Scientist II, Market and Value Chain Research at Bioversity International

Responsibilities

The specific tasks of the position include the following:

•  Provide a framework for the design, implementation, monitoring, risk management and evaluation of market and value chain research
•  Further develop and strengthen long-term market and value chain research strategy and ensure its effective implementation
•  In collaboration with the Alliance staff and partners, lead the initiation and timely submission of project proposals on value chains
•  Develop and implement innovative research activities, and ensure effective utilization of tools, methods and indicators for value chain research
•  Develop and strengthen the Alliance partnerships with global, regional and national researchers in value chains
•  Ensure a pro-poor, innovative and gender responsive market-oriented approach
•  Develop value chain work plans and lead implementation ensuring quality and timely deliverables; monitor progress and prepare progress reports
•  Engage with key stakeholders to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with regional institutions, country/government officials, international and local donors, international and local NGOs, universities and other institutions that work with the Alliance
•  Contribute to fundraising by developing proposals and concept notes for the generation of financial and human resources to support the research agenda
•  Ensure the integration of value chain and policy aspects in the Biodiversity for Food & Agriculture Lever activities
•  Provide technical oversight and serve as a subject matter expert in one or more of the following three technical areas: financial access, crop value chains, or livestock value chains
•  Order by priority potential development plans and interventions; in particular, the prioritization should take into account the potential of certain chains to promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups e.g. women and youth
•  Select key value chains with the highest potential for growth, profitability and employment for women and youth (given their needs and capacities)
•  Outline any gaps that must be filled in order for women and youth to sustainably gain employment through the value chains
•  Manage Alliance technical personnel and subcontractors in the implementation of the activities
•  Identify, if any, policy gaps that hinder the development of value chains for agrobiodiversity and other biodiversity-based products, and propose policy solutions to fill the identified gaps
•  Collaborate with staff and partners across all priority areas to ensure cross-fertilization of ideas and coordination of activities
•  Assess the competitiveness of the value chains and determine how to create competitive advantages for the targeted sectors
•  Represent and give visibility to the Alliance in relevant forums and arenas
•  Contribute to other organizational activities as and when required

Requirements

Essential requirements

•  A completed PhD in agriculture value chains or related fields
•  Experience with planning, implementing, and monitoring livelihoods programs and with managing multiple projects
•  Experience with working in development programs with international and national NGOs and UN organizations, and with government authorities at national level
•  Knowledge of food value chains, smallholder agricultural support and food systems
•  Knowledge of different social, agricultural and rural and economic development issues, questions and challenges
•  Experience with market and value chain research
•  Experience with working within interdisciplinary research projects and multicultural teams
•  Excellent analytical skills with ability to compile, analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, prepare reports and draw conclusions and recommendations
•  Knowledge of relevant actors in the agricultural development sector (government institutions, international organizations, NGOs, academia, etc.)
•  Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with people at all levels in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment, including external stakeholders
•  Proficiency in relevant software packages (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
•  Willingness to travel
•  Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (essential) and French (highly recommended)
•  Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work plans
•  Experience with fundraising, donor engagement, and proposal development
•  Excellent teamwork skills