Value Chain Officer (Staples)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been operational in India since 1951, focusing on various aspects of human development. The organization collaborates with the Government of India and various development partners to tackle issues such as poverty eradication, inequality reduction, local governance strengthening, environmental protection, and sustainable development. UNDP India operates in every state and union territory, working with national and subnational governments and diverse development actors to achieve people-centric results, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized communities. The organization is committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP India’s Country Programme for 2023-2027 aims to provide integrated development solutions across three strategic portfolios: accountable institutions for SDG achievement, enhanced economic opportunities and social protection, and climate-smart solutions for resilient development. The organization promotes South-South cooperation, gender equality, and social inclusion across its initiatives, supported by partnerships and innovative financing solutions.

Job Overview:
The Value Chain Officer (Staples) will play a crucial role in supporting the UNDP and the Deendayal Antodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in enhancing inclusive and market-led value chain development. The officer will focus on the assessment of key staples such as pulses, millets, and oilseeds, and will be responsible for designing and implementing interventions that promote economic participation and empowerment of women, particularly through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The position requires a strong analytical background to support the development of strategies that enhance productivity, market access, and value addition in the staples value chain. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and community organizations, to ensure the successful implementation of value chain interventions that align with the broader goals of the UNDP Country Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Value Chain Officer will be responsible for conducting participatory analyses of the staples value chain, identifying constraints and opportunities, and developing intervention strategies. Key duties include preparing value chain diagnostics and analytical reports, supporting the implementation of value chain interventions, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of programme outputs. The officer will also engage in monitoring and reporting on programme outcomes, develop operational tools and training modules, and facilitate private sector integration into the value chain. Additionally, the officer will document best practices and lessons learned to inform programme improvements and contribute to knowledge management efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong educational background and relevant experience in value chain development, particularly in staples such as pulses, millets, and oilseeds. A master's degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or a related field is required, or a bachelor's degree with additional qualifying experience. The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a master's degree or 4 years with a bachelor's degree, focusing on value chain analysis, intervention design, and programme implementation. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work effectively with government systems and multi-stakeholder partnerships, as well as experience in managing agricultural programmes that integrate gender-inclusive approaches.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Economics, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or Development Studies is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with additional qualifying experience may be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of value chain development and the socio-economic factors influencing rural livelihoods.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in staples value chain development, including value chain analysis, intervention design, and programme implementation. Candidates should have exposure to livelihoods promotion, agricultural markets, and experience working with producer collectives in rural development contexts. Prior experience with multilateral organizations and managing agricultural programmes that focus on gender inclusivity and market linkage solutions will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Hindi is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities involved in the value chain.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working with various stakeholders across different regions in India. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in its recruitment processes. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions in the future. Candidates are encouraged to use AI responsibly in their application process and should be aware of potential scams related to job applications.