Value Chain Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Value Chain Development Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the agricultural sector in Afghanistan by coordinating value chains and conducting technical analyses. This position requires a proactive approach to facilitate capacity-building activities for value chain actors, forge partnerships, and implement sustainable strategies that will enhance the agribusiness sector and its value chains. The specialist will be responsible for designing and implementing tailored Value Chain Accelerator initiatives aimed at improving market integration and competitiveness for smallholder producers and agribusinesses. The role also involves conducting comprehensive market studies to identify consumer preferences and production gaps, providing data-driven recommendations for enterprise selection and value chain prioritization, and strengthening the institutional capacities of Farmer Organizations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The specialist will also be tasked with developing post-harvest management strategies to minimize losses and promote value addition, thereby enhancing income stability and food security in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Value Chain Development Specialist include:

• Contributing to the design and implementation of Value Chain Accelerator initiatives to enhance market integration and competitiveness for smallholder producers and agribusinesses.
• Conducting comprehensive market studies to identify consumer preferences, production gaps, and market opportunities.
• Providing inputs to strengthen the capacities of Farmer Organizations and SMEs in adopting sustainable practices.
• Designing and delivering targeted training programs, such as Farmer Field Schools, focusing on good agricultural practices and inclusive value chain development.
• Developing and implementing post-harvest management strategies to minimize losses and promote value addition.
• Conducting research to promote modernization and efficiency in rural value chains.
• Coordinating Business Development Services and matching grant activities to strengthen agribusinesses and farmer organizations.
• Ensuring that the work plans of BDS providers align with FAO’s quality standards.
• Supporting business planning and investment proposals to promote inclusive enterprise development. 1
• Establishing strategic partnerships with key value chain stakeholders to strengthen market linkages. 1
• Supporting project planning, coordination, and execution, ensuring consistency with FAO’s project management cycle. 1
• Monitoring project progress and providing feedback to supervisors on gaps and recommended actions. 1
• Drafting concept notes to enhance agricultural production and productivity. 1
• Organizing meetings and workshops to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing. 1
• Performing any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for this position include:

• An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in management, accounting, economics, agribusiness, or a related field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 1 year of relevant practical experience in grant projects and in the field of agricultural value chain development or rural business development.
• A working knowledge (Level C) of English is mandatory. Additional competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in management, accounting, economics, agribusiness, or a related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor’s degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the position.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant practical experience in grant projects and agricultural value chain development. Candidates with more extensive experience in related fields will be preferred, particularly those with experience working under emergency conditions or with international organizations, especially in the field of Value Chain and Agribusiness.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (Level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly local languages relevant to the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is likely to be a full-time role. The contract duration and seniority level may vary based on the specific needs of the FAO and the project requirements. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards and may include allowances for relocation, housing, and other benefits as applicable.