Assistant Value Chain Specialist (VCS-A)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to combat hunger. Founded in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, ensuring that people have regular access to sufficient high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The FAO Representation in Bangladesh was established in 1978 and has since been instrumental in supporting the country's initiatives in agriculture, food security, forestry, fisheries, livestock, rural development, and climate change. Bangladesh faces significant challenges, including rapid population growth, limited land resources, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change, which have made food security a pressing issue. Despite these challenges, the resilience of Bangladeshi farmers and fishers is noteworthy. The FAO's current project, Diversified Resilient Agriculture for Improved nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food and Nutrition Security (RAINS), is funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and aims to enhance the resilience of rural households against environmental and economic shocks, thereby improving nutrition and income through diversified agricultural practices and value chain improvements.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Value Chain Specialist (VCS-A) will play a crucial role in providing technical guidance for establishing and strengthening producer organizations (POs) under the RAINS project. Reporting to the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and working closely with the Senior Technical Adviser (STA) and the International Value Chain Specialist (VCS-I), the VCS-A will be responsible for supporting the implementation of project activities that enhance the capacity and effectiveness of POs. The position requires a deep understanding of value chains and the ability to analyze and prioritize activities that align with the needs of the POs. The VCS-A will also be involved in integrating digital solutions into marketing strategies and improving the digital literacy of beneficiaries to enhance their participation in value chains. This role is vital for ensuring that the project meets its objectives of improving food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will support the implementation of project activities, which include: assisting the STA and VCS-I in providing strategic, operational, and technical advice to the RAINS Project Management Unit (PMU) and district offices; building on SWOT analyses from Stage 1 roundtables to identify opportunities; helping POs prioritize activities within their value chains; reviewing and implementing findings from existing value chain analyses; developing detailed participatory plans for value chains; integrating digital solutions for marketing; supporting beneficiaries in improving digital literacy; writing activity reports and technical documents in English; and performing other related duties as assigned by the STA to ensure smooth project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in economics, agriculture, agronomy studies, development studies, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of experience in value chain development and related areas is required, including at least 3 years of field experience. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Bangladesh.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, agriculture, agronomy studies, or development studies. Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in value chain development, with at least 3 years of field experience. This experience should include working with producer organizations and understanding the agricultural landscape in Bangladesh.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered at salary level SC

• FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. For more information on employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.