Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. 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 in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 60 projects in 30 countries and total revenues of $173 million.
Short Term Technical Support, Maize and Groundnuts Value Chain Studies,Food, Agribusiness and Rural Markets (FARM) Project, Juba, South Sudan
We are currently seeking short-term technical assistance to enhance and strengthen existing value chain levels of maize and groundnuts in the highly productive greenbelt region in South Sudan. The USAID-funded Food, Agribusiness and Rural Markets (FARM) project is a five year project being implemented in South Sudan with particular emphasis on smallholder producers. The project contributes to value chain competitiveness and agricultural commodities such as maize and groundnuts, among others, to increase trade which will result in higher rural incomes, improved food security, and better economic opportunities for the rural poor. The Maize and Groundnuts Value Chain Specialist will describe and recommend viable models of value chain development for selected commodities of maize and groundnuts in order to contribute to sustainable agricultural economic development in South Sudan. This opportunity will last 30 days starting from 1st September 2014.
Responsibilities:
· Conduct value chain assessment of maize and groundnuts; map existing value chain levels that involve private sector actors, processors, associations, and farmers
· Identify and list value chain actors and potential players at each level for maize and groundnuts
· Identify gaps, challenges, constraints, and opportunities; including gains for maize and groundnuts value chains at different levels
· Identify potential areas for value chain development
· Recommend sustainable value chain development models for maize and groundnuts
· Provide an action plan for implementing the value chain strategies to achieve the recommendations in a sustainable manner
· Provide monitoring tools for maize and groundnuts value chain products at each level to check movement, volumes of trade/sales and trade routes.
Qualifications:
· Master’s degree in international trade, economics, business administration or other relevant area
· Minimum ten years of progressive professional experience working on private sector development or agricultural value chain development projects
· Demonstrated knowledge of USAID value chain development frameworks
· Experience with value chain finance analysis, design of implementation interventions and monitoring
· Previous experience working on similar assignments, particularly in East Africa
· Strong analytical and reporting skills
How to apply:
Please send a cover letter and CV to FARM@joinav.org. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.
