Value Chain & Food Systems Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP's vision for the future workforce emphasizes diversity, commitment, and high performance, ensuring that teams are selected based on merit and operate in an inclusive environment that reflects WFP's core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP is also recognized as a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms.

Job Overview:
The Value Chain & Food Systems Consultant position is a critical role within WFP Venezuela, aimed at strengthening local food systems and value chains in alignment with national development priorities and WFP’s Interim Country Strategic Plan (iCSP) for 2023–202

• The consultant will be instrumental in providing technical assistance to national agri-food system actors and institutions, focusing on improving efficient and inclusive value chains, enhancing logistical capacities, and developing institutional food procurement mechanisms. The role involves establishing strategic foundations, analytical frameworks, partnerships, and operational models necessary for guiding value chain development in Venezuela. The consultant will lead assessments, identify market development opportunities, strengthen connections between local production and markets, and support the design and implementation of value chain interventions. This position is not only about addressing immediate food security needs but also about building resilient food systems that can withstand future challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the design of WFP Venezuela’s Value Chain Strategy in alignment with national food system priorities; defining a theory of change and implementation roadmap for priority value chains; conducting comprehensive Value Chain Assessments and Market Development Assessments to identify key actors and bottlenecks; mapping Venezuela’s food value chains to uncover opportunities for WFP engagement; performing market feasibility and economic analyses; developing intervention packages for high-potential value chains; co-designing pilot initiatives; establishing partnerships with various stakeholders including government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors; facilitating market agreements to support price stability; supporting resource mobilization efforts; mentoring a national Value Chain Officer; developing internal tools and training modules; representing WFP in relevant coordination platforms; and undertaking any other activities as required by the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Agricultural Economics, Food Systems, Agribusiness, Development Studies, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 5-7 years of demonstrated experience in value chain development, agribusiness or market systems development, food systems strengthening, and conducting market analyses. Experience in partnership building with private sector and government entities is essential, as well as a strong asset in linking institutional demand with local agricultural markets. Familiarity with working in Latin America or similar middle-income contexts is preferred, along with experience in UN, international NGOs, or development agencies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Agricultural Economics, Food Systems, Agribusiness, Development Studies, Economics, Supply Chain, or related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of food systems and value chain dynamics, which are essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass value chain development, agribusiness, market systems development, and food systems strengthening. Candidates should also have a proven track record in conducting market analyses and assessments, as well as experience in partnership building with both private sector and governmental organizations. Experience in linking institutional demand with local agricultural markets is considered a strong asset, particularly in the context of social protection and public procurement initiatives. Familiarity with the Latin American region or similar middle-income environments is advantageous, as is experience working with UN agencies or international NGOs.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish and English at a level C is required for this position. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, government officials, and international organizations. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a CST-II type, with a duration of 6 months. The role is based in Caracas, Venezuela, and is expected to be full-time. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The organization offers an attractive compensation package, details of which can be found in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP also emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.