Classification: Call for Resumes
IRD
is seeking candidates as Value Chain Advisor for the upcoming Regional
Agriculture Development Program-South in Afghanistan. The program
will foster economic growth for farmers and agribusinesses, strengthen
market access, build food security, and enhance three to four targeted
high-value agricultural value chains as well as wheat, and at least one
livestock value chain. The program will also continue to address
counter-narcotics and transitional development objectives within the
overall program goal of improved long-term agricultural development. The
Value Chain Advisor will provide overall project leadership, strategic
guidance, managerial and technical oversight with final responsibility
for achieving cost effective, timely, contractually compliant project
results and impacts.
Essential Job Functions:
- Partner with Afghan staff and the Government of Afghanistan to develop sustainable market linkages within Afghanistan and internationally;
- Guide and support the implementation of post-harvest handling, processing, transportation and terminal market access interventions tailored to small holder farmers in southern Afghanistan;
- Partner with Afghan staff and the Government of Afghanistan to enhance agricultural production practices in southern Afghanistan;
- Guide and support the implementation of enhanced land preparation, improved seed and fertilizer application, orchard management and natural resource management interventions tailored to small holder farmers in southern Afghanistan;
- Grow, mentor and aid the management of private sector and non-governmental Afghan partnering organizations in the successful implementation of program objectives.
Required Skills & Experience:
- At least 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in implementing large donor-funded agricultural value chain activities, particularly in transitional, Islamic, and/or post-conflict countries.
- Demonstrated experience developing value chain activities to support farmers and private sector partners.
- Track record of project design and project implementation capacity building working with host government, local private sector, and other related players.
- Prior experience working with agricultural development, particularly development of high value crop value chain development, at the farm community level.
- Prior experience with counter-narcotic alternative development activities a plus.
- Experience working with a range of stakeholders, from high-level government officials to small farmers.
- 3-5 years of progressively responsible supervisory experience, developing water supply and canal distribution systems.
- Direct supervision of a diverse team of professionals including agro-economists, extension workers, and support staff.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to motivate staff to be accountable for program outcomes.
- Professional fluency in English speaking, reading, and writing required. Dari or Pashto proficiency desirable.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to interact regularly and professionally with senior host-government and community level counterparts on activity selection, planning, and field implementation.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and strong track record in meeting deliverables and deadlines.
- Prior experience in an area related to Afghan or South Asia is a plus.
- Demonstrated ethical management approach.
Education
- Master’s degree or agriculture, business management, economics or related field;
Job Location
Kandahar, Afghanistan
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