National Project Personnel - Value Chain Development Specialist

Organizational Setting

This position is located in FAO Office in Quetta, Pakistan. The main aim of FAO country offices, which is headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural , fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The Horticulture Advancement Activity (THAzA) is a USAID funded horticulture agribusiness project that seeks to increase the economic opportunities in in Balochistan by working with farmers, government and agribusiness stakeholders in all parts of the identified value chains.

The position is at SB4 SC8 level

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Pakistan, and in close coordination with Assistant FAO Representatives (Program, and Administration), and under the direct supervision of the Head of Provincial Office, Balochistan and the technical supervision of the THAzA Chief Technical Advisor the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Technical Focuses

• Develop and apply value chain development strategies for the promotion of agri-businesses/enterprises for women in selected districts of Balochistan;
• Identify and analyse potential female beneficiaries/groups (FFS, WOs, FBS, LFFS), formed under the previous FAO programs, for their involvement in the value chain development activities;
• Oversee the formation and strengthening of women’s Farmer Marketing Cooperatives (FMCs);
• Prepare and apply guidelines and strategies for the development and delivery of market accepted/viable and consumers’ preferred commodity packing and packaging within the identified value chains;
• Provide technical guidance to field teams on all issues related to women led agribusiness at all tiers of the identified value chains.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review value chain studies conducted by FAO under its previous and current programs in Balochistan (including THAzA, particularly related to women led agribusinesses).
• Devise and apply strategies for the improvement of women’s roles in horticulture value chains in targeted districts;
• Conduct market mapping and assessment tasks for the promotion of women’s roles in value chain activities.
• Assist in the establishment of a viable market information system;
• Design, implement, and report on women led agribusiness activities for selected value chains;
• Identify, analyse, and recommend the resources, skills, and capacities required of small female farmers of Balochistan, under each commodity, regarding procurement of quality/certified inputs and production of fruits and vegetables;
• Identify and compile recommendations for the capacity development of female producers and FMCs/associations to access financial and other services and resources;
• Develop linkages of female FMCs with markets, individuals, and other groups for strengthening public private partnerships for sale and purchase of value added agricultural products;
• Provide support and advice for the implementation of other FAO women led agribusiness projects, including the development and implementation of agribusiness and value chain development activities to be used across the FAO programme.
• Build linkages with other value chain development and women’s economic empowerment partners/actors in Balochistan for synergies and complementarities;
• Any others assignment given by the supervisor(s) within areas of expertise.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Masters in Agriculture (preferably Horticulture), Agriculture Economics/MBA in marketing /Agribusiness/ value chain development.
• 08 years relevant working experience with well reputed government or private organizations in a similar role(s)
• A working knowledge of English language, and ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential; knowledge of local languages is an asset.
• National of Pakistan.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in development of value chains in high-value crops/livestock and farmers group marketing organizations;
• Experience in similar settings is a distinct asset;
• Understanding of the purpose and functions of technical programmes, operational guidelines, and programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO, would be considered an added asset;
• Should have extensive experience in communication and diffusion strategies and techniques, reporting, and documentation;
• Should possess excellent writing, editing, and speaking skills in both English and Urdu, and working knowledge of regional languages Pashto, Balochi, and Brahvi, would be considered as assets;
• Priority will be given to candidates who demonstrate a high level of motivation and good communication, social, and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience of working with a UN or INGO is an added advantage.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.