conservation.org
About the Company
Conservation International (CI) is an American nonprofit environmental organization headquartered in Crystal City, Virginia. Founded in 1987 by Spencer Beebe and Peter Seligmann, it works internationally on biodiversity conservation and the links between ecosystems and human well-being, with programs that include climate and marine initiatives and work with governments, communities and other partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Commodity Based Trade (CBT) Manager role in Botswana’s agriculture sector?
A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, or Environmental Management is commonly required; postgraduate qualifications or certifications in supply chain management, sustainable trade, or climate-smart agriculture are highly valued. Professional memberships such as with the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) or the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) accreditation may strengthen applications.
What does a typical day look like for a CBT Manager working on conservation-linked agricultural trade in Botswana?
Day-to-day responsibilities include coordinating with smallholder farmer groups, verifying compliance with sustainability standards (e.g., Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance), and liaising with local authorities like the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Field visits to farming cooperatives in regions such as Central or Kgalagadi Districts are frequent, alongside reporting to both national partners and international conservation stakeholders.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for this role in Botswana compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy, relationship-based stakeholder engagement, and consensus-driven decision-making are central — especially when working with traditional leadership structures like kgotlas or village development committees. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility around community events or seasonal farming cycles is expected and understood in practice.
What realistic career progression paths exist for a CBT Manager in Botswana’s conservation-agriculture space?
With experience, professionals often advance to senior technical roles such as National Programme Coordinator or transition into policy advisory positions with government agencies like the Department of Forestry and Range Resources. Others move into regional roles with SADC-level institutions or lead private-sector sustainability initiatives with agro-processors registered under the Botswana Exporters Association.
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, or pension — are typically offered to CBT Managers employed by international NGOs in Botswana?
Employers usually provide at least 22–30 days annual leave, full medical aid coverage through local providers like BONFIRE or Medshield Botswana, and mandatory membership in the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BOPOPF) or a comparable private scheme. Some also offer study leave support for relevant short courses accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).
How should I apply for a CBT Manager role in Botswana, and what do employers specifically look for in candidates?
Applications must be submitted via official channels — often through the NGO’s website or Botswana’s national job portal (e.g., Botswana Job Portal or LinkedIn with ‘Botswana’ location filter) — and include certified academic documents and police clearance from the Botswana Police Service. Employers prioritise demonstrable experience working with rural communities, knowledge of Botswana’s Agricultural Marketing Act, and fluency in Setswana alongside English.