National Value Chain 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. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO Mongolia specifically focuses on ensuring nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security for the population, coordinating various projects and programs in areas such as research, capacity building, natural resource management, and emergency response operations.

Job Overview:
The National Value Chain Specialist will play a crucial role in the development of inclusive and sustainable value chains, particularly in the beef, cashmere, and sheep sectors. This position requires a deep understanding of market analysis and the promotion of sustainable agricultural growth through improved production, processing, and marketing practices. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including herders, processors, and government agencies, to facilitate partnerships and contractual arrangements that enhance the value chain. The role also involves conducting assessments on market demand and implementing traceability and quality assurance mechanisms to align with market requirements. The specialist will be responsible for documenting success stories and best practices to improve competitiveness and market transparency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Value Chain Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: facilitating linkages between herders and beef processors, supporting the establishment of contractual arrangements, conducting market assessments, and introducing traceability and quality assurance mechanisms. In the cashmere sector, the specialist will focus on marketing strategies, collaboration with processors, and supporting producer cooperatives. For the sheep value chain, the role includes identifying market opportunities and facilitating joint marketing activities. Additionally, the specialist will conduct value chain analyses, support business planning and financial literacy training, and contribute to the formulation of guidelines to improve competitiveness. Coordination with various stakeholders and reporting on progress will also be key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Economics, Business, Agribusiness, or Agricultural Economics. A minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural value chains and product development is required. Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory, and knowledge of any other UN language is considered an advantage. Candidates must be nationals of Mongolia or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in fields related to economics, business, agribusiness, or agricultural economics. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural value chains and the economic principles that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in agricultural value chains and agricultural product development. This experience should include proven abilities in value chain development, product monitoring, and analysis, as well as experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government, private sector, and producer groups.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of any other UN language would be an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must have higher educational qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.