MALAWI - Market Chain Development Specialist.

Ref.: 11- 43 MCD/NRS/SSA

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The position: This Market Chain Development Specialist position will be based in Lilongwe, Malawi and would technically report directly to the projects leaders, CIP potato and Sweetpotato specialist based in Malawi.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting baseline surveys, market studies
• Facilitation of linking of seed potato producers to table potato farmers, and table potato farmers to fresh potato markets, potato crisp and French fry processors
• Facilitation of linking of Sweetpotato vines multipliers to sweetpotato growers and sweetpotato farmers to both fresh produce markets and to processors who would like to use sweetpotato in making different products
• Promotion of released potato and sweetpotato varieties
• Participate in potato and sweetpotato projects monitoring and evaluation
• Liaising with projects partner organization on marketing activities.

Selection criteria:

• M.Sc. or PhD in agricultural economics, marketing or related discipline.
• At least 3 years of research or professional experience (including experience gained during PhD program for Ph.D. holders) related to value chain or agrifood supply analysis in a developing country context.
• High competence in quantitative and qualitative techniques to understand and make use of market opportunities.
• Relevant experience conducting baseline surveys, market studies and to enabling the development of an effective public-private partnership linking.
• Proven competence in statistics and analytic techniques relevant to marketing studies
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse farmer, researcher, and staff body.
• Proactive, innovative and creative attitudes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
• Willingness to travel extensively by road and work under field conditions.

Conditions: Employment contract will be for one year term with the possibility of renewal. Salary will be nationally competitive, paid in local currency, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org with copy to Snowdean Njiwa (s.njiwa@cgiar.org ), Dr Paul Demo (p.demo@cgiar.org ) and to Dr Erna P. Abidin (p.abidin@cgiar.org). The reference name of the position should be clearly marked in the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on 3 January 2012 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply