Millet Value Chain Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts aimed at achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition for all. With a membership of 194 states and operations in over 130 countries, including Namibia, FAO plays a crucial role in supporting the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization is committed to the 2030 Agenda and aims to ensure better production, nutrition, environment, and life for all, leaving no one behind. FAO Country Offices, led by an FAO Representative, assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to enhance food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, while also promoting sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Millet Value Chain Expert position is designed to provide targeted technical assistance to the Government of Namibia, focusing on the millet value chain, particularly pearl millet (Mahangu). This role involves mapping the production, processing, and marketing stages of millet, identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement, and proposing technologies and quality standards to enhance the value chain. The expert will also engage with farmer groups, cooperatives, and SMEs to train them on best practices and propose policies that strengthen the millet value chain. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the local agricultural context and aims to enhance the productivity and commercial viability of millet production, which is vital for food security in Namibia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Millet Value Chain Expert will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including supporting technical and consultative activities to strengthen Namibia’s mahangu value chain. Key responsibilities include: conducting a comprehensive analysis of the mahangu value chain covering production, processing, and marketing stages; identifying opportunities for climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable transformation; preparing analytical reports for stakeholder review; facilitating stakeholder validation workshops; finalizing the national mahangu value chain analysis report; supporting national counterparts in formulating a national action plan for the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative for mahangu; and providing technical guidance on proposed interventions and priority areas for policy and investment support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of working experience in national, regional, or international organizations focusing on cereal value chains is required, along with a strong understanding of the local context. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Namibia or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Food Science, or Food Technology. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively analyze and improve the millet value chain in Namibia.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in the field of cereal value chains, which may include roles in national, regional, or international organizations. This experience should provide a solid understanding of the local agricultural context and the challenges faced within the millet value chain.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline. The role is focused on national operations within Namibia, and candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job posting.