Myanmar: Value Chain Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY:

The ****Value Chain Analyst**** will serve as the technical lead on activities related to value chain assessments, justifying and recommending specific value chains for project consideration, and support other project-related activities, as required. This advisor will work closely with the VC-RD technical team and serve as a member of the Senior Technical Management team advising the COP.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify targets of opportunity within S. Shan State and the Dry Zone where the project can intervene in specific value chains to obtain quick but lasting impacts. Liaise with other donors and partners to better understand potential opportunities for collaboration. Work closely with USAID's Farmer-to-Farmer program to build off their experiences with volunteers. In coordination with the F2F program, identify potential opportunities to coordinate program activities, and identify areas of additional support which VC-RD could provide.
• Develop tools for conducting targeted value chain studies. Train the local staff and local partners on the value chain approach and how to analyze production and marketing data to determine inefficiencies and opportunities in specific chains. Based on these assessments, make recommendations on potential project interventions.
• Become familiar with other project-identified studies and/or programs that are considered critical to achieving project outcomes and results. Ensure that proposed Value Chain assessments or program interventions are consistent with VC-RD project goals and objectives.
• When and where feasible, lead targeted studies to be conducted in house. In situations where outside resources are required, develop SOWs to identify short-term technical assistants (STTA) or local/international firms to conduct this work. Oversee the technical work of these partners as required.
• Serve as technical advisor on baseline surveys and market assessments. Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to identify local partners and/or firms to carry out field work to measure progress towards meeting project targets. Train the local staff as needed on assessment methodologies and approaches.
• Work closely with value chain stakeholders to develop industry-led competitiveness strategies to create conditions of sustained and inclusive growth. Work closely with the Private Sector Liaison Advisor to identify key partners who can facilitate and support implementation of proposed strategies.
• Develop and support activities that stimulates gender equity and focus on disadvantaged groups. Activities must be implemented in a manner that promotes fair, equitable, and meaningful inclusion of both men and women in program trainings, workshops, and exchange activities. The program will take into consideration the differences in economic opportunities presented to men and women and seek improvements in the livelihoods of both genders and children.
• Provide input to project quarterly and annual progress reports. Develop content for project success stories and other project promotional material. Work closely with the project communications team to develop appropriate messages and content for disseminating technical information through a variety of media sources.
• Other duties as assigned by the COP or senior value chain specialist.

Qualifications:

****Education:****Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, rural development, business administration, agriculture economics, or another relevant field required.

****Experience:****

• At least 5 years' experience supporting agricultural value chain development.
• Experience providing training and technical assistance to smallholder farmers and agribusinesses on agriculture production, postharvest handling, value-added processing, marketing and improved use of agricultural inputs.
• Previous experience in organizational capacity development.
• Experience working with an international nonprofit or international businesses.
• Experience conducting monitoring, evaluation and reporting is preferred.

****Skills:****

• Excellent leadership and management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent communication and organization skills are essential. Basic computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases) are required.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills; ability to conduct and foster professional relationships.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and have flexibility to adapt to changing situations
• Ability and willingness to travel to rural regions and project sites as required.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and impartiality

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