SUMMARY: ACDI/VOCA is implementing a 21-month project in Liberia under the USAID-funded Feed the Future Partnership for Climate Smart Cocoa, led by the World Cocoa Foundation. The Partnership aims to increase private sector investment and engagement that promotes and supports the adoption of climate smart agriculture; fostering resilience and sustainability for farmers and the sector. The Liberia project seeks to improve market outcomes for cocoa agroforestry smallholders, with a focus on non-cocoa products; providing a market incentive for this climate smart approach. ACDI/VOCA seeks an experienced Market Development Specialist (MDS) to lead the Liberia project. The MDS is responsible for all aspects of the project, including planning, implementation, management, evaluation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. S/he will be based in either Bong, Lofa or Nimba County, and will work out her/his home. Employment will begin by 1 October 2016, and last up to 21 months. S/he will identify end market opportunities that improve cocoa agroforestry market outcomes; design and facilitate trainings and technical assistance; link producers to information, markets, inputs, and finance; and engage the private sector.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop program strategy and plans with ACDI/VOCA HQ project team
- Implements day-to-day activities, including market analysis, producer-buyer linkages, and training
- Completes technical, financial and operational reporting, with ACDI/VOCA HQ project manager
- Cultivates relationships with key stakeholders including industry associations, working groups (e.g., CSTWG), NGOs, government, universities, research, and the private sector; to maximize outcomes
- Represents ACDI/VOCA at meetings, workshops, and other events.
- Ensures all communications, activities and training materials meet donor and ACDI/VOCA policies
- Performs other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Familiarity with cocoa agroforestry systems and value chains applicable to these systems
- Knowledge of productivity and quality improvement technologies
- Working knowledge and experience with implementing train-the trainers programs aimed at producers
- Understanding of climate change issues relevant to cocoa production and cocoa agroforestry systems,
- Demonstrated success implementing value chain development programs relevant to cocoa agroforestry systems, using facilitative and inclusive approaches
- Familiarity with USAID policies and procedures
- Proven ability to manage deadlines, work independently with minimal supervision, submit high-quality work plans, prioritize workload, and multi-task in fast-paced environment
- Excellent critical thinking skills and sound judgment.
- Strong written and spoken English communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders, including negotiating, advising, and persuading
- Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail)
- Willingness to travel to project sites around target county, up to 50% of the time
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in agribusiness or related field; Masters preferred
- Minimum seven (7) years implementing value chain development programs in Liberia, including working with cocoa agroforestry producers and private sector actors; with attention to environment and climate
- Minimum five (5) years leading above programming in Liberia; including design, management, reporting
HOW TO APPLY:
TO APPLY: Please send your CV and cover letter to AVLiberia@joinav.org with Liberia Climate Smart Cocoa MDS in the subject line. Please paste your cover letter into the body of the email and attach it. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.
