Value Chain Specialist (2 year Contract)

Value Chain Specialist (VCS) is central to the implementation of the value chain. Designing, conducting and facilitating value chain analysesroach (VCA) in the Project.

CHF is currently recruiting for the position of Value Chain Specialist for the Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) project in the Caribbean. The incumbent will work out of the PROPEL regional office in Welches, Christ Church, Barbados.This position has a 2-year term, with a possibility of renewal.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The PROPEL project is an economic growth project which uses the value chain approach within a market-led development framework. The Project operates in the fresh produce sub-sector and seeks to increase the quantity and value of Caribbean fresh produce accessing high-value markets in the Caribbean and internationally. This CAD$20 million initiative, which is funded primarily by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), is being implemented in the Caribbean by CHF, in partnership with the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN) and the Caribbean Group of Youth Business Trusts (CGYBT). Over the course of 5 years and working in 8 countries, PROPEL will support up to 28,000 small scale Caribbean farmers and producers.

The Project is grounded in a market-led approach, with producers being supported to access high-value markets (e.g. supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines and airlines), based on agreed quality and food safety standards. PROPEL takes a holistic approach to market access, tackling various challenges that small to medium-sized producers face in delivering fresh produce in a consistent and reliable way, while strengthening relationships between producers and buyers.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to PROPEL’s Project Director, the Value Chain Specialist (VCS) is central to the implementation of the value chain approach (VCA) in the Project. S/he will be responsible for designing, conducting and facilitating value chain analyses, coordinating preparation of value chain plans, and monitoring and advising implementation of these plans. S/he will also be responsible for ensuring that the principles of inclusiveness (gender, youth, geographic) and sustainability (risk management, relationships, structures, processes) crosscut both value chain planning and entrepreneurial opportunities. S/he will provide ongoing advice and technical support to PROPEL staff and other project stakeholders, as well as providing capacity development support for community mobilization and more effective production and engagement with markets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the VCS will have the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• In collaboration with PROPEL’s Barbados-based Marketing Specialist, identify promising value chains and associated   entrepreneurial opportunities in the fresh produce sub-sector based on market demand, ability of Caribbean farmers   to produce competitively, and principles of inclusiveness and sustainability.

• Analyze select fresh produce value chains and potential linkages and, in collaboration with other PROPEL staff,           coordinate design and preparation of plans for inclusive and sustainable project interventions along relevant VCs.

• In collaboration with other PROPEL staff and specialists, identify, design and plan value chain and entrepreneurial       activities aimed at including youth and women in accordance with the project objectives.

• In collaboration with other PROPEL staff, facilitate implementation of value chain plans including strengthening of         value chain relationships, synergies and economies available from collective activity, access to business                     development services, and interaction with the enabling environment.

• Provide ongoing assessment of and support for value chain upgrading strategies (current and potential) and                horizontal linkage opportunities.

• In collaboration with other PROPEL staff, facilitate realization of agreements, strategies, plans, and appropriate            follow-through to bring production in line with market demands with respect to quantity, quality, safety, location and    timing.

• Advise on and support strengthening of business development services available to producers, such as credit and       market information.

• Provide advice, technical support, and capacity development support to PROPEL staff on the value chain approach,      constraints faced by upstream producers and processors, and relevant strategies, as necessary.

• Together with other PROPEL specialists and advisors, facilitate the monitoring, evaluation, and sharing of knowledge    among project stakeholders.

REQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate degree in marketing, business, international development or in a related field (graduate degree            preferred).

• Minimum 8 years of work experience in market-led development, including at least 3 years in rural, agricultural          value chains.

• Experience conducting value chain analyses and designing value chain upgrading plans essential.

• Experience designing and delivering training and/or workshops on topics related to the value chain approach.

• Experience developing market-led opportunities geared to youth and women an asset; and, • Work experience in at    least 3-4 Caribbean countries.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough understanding of agricultural value chains (fresh produce chains preferred), including vertical and                horizontal linkages, opportunities, barriers, business development services (especially credit and market                    information systems), and enabling environment factors.

• Able to undertake research and deliver capacity development support on value chains.

• Able to facilitate relationships among VC actors and to identify ‘win-win’ situations.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as a team member.

• Resourceful, initiative-taker and able to work well under pressure.

• Available to travel domestically, regionally and internationally.

• Excellent communications skills and computer literacy.

APPLICATIONS:

Suitably qualified persons are invited to submit their cover letter, CV, and the name and contact information of 3 professional references no later than June 30th, 2013.

Or by mail to:

CHF Caribbean “Westray” Welches, Christ Church Barbados, W.I.

CHF offers competitive remuneration packages and subscribes to the principles of employment equity.

While CHF thanks all applicants for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.