Food Security and Economic Development Specialist

Provide leadership and technical expertise to Local Economic Development initiatives in working effectively with stakeholders including smallholder producers, community-based organizations on initiatives that stimulate the development of micro, small and medium enterprises aimed at helping communities understand their economic challenges and identify practical innovative solutions that will improve the livelihoods of children and their families.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct assessment of Local Economic Development (LED) to find out existing local enterprises (farms), potential enterprises and the principles that drive business in the area (profitability, market competitiveness and specialization) as well as geographical environment (location factors) of the area and design the plan for local economic development of the area.
• Support food security projects staff to identify and promote potential enterprises and strengthen the existing ones in order to build local community economy
• Conduct periodic capacity assessments, and based on the findings, develop suitable ongoing training programs for staff and communities to upgrade their knowledge and skills for effective implementation of ED activities
• Conduct market surveys on the basis of LED/Participatory Appraisal Competitive Advantage (PACA) approach to develop marketing strategy plan based on sufficient information gathered through market surveys
• Research on successful economic development practices from the wider WV partnerships and from other partners outside and within South Sudan, and replicate them in the Western Equatoria State to help communities implement their ED activities successfully
• Provide appropriate technical support during concepts/proposal writing and budgeting, and review of TORs and technical reports for assessments, baselines and evaluations necessary in the development of program designs and project proposals to ensure successful programming
• Facilitate community-based organizations to obtain business development services (BDS) such as management training, marketing, technical support and research so that they can improve their businesses
• Develop and disseminate ED strategies to Food Security & Livelihood sector staff, and support community-based organizations to develop their own ED strategies for successful development of their enterprises
• Monitor and document the performance of community ED activities and evaluate their impact in order to recommend actions for their improvement.
• Share lessons learned with government, donors, and other NGOs to share best practices.
• Partner with governmental, non governmental and private organizations as well as UN agencies dealing with ED to identify areas of possible collaboration, funding and technology transfer, and advocate for tangible and intangible location factors
• Engage successfully with key internal and external stakeholders, including WV Support Offices, Global Centre, national and international research entities, government, church and other civil society representatives to seek new ED initiatives
• Organize smallholder producers groups/associations in credit and solidarity groups and link them with micro-finance and banking institutions to access credits
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with investors, lenders, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in various industries and value chains.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

REQUIRED:
• A degree in general Economics, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Development Economics or any other related discipline.
• Understanding of a foreigner culture
• Strong understanding of Local Economic Development principles
• Knowledge of primary production and agriculture
• Understanding of market development projects and methods
• Knowledge in research design and implementation
• A good command of the English Language
• Strong computer literacy skills including MS Office Suite; e-mail and internet
• Demonstrated field experience in Enterprise Development, market analysis or closely related role for at least five years.
• Strong experience in networking and gender mainstreaming in agriculture projects
• Report writing experience
• Demonstrated experience in Monitoring and Evaluation of ED projects
• Demonstrated commitment to World Vision values and philosophy, and capacity to engage with the broader community in living these values:
• Willingness to be open about their faith / discuss their spiritual life and respect others’ beliefs. E.g. participate in corporate spiritual life in an enthusiastic manner and show respect for others’ opinions and religious beliefs
• Demonstrate community involvement and interest in issues of justice
• Be able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills and accept diversity in the workplace
• Understands issues regarding conserving resources, i.e. financial, physical and can improve efficiencies in work practices
  Is able to influence decision making in their area of concern
• Responsive to customer expectations in a timely and appropriate manner. Can make decisions under pressure
  
  PREFERRED:
• Masters degree in any of the above disciplines is preferred

Food Security and Economic Development Specialist