Vacancy: Cassava Value Chain Advisor: at Chemonics International Inc.
Chemonics International Inc., a leading international development firm based in Washington, D.C www.chemonics.com seeks qualified candidates for a five-year agricultural value-chain development project funded by the U.S. Agency for international Development (USAID). The positions will be based in Warri, Delta State. Any successful candidates will possess the following:
Position: Cassava Value Chain Advisor:
- The Cassava Value Chain Advisor will be based in Warri, Delta state and will support cassava activities initially in Delta, Ondo and Edo states. Other states in the Niger Delta could be added as the program develops and matures.
- The Cassava Value Chain Advisor shall coordinate all activities including liaison with agro-processors, feasibility studies for cassava value addition, facilitation of farmer mobilization, awareness creation at all levels, post-harvest handling.
- S/he will supervise on-farm demonstrations on improved technologies and new practices required by specific buyer(s) to improve competitiveness at the farm level assist with development of training materials and training in collaboration with service providers. In addition to technical tasks, the Cassava Value Chain Advisor will assist with M&E activities, draft scopes of work and provide inputs for quarterly reports. As directed by the Director of Agricultural Productivity (DAP) and the Senior Program Manager (SPM). the Cassava Value Chain Advisor is charged with supervision of activities in support of cassava program, directly or via delegation, as is appropriate. These include but are not limited to the following tasks:
Responsibilities:
- Development of the cassava annual work plans
- Implementation of cassava specific plans of action in collaboration with partners, and client firms etc. and, design training programs as needed for successful implementation in cassava production, handling/processing, storage, packing, transporting, etc.
- Manage the planning, implementation and monitoring of cassava specific activities including but not limited to: drafting scopes of work for short-term consultancies; identifying local trainers, technical advisors, and marketing specialists in support of cassava program activities; coordinating work of consultants to ensure timely delivery of quality products; and supervisory review of the cassava development action plans and the effectiveness of activities,
- Facilitate market studies and market linkage analyses that will contribute to building commodity-chain awareness, improving marketing infrastructure, and enhancing domestic competitiveness.
- Establish close and effective working relations with key organizations and ensure integration and coordination of cassava development activities with other donors, government or private initiatives targeting the cassava sector.
- Provide technical assistance to producers and agribusinesses in order to identify needs and enhance the business skills for market development and product branding based on consumer preferences and Quality requirements- achieve greater yields of high quality products by demonstrating appropriate agronomic practices, facilitate producer and processors access to credit, inputs and other related services; conduct marketing assessments. Provide input to quarterly and annual reports, and work planning exercises.
- Responsible for the collection of data from partners and submission of same to the M & E unit.
- Other tasks as assigned by the DAP or SPM considered necessary to achieve success and which are consistent with the overall nature of the contract and the work plan.
Qualifications:
- The successful candidate will have as minimum a MSc. degree from a first class university in Agriculture with preferably a specialization in Agronomy or crop production.
- She/he will have a minimum of 7 year experience in cassava production and post-harvest processing.
- Private sector experience is a plus. Experience in USAID or other donor funded cassava value chain development projects is an advantage.
- She/he will have extensive experience working with farmer groups and associations and have experience as a trainer of adults.
- She/he is familiar with the working conditions in the Niger Delta and is able and willing to travel extensively in the region.
- S/he must, be a team player, able to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. She/he has excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
How to Apply:
To apply, Please email a full CV detailing all relevant professional experience and achievements, a cover letter detailing qualifications in relation to the position, and three professional references not later 20thFebruary, 2013 to: [email protected] .
Please specify ‘the position in the subject line. Only candidates will be contacted. Chemonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
