National Value Chain Specialist (Jackfruit)

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Bangladesh is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning, and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the country. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in Bangladesh and, in collaboration with Regional Office for Asia and Pacific and the departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to the country priorities. The representation also supports the regional office in the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the country, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The office also develops and maintains relations with Government of Bangladesh, UN agencies, the resource partners and other development institution at the country level.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative Bangladesh, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR Programme, close collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Marketing and other FAO team members, the consultant will technically support to the implementation of the project- “Support to the development of jackfruit value chain through post-harvest loss reduction and promotion of value added products”.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support National Senior Lead Agronomist in implementing the project “Support to the development of jackfruit value chain through post-harvest loss reduction and promotion of value added products”. He will coordinate with the Programme Unit of FAO Bangladesh, assist the National Senior Lead Agronomist to maintain liaison with the Government counterparts of the project and other relevant stakeholders including the Private Sectors with the overall aim of analysing jackfruit value chain in Bangladesh along with its national and international demands and developing strategies and action plans for commercialization of jackfruit in Bangladesh through value-added products.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support national lead agronomist/horticulturist for the project implementation • Design and implement consultations with the stakeholders to establish the scope and methodology for jackfruit value chain development outlined under the overall scope of work; • Arrange the establishment of public-private collaboration platforms to support strategic market oriented value chain planning for jackfruit; • Lead the value chain analyses for jackfruit and coordinate the inputs of the other consultant who have supportive role in this task; • Do the assessment of local and international demand and market conditions for jackfruit products value chains and coordinate the inputs of the other consultants who have a lead or supportive role in this tasks; • Identify the public investments required to support the jackfruit value chains; • Develop the strategies and action plans for agriculture commercialization of jackfruit and explore export potential of jackfruit and value-added products; • Prepare and monitor a plan for capacity building through mentoring and facilitated learning by doing associated with implementing of the project activities • Support the development of public-private collaboration models for businesses and development of jackfruit value chain mapping and strategic document • Support organization of training, workshops, group discussions • Contribute in report writings – interim and or terminal report of the project

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Horticulture/Food Technology/ Agronomy with specialization in jackfruit processing and value addition. • Minimum 10 years professional experience with value chain approaches in the agricultural and natural resources sectors, including fostering vertical and horizontal relationships in the industry to increase quality of services and products, especially for smallholder farmers, and promote competitiveness of the industry. • Working knowledge of English (Level C) and Bangla • National or Resident of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential • Extent and relevance of experience in food processing • Demonstrated skills and experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, working groups or networks related to food processing policies, standards and systems • Experience in working closely with producers, traders, wholesalers, retailers, processors and consumers. • Experience facilitating relationships between private sector and government. • Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in related fields such as crop improvement, • Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of technical or policy advice to countries on food systems • Strong skills in technical knowledge and market analysis of fruits value chains in Bangladesh. Ability to work well within a team and take responsibility to deliver results. Excel at fostering private sector partnerships to strengthen local and global value chains for rural/family farming communities.