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 Grain Marketing Development,Food, Agribusiness and Rural Markets (FARM) Project, Juba, South Sudan
We are currently seeking short-term technical assistance to produce tools and strategies for sustainable markets for commodity grains, with a particular focus on maize to increase and expand competitive market access. 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 Grain Marketing Development Specialist will help to alleviate constraints to market access for grain commodities in the value chain by establishing viable market linkages among farmers, producer organizations, and private traders. This opportunity will last 45 days starting from 18th August 2014.
Responsibilities:
· Conduct market assessment of private traders and associations for maize grain marketing
· Establish tiers/levels of maize grain commodity trading for private traders. cooperative societies, and unions by volume of trade, value, and scale of operation; determine the sizes of businesses and establish constraints and potential areas for each tier/level
· Formulate strategies of linkages between cooperative societies and private traders for a commercially viable grain marketing within and outside the greenbelt areas
· Assess financial capacities and financial needs for different tiers/levels and potential to access grants and financial services
· Establish potential linkages with financial service institutions
· Map existing grain trading routes and establish potential trading routes for maize grain
· Provide grain monitoring tools to check grain movement, volumes of trade/sales, and trade routes.
Qualifications:
- University degree in agribusiness, marketing, business administration or related subject
- Understanding of East Africa grain trade marketing systems
- Strong grounding in development and commercial finance
- Private sector experience preferred
- Strong analytical and report writing skills
- Experience working on similar assignments (East Africa preferred)
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.
