Value Chain Specialist

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representatives, is to assistant governments to develop policies , programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The FAO Representation in South Sudan is organizes in three main units\: programme, Operations and administration. The current portfolio of projects in South Sudan includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource management, food information systems is implemented with humanitarian, transitional and development funding. The incumbent will contribute to the country’s programme and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will coordinate and be assigned.

Reporting Lines

• Oversee the implementation of the overall value chain related interventions in SAFER focussed areas.

• Work closely with technical teams, clearly map value chain including main actors, flow of products, infrastructure facilities, financial institutions and all supporting organizations;
• Coordinate the overall implementation of value chain component of FAO South Sudan programme.
• Prepare detail annual work plans and progress reports on value chain component.
• Conduct economic and business feasibility studies for the different value chain enterprises.
• Conduct value chain assessment to identify gaps and develop recommendations on how to improve the selected value chains and maximize the impact.
• Provide technical support for the formation of CBOs and associations or enterprise groups in different agribusiness and enterprises including agro processing value chain commodities, beekeeping, fish, hides and skin enterprises, artisans for agro-based inputs.
• Develop and deliver capacity development activities in the areas of agribusiness, value chain and marketing development.
• Provide support and guidance for the gathering of data and information needed to undertake an effective monitoring and evaluation of activities related to livelihood diversification, value chain and marketing.
• Organize and facilitate discussions on agribusiness policy issues involving representatives of the private and public sector.
• Conduct market assessments.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

• Advanced Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, rural development or related field.
• At least five year of relevant experience in management of complex projects on livelihood diversification, value chain, rural business development and agricultural marketing preferably in Fragile or conflict affected states.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian)

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in conducting value chain assessments and determining appropriate interventions to enhance agricultural productivity and market access for farmers, agro-pastoralists and pastoralists.
• Experience designing and implementing projects aimed at improving agricultural value chains and linkage with markets.
• Experience in developing and managing capacity building activities for enterprise groups and local institutions.
• Strong working experience of working with key value chain stakeholders (producers, traders, enterprise groups rural financing institutions/banks and research/policy associations
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and reports on work.
• Good knowledge of UN system, procedures and operation activities is an advantage