Afghanistan Silkworm Production Expert

Silkworm Production Expert, Afghanistan ACDI/VOCA is seeking a short-term Silkworm Production Expert for its subaward role on the USAID-funded Strengthening Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives for the North, East and West (IDEA-NEW) program based in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. The Silkworm Production Expert will oversee and lead activities focusing on analyzing, evaluating and recommending a comprehensive enhancement of the silkworm production at the local level in northern Afghanistan.

Responsibilities: • Assess the methods of silkworm rearing currently being practiced and make recommendations to improve production; • Evaluate the silkworm stock currently being produced by the Livestock Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) and make recommendations for the introduction of improved varieties and where they can be accessed. • Make recommendations for the propagation of mulberry trees for silk production, including the identification of appropriate varieties and identification of locations where they can be sourced from. • Introduce improved methods of processing silk cocoons at village level, identifying appropriate equipment if necessary; • Carry out training of trainers in silkworm rearing and cocoon processing for implementing partner and government staff; • Analyze local market and discuss with ACDI/VOCA staff ways to improve linkages between silk producers and various market actors.

Qualifications: • Master’s degree in business, agribusiness and marketing, agricultural economics or another related field is desired. • Must be fluent in English; knowledge of Pashto and/or Dari Persian is preferred.
• Experience in value chain assessment and development. • Previous experience silkworm production. • Experience working with the private sector, producer organizations and smallholder producers along the silk-worm value chain.

How to apply:

Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E55568361D43515B7E59192F77561F6301627B4D. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.