IFDC Agricultural Inputs Value Chain Adviser

International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

 Employment Opportunity in Tblisi, Georgia

 

 Agricultural Inputs Value Chain Adviser

 

 

IFDC enables smallholder farmers in developing and transitioning countries to increase agricultural productivity, generate economic growth and practice environmental stewardship by enhancing their ability to manage mineral and organic fertilizers responsibly and participate profitability in input and output markets. IFDC is recruiting an Agricultural Inputs Value Chain Adviser candidate for an upcoming project in Georgia which will increase employment and incomes in rural areas. The project will provide assistance to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in order to support improved agricultural productivity, marketing, and processing and will expand the number, quality, competitiveness, and profitability of agribusinesses serving small-holder and emerging commercial farmers. Supporting growth in access, availability and demand for agricultural inputs will be a key element of this project. The inputs value chain advisor will work to strengthen linkages between suppliers, manufacturers, importers and distributors so that semi-commercial and commercial farmers have the products, technologies and knowledge needed to more efficiently and productively grow and market agricultural products and commodities. 

 

IFDC’s ability to employ a candidate for this position is dependent upon the organization being awarded the project following a competitive solicitation process from the US Agency for International Development.   

 

Key focal areas include, among others: (1) supporting agribusiness supplier networks for improving delivery of products to farm service centers and independent agro-dealers who provide farmers access to high quality fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products, machinery, livestock health products and other inputs; (2) create demand “pull” for products and practices that improve productivity by assisting private and public sector extension services disseminating technologies, knowledge and improved agricultural practices to small and commercial farmers producing a diversity of agricultural products; (3) build capacity of private seed businesses to improve seed multiplication, certification and variety release processes; (4) strengthen associations of agricultural inputs suppliers in the areas of self-regulation, advocacy and management; (5) facilitate linkages to finance for agro-dealers; (6) strengthen farmer associations and other farmer-based organizations in aggregating demand and aggregating output allowing farmers to gain higher margins and more income from their farming operations.

 

Required Skills  • Develop strategy and work plan, manage input value chain activities to achieve targeted results. 
• Participate in project team setting and contribute to creating a cohesive team (comprised mainly of host county national staff) with a clear understanding of project goals, objectives, and strategic interventions;
• Implement management systems to successfully achieve performance and results targets within established budget parameters;
• Establish a solid working relationship with all key stakeholders, including the private sector, public sector officials and donor agencies; and
• Manage small team of local staff working on agricultural inputs marketing value chain.

Required Experience • The Adviser should possess the intellectual leadership and strong management skills necessary to develop, articulate and carry out a vision for the project.
• Minimum of MSc degree in agriculture related fields, with 5 years of progressively responsible experience or BSc Degree with 10 years of progressive experience managing complex private sector input company business activities or agricultural development programs focused on improved market performance and value chain development with an emphasis on inputs and related business and policy arenas.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and fluent English language capability with Russian language skills a plus.
• Experience in implementing USAID funded projects and an understanding of USAID policies, rules and regulations desired.
 

Post of Assignment:  Tblisi, Georgia

 

 

Please visit our web site www.ifdc.org, Employment, for complete job requirements and instructions for application.