CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: Counterpart International
Country: Senegal
Closing date: 17 Oct 2014

Counterpart International is seeking a Value Chain Specialist (VCS) to support the USAID/Senegal Naatal Mbay Project based in Senegal. The project’s goal to increase the agriculture sector’s contribution to economic growth through an inclusive, private sector-led value chain approach is supported by three key components: (a) increase agriculture productivity in the rice, maize and millet sectors; (b) improve agriculture markets; and (c) strengthen the agriculture policy environment. The VCS will be responsible for identifying maize and rice value chains linking smallholder producers to markets and exploiting these opportunities for the benefit of said farmers. This position will seek to increase overall rice and maize production of smallholder farmers and improve processing and storage to decrease post-harvest losses. Identify all players in the selected value chains and increase the ability of poor farmers to access market information, look for innovative product outlets, develop and introduce more efficient and better use of and access to inputs for poor farmers. These activities will involve the analysis of current value chains and the identification of gaps, opportunities and constraints that currently limit market access and participation to smallholder farmers. This position will work in close collaboration with the Capacity Development Specialist to ensure overall better market performance and integration of small holder producers. The VCS should also have knowledge about gender, youth and excluded persons as it relates to agricultural inputs, outputs and access to markets, which is a cross cutting theme of the program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct value chain assessment of maize and rice; map existing value chain levels that involve private sector actors, processors, associations, and farmers.
• Identify and collaborate with maize and rice value chain actors and potential players at all levels.
• Identify gaps, challenges, constraints, and opportunities in both market access and production and storage of maize and rice.
• Facilitate market driven linkages between smallholder farmers, input/output dealers, wholesalers, processors and marketers and other relevant players.
• Oversee agricultural production activities, focused on “best fit” agricultural technologies with regional and local groups to facilitate increased innovation with project partners and technical assistance recipients.
• Improve marketing systems with stakeholders involved in the value chain associations and increase the use of business service providers to improve marketing plans, working with selected food processors, implementing partners, and suppliers.
• Provide technical agricultural and market access guidance services to grantees/implementing partners for widespread distribution.
• Recommend sustainable value chain development models for maize and rice.
• Target and integrate women, youth and disadvantaged groups into trainings and market access operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master or equivalent in agriculture, business management or similar social science field.
• At least six (6) years of field experience analyzing, developing and strengthening farmer’s ability to participate in value chains.
• Must have strong knowledge of value chain management, development and expansion.
• Must be familiar with Senegalese agricultural markets, specifically rice and maize.
• Work experience increasing productivities of rice and maize is required.
• Demonstrated experience introducing new methods and technologies to farmers.
• Experience with post-harvest methods preferred.
• Strong knowledge of input and output markets.
• Must have demonstrated expertise in identifying opportunities for integrating smallholder farmers into market systems.
• Prior experience with the implementation and reporting structure of USAID projects is preferred.
• Commitment to gender integration; youth and excluded persons, previous experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational and reporting skills
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent French and English writing skills.
• Fluency in French and English are required. Knowledge of local Senegalese languages preferred.

How to apply:

http://www.counterpart.org/