Agribusiness Specialist

International Rescue Committee

Job Type

Full Time

Location

Hargeisa, Somaliland

Description :

Organization: International Resources Group
Country: Somalia
Closing date: 20 Mar 2017

International Resources Group/ Growth Enterprise, Employment, Livelihoods Project (GEEL)

Job Description

Title: Agribusiness Specialist 1 Position

Location: Hargeisa, Somaliland

Duration: 1 year (Renewable)

Background:

Growth, Enterprise, Employment & Livelihoods (GEEL) is 5-year USAID-funded project designed to promote and facilitate inclusive economic growth in Puntland, Somaliland and other existing and emerging federal states. The project is currently focusing on the agricultural sector, fisheries and renewable energy but is anticipated to expand in the future into other sectors of the economy. It will also seek to strengthen the business enabling environment through improving access to finance, policy and regulation, and business development services. Particular focus will be given to increase the participation of women and youth in the economy as entrepreneurs, employers, and employees.

Objectives:

The Agribusiness Specialist is responsible for implementing GEELs agriculture value chain activities (dairy, sesame, bananas, citrus as well as other fruits) in accordance with GEEL annual work plans. S/he will engage with private sector enterprises, potential investors, cooperatives, womens groups and government representatives with the overall goal of increasing investment, productivity and employment in the sector. Emphasis will be placed in addressing challenges in agricultural production, post-harvest handling, storage, processing, agribusiness operations and profitability, market linkages and trade facilitation, and access to finance.

Rationale:

The Agribusiness Specialist position is included in GEEL’s organogram. The agriculture value chain is the second Task Order for GEEL project hence a priority in GEEL’s annual work plans.

Responsibilities:

The Agribusiness Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

1) Assist the Agriculture Value Chain Team Leader to implement agriculture value chain activities in accordance with annual work plans;

2) Develop close working relationships with known key sector stakeholders and identify develop a database of key agriculture value chain stakeholders.

3) Act as primary contact for GEEL agriculture value chain enterprises, cooperatives and other stakeholders;

4) Manage and support short term consultants that may be recruited to GEEL to work on agriculture value chain activities, and any other support staff that may be recruited;

5) Identify and evaluate key business or business proposals requesting mentoring and technical support from GEEL;

6) Undertake data collection and validate key agriculture value chains sector information such as gross margin per animal, sales, pricing, volumes and values, amongst others, disaggregated by gender, region, etc.

7) Assist the Deputy Agricultural Value Chain Team Leader in identifying and mapping key sector actors from production to marketing in the geographic areas of interest across Somalia. The mapping should clearly identify where women and youth are actively involved, and women’s needs and challenges should be clearly identified and articulated;

8) Assist in the organization and facilitation of agriculture value chains competitiveness platforms that will bring all actors together to discuss challenges and opportunities. The competitiveness platform will engage at least 30% women;

9) Support the Agriculture Value Chain Advisor in competitiveness benchmarking; comparing Somaliland GEEL Value chains of focus with other countries in the region;

10) Carry out value chain market research and analysis, and dissemination of information to Somali stakeholders and potential investors.

11) Any other tasks of a similar nature requested by the Agricultural/Deputy Value Chain Team Leader, Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party.

Reporting:

The Agribusiness Specialist will directly report to the Agriculture Value Chain Deputy Team Lead and will work closely with the Agricultural Value Chain Advisor.

Qualifications/Experience:

Qualifications:

1) Bachelor’s Degree in agribusiness or a related field such as economics, agriculture and or marketing;

Knowledge/Experience:

1) At least 5 years’ work experience in agribusiness and agriculture sector in conflict or complex environments. A master’s Degree in a relevant field can take the place of 2 years’ experience;

2) Complimentary work experience in a relevant competency area, including Environmental Management, Agriculture and Natural resources.

Skills/Others

1) Excellent oral and written English and Somali Language skills;

2) Honest and trustworthy;

3) Ability to work independently and as part of team;

4) Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word & Excel);

5) Well-organized and able to perform effectively within tight deadlines;

6) Hard-working, self-motivated and possessing a positive attitude;

7) Ability to travel throughout Somaliland/Somalia;

8) Ability to interact with various local organizations and government stakeholders on behalf of the project.

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