National Value Chain Specialist for Mountain Products

The project Strengthening value chains and enhancing market linkages for high-value mountain products that the consultant will be supporting aims to promote resilient mountain livelihoods by improving production and market access for high-value mountain products. Through this initiative, two promising mountain products will be selected for expansion and market linkages. The consultant will support the identification, assessment, and capacity-building efforts for local producers and stakeholders to develop viable value chains and establish market connections.

The National Specialist will work together with the International Consultant in mapping and assessing potential high-value mountain products for value chain development, bringing expertise in organic agriculture, market research, and value chain analysis. They will collaborate on developing strategies to improve production practices, packaging, branding, and marketing, while assisting in capacity-building efforts for local producers and stakeholders to enhance market linkages, strengthen business management, and establish a Participatory Guarantee System to ensure quality standards and sustainability.   

Responsibilities:

The National Value Chain Specialist for Mountain Products will be responsible for the following tasks: 

 Mapping and Scoping of Potential Value Chains:

• •    Work with the International Consultant to identify potential value chains for high-value mountain products.
• •    Assist in developing selection criteria for products and producer organizations to be involved in the project, starting from the selection criteria for the Mountain Partnership Products Initiative.
• •    Conduct detailed assessments in selected high-mountain districts, identifying barriers and opportunities for value chain development.
• •    Assess the readiness of producer organizations to establish a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).

Preparation of Assessment Report:

• •    Contribute to a comprehensive report outlining findings and recommendations for value chain development.
• •    Assist in the internal review for selecting two promising high-value mountain products.
• •    Assist in the selection of two promising producers organizations dealing with two selected high value mountain products.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements:    

• •    Master’s degree in agriculture, economics, market research, or a related field.
• •    At least 5 years of experience in value chain analysis, market linkages, and organic agriculture
• •    Working knowledge of Nepali and English
• •    National of Nepal or reseident in the country with a valid work permit.

Technical/Functional Skills:

• •    Experience working with mountain communities and high-value products is an asset.
• •    Experience or knowledge of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is an asset.
• •    Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• •    Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, producer organizations, and private sector entities.
• •    Proven track record of advising and collaborating with government institutions, private sector entities, stakeholders, and community-based organizations (CBOs).

Selection Criteria :

• •    Extent of relevant technical experience in the areas related.
• •    Ability to manage and work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• •    Proven experience in the areas mentioned above.
• •    Strong work ethic, well-organized, result-focused, good team player and dynamic personality.
• •    Previous experience of working with UN agencies is an asset.
• •    Proven writing and reporting skills.
• •    Ability to operate under pressure and good interpersonal skills.
• •    Proven track record of leading and facilitating related trainings and collaborating with government institutions and CBOs.
• •    Strong inter-personal skills to work with a diverse and large stakeholders and excellent oral communication skills.
• •    Knowledge of Computer skills in MS office package (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2403056