Since 1963, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in 145 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 90 projects in 40 countries.
We are urgently seeking Market Linkages and Market Development Manager candidates for the Feed the Future Mali Cereal Value Chain project (CVC), funded by USAID (October 2013 until September 2018).
CVC will increase agriculture production, productivity and incomes of men and women farmers and of other value chain actors (including: input suppliers, farmers, traders, processors, wholesalers, buyers, exporters and service providers). The project stimulates various value-added income generating activities carried out by value chain actors, links value chain actors to markets, and reinforces support services that strengthen the value chain including agricultural technology providers and financial service providers. Also, CVC award seeks to identify and contribute to resolving key constraints with respect to the local and international enabling policy environment, to allow systematic and long-term transformation of the agricultural sector, led by the cereals value chains.
During the first half of CVC, working methods have been developed leading to a considerable increase in production and marketed volumes. However, further growth needs a specific effort on market development for millet, sorghum and rice during the second half of CVC.
Responsibilities:
– Market development for rice, millet and sorghum and processed products;
– Conduct analysis and necessary reflections for the development of a strategy and marketing action plan that will enable better positioning and increased market share and actors’ income;
– Provide technical assistance to program beneficiaries in one or more of the following fields: market identification and development, agricultural value chain development, agricultural supply chain management, private sector development, business development, regional and international trade policies, and promotion of investments;
– Provide technical assistance to agricultural product development via viable market orientation, taking into account the marketing issues related to the transition to high-value products.
– Maintain and develop strong partnerships with cooperatives, partners, collaborators, rural finance institutions and any other associated stakeholders.
– Contribute to training of farmers and producer groups to better understand and analyze their markets;
– Collaborate with the M&E Manager to develop monitoring and evaluation tools on marketing outcomes;
– Support extension staff working with farmers and producer groups to create new and/or diversified market linkages;
– Collaborate with the private sector to facilitate the purchasing and transport of agricultural products that meet target market quality standards.
– Ensure the reporting on results, changes, revenue generation and profitability of marketed volumes;
– Perform any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
– University degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, business management or other relevant field (advanced degree is preferred);
– Proven knowledge of Malian and West African Cereal Markets;
– Minimum six years of experience in one or more technical disciplines relevant to the above position, including market studies, economic growth, trade, value chain development, competitiveness, agricultural development programs;
– Demonstrated successful experience in implementing programs aimed at market development and increasing the competitiveness and inclusiveness of value chains, including agricultural value chains;
– Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in value chain development and USAID’s value chain approach is preferred
– Demonstrated creativity, willingness to innovate, think systemically and design catalytic approaches to intervening;
– Experience working with private sector actors (buyers, agribusinesses and financial institutions) is preferred.
– Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary teamwork;
– Strong verbal and writing skills
– Fluency in French is required, English is a great advantage, Bambara and/or other local languages is a plus;
– Ability and willingness for travelling in Mali.
The position is a local position, open to ECOWAS nationals.
Please apply online at info@acdivoca-mali.org and copy to rsidibe@acdivoca-mali.org.
No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted.
Application deadline is June 12, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Women and minorities encouraged to apply.