Market Linkages/Value Chain Specialist, Tanzania

Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society.

ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 90 projects in 40 countries and revenues of $140 million.

Market Linkages/Value Chain Specialist, Tanzania

We are currently seeking a senior-level professional with experience in market linkages and value chain development for a long-term position on a USAID-funded value chain project in Tanzania.

The project’s primary objective will be to increase rice and maize production and competitiveness.

To this end, technical components will focus on improved farming techniques and best practices; improved farm management; increased market linkages and competitiveness; trade facilitation and regulatory reform; value chain development for vulnerable groups; and other activities that promote food security.

The Market Linkages/Value Chain Specialist will lead activities focused on market development and the creation of linkages within the grain trade sector.

The position will be based in Morogoro.

Responsibilities:

• Create and implement strategies to develop market linkages, map out key marketing systems and engage market actors.
• Review and assess existing marketing associations and their linkages to end markets.
• Train local service providers, farmers and/or producer groups to better understand and analyze their markets.
• Work with local value chain actors—farmers, producer groups traders, services providers, millers and buyers—to create new and/or diversified market linkages.
• Build understanding among agricultural producers of the advantages of using storage and warehousing.
• Facilitate linkages between traders and newly established warehouses.
• Coordinate communications among various value chain actors to improve the flow of market information.
• Provide technical assistance encouraging producers to cultivate value-added, market-oriented products.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with cooperatives, partners, collaborators, rural finance institutions and other associated value chain actors.

Qualifications:

• University degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, business management or other relevant field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 6+ years of experience with agricultural market and value chain development, including economic growth, trade, value chain development, competitiveness and agricultural development programs.
• Experience working with private sector actors including buyers, agribusinesses and financial institutions is preferred.
• Demonstrated successful experience implementing programs aimed at increasing the competitiveness and inclusiveness of value chains, including agricultural value chains.
• Demonstrated knowledge of good/best practices in value chain development and USAID’s value chain approach is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience designing innovative and catalytic approaches for intervention.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required. Fluency in Swahili is preferred.
• Experience working in Tanzania and/or East Africa is required.

To be considered for this recruitment, please submit a resume to AVtanzania@joinav.org.

No phone calls please.

Only finalists contacted.

Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.

All applications must be received by May 28, 2012