Specialist in Commercial Partnerships and Value Chains
Lead commercial partnerships and enhance coffee value chains for local economies.
Overview
Lead commercial partnerships and enhance coffee value chains for local economies.
You have:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in the development and management of agricultural value chains, preferably coffee.
- Experience in negotiation and management of partnerships with the private sector.
- Experience in the implementation of commercial and marketing strategies in development contexts.
- Experience in project management, including M&E and reporting.
- Advanced command of Microsoft Office Suite and digital marketing tools.
- Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills for diverse audiences.
- High-level negotiation and relationship management skills.
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
The International UN Volunteer Specialist will be a key strategic asset within the KOICA-funded project “Strengthening local economies and controlling the expansion of surplus coca crops through enhancing productivity and commercialization of coffee in agroforestry systems in Los Yungas”, specifically leading the implementation of the Commercial Partnerships (Alianzas Comerciales) model. While field teams focus on primary production, the Specialist will lead the strategy to connect producer organizations (OPAs) with national and international high-value markets.
The role involves bridging the gap between small-scale coffee producers and private sector stakeholders (exporters, roasters, and retail). Based in the Country Office in La Paz, the Specialist will coordinate technical assistance for coffee quality improvement, post-harvest efficiency, and commercial negotiation. This assignment is designed to ensure the commercial sustainability of the project's results, fulfilling the strategic objectives of the Republic of Korea’s cooperation in Bolivia by generating tangible and long-term economic benefits for the farming communities.
The specialist will report directly to the project coordinator and work under the general supervision of the UNODC representative in Bolivia, to establish partnerships with the national and international private sector for the identification, development, and consolidation of markets for producers’ goods, as well as to provide advice on their business management, thereby contributing to the achievement of the projects’ objectives.
Under the direct supervision of Project coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
Design and implement a market-oriented strategy for coffee value chains, focusing on positioning "Yungas Coffee" in specialty, organic, and fair-trade market niches.
Identify, negotiate, and consolidate commercial alliances with private sector actors (national and international), following the UNODC "Alianzas Comerciales" model to ensure stable market access for producers.
Strengthen the business management and commercial capacities of Producer Organizations (OPAs) in Los Yungas, providing training on quality standards (SCA protocols), traceability, and logistical management.
Conduct ongoing analysis of the coffee value chain to identify bottlenecks and implement innovative solutions for improving post-harvest processes and commercial competitiveness.
Lead visibility actions and marketing campaigns to promote the regional brand of coffee produced under the KOICA-UNODC partnership, emphasizing its social and environmental impact.
Work closely with the field teams and Local UN Volunteers to ensure that production standards meet market demands and commercial commitments.
Ensure high visibility for the Republic of Korea's contribution in all commercial forums and materials. Draft high-level technical reports and success stories documenting income growth and economic resilience.
Prepare Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the acquisition of inputs, materials, or services required for project implementation, ensuring compliance with UNODC norms and procedures.
Undertake frequent field missions to Los Yungas to monitor progress and provide direct support to producer organizations, following UN safety protocols.
Document best practices and lessons learned in commercial development to contribute to the sustainability and scaling of the KOICA project model.
During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance
Adaptability and Flexibility
Commitment and Motivation
Communication
Integrity
Planning and Organizing
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Working in Teams
Experience in:
Development and management of agricultural value chains (preferably coffee). Negotiation and management of partnerships with the private sector Implementation of commercial and marketing strategies in development contexts. Project management, including M&E and reporting.
Skills in:
High-level negotiation and relationship management
Strategic thinking and ability to design complex business models.
Advanced command of Microsoft Office Suite and digital marketing tools.
Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills for diverse audiences.
The Specialist will be based in La Paz, Bolivia (Hardship Level A), the country’s administrative capital, located at approximately 3,600 meters above sea level. Due to the high altitude, newly arrived volunteers may experience altitude-related symptoms (e.g., headaches, fatigue) during the first days or weeks; acclimatization is strongly recommended, and medical advice can be provided upon arrival. La Paz is a vibrant, culturally rich city offering a wide range of services, including international restaurants, supermarkets, private healthcare facilities, and reliable internet connectivity in most urban areas. While Spanish is the primary language, basic English is spoken in professional and service environments. However, knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended for effective day-to-day communication and field engagement. Housing options in La Paz range from furnished apartments to serviced residences, particularly in neighborhoods such as Sopocachi, Calacoto, and Obrajes, which are commonly preferred by international staff due to their relative safety, accessibility, and proximity to services. Seasonal temperatures are generally mild (5°C–20°C), though indoor heating is uncommon, which may require adaptation for candidates coming from different climates. The assignment includes frequent official travel to Los Yungas, a subtropical region located on the eastern slopes of the Andes, typically 2–8 hours from La Paz by road. The Yungas region is characterized by lush vegetation, high humidity, warmer temperatures (20°C–30°C), and mountainous terrain. Travel to this area involves winding roads and variable weather conditions; therefore, flexibility and adaptability are essential. Field missions to Los Yungas are supported by the project through full logistical arrangements, including secure and specialized transportation, coordination with local counterparts, and adherence to established safety protocols. Accommodation conditions in the field may be more basic compared to La Paz, with intermittent access to internet or mobile connectivity in remote areas. The selected candidate, with the support of UNODC, will be responsible for obtaining the appropriate entry visa through the relevant Bolivian consulate prior to travel. Upon arrival in Bolivia, UNODC will facilitate the processing and legalization of the official visa in accordance with the volunteer’s contract. Overall, this assignment offers a unique opportunity to experience Bolivia’s diverse geography—from high-altitude urban environments to tropical valleys—while contributing to impactful field-based work. Candidates should demonstrate cultural adaptability, openness to diverse living conditions, and readiness for regular travel.
Potential interview questions
| Describe your experience with managing agricultural value chains, particularly in coffee production. | This assesses your relevant experience in a crucial area of the role. | Provide specific examples detailing your past roles and outcomes achieved. |
| How do you approach negotiation with private sector partners? | Understanding your negotiation tactics is essential for this position. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you elaborate on a successful marketing strategy you implemented in a previous project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure compliance and monitoring in project management? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have in training producer organizations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you faced challenges while working in a team. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use for quality improvement in agricultural products? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle communication with diverse audiences? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 13 days ago
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Updated 8 hours ago
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Source:
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