The focus for the program Support to the Development of Markets and Value Chains in Agriculture in Liberia is on changing the structures and characteristics of agricultural markets and value chains to increase
participation by the poor on terms that are of benefit to them. The program emphasis is on building the capacity of domestic markets and value chains and key market actors within them, to enable the country to embark on a sustainable and more equitable growth path that delivers substantial and direct benefits to the poor, especially smallholder farmers and agriculture based MSEs; and to promote a different approach to economic development in Liberia that will overcome major structural problems that have caused poverty and conflict in the past. The Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) approach has been identified to guide this process.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Agriculture Value Chain Specialist will be the lead technical advisor to this M4P initiative. The Specialist will provide expertise in market and value chains systems to distinguish the symptoms of under-performance from their root causes and focus on addressing the latter; promote sustainable outcomes by ensuring an exit strategy; facilitate systemic change which alters the way in which a M&VC system operates into the long term.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Technical Guidance
Provide the technical and advisory leadership for all market interventions
Provide leadership to consortium members and Mercy Corps staff in facilitation approaches.
Integrate value chain and/or “Making Markets work for the Poor (M4P)” approaches into market interventions.
Work extensively with private and public sector stakeholders to identify business development opportunities.
Work with the microfinance team and Somali regional government in the development of a new microfinance institution.
Team Management
Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels.
Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via performance reviews.
Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options, and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
Provide direction to the value chain and microfinance technical unit in market-led approaches
Conduct frequent field visits to all project sites. A minimum of 25% travel is expected.
Coordination and Representation
Participate in a variety of external forums/workshops/conference/sector coordination meetings to share best practices and findings of the project with the government and development community.
Develop positive working relationships and coordinate/collaborate with partner organizations and international and national agencies active in the target area.
M&E and Operations Management
Work with M&E staff to generate practical information that can be used for ongoing program decision-making while also capturing results at the impact level.
Coordinate with program, finance and administrative staff to ensure systems are in place to support activities including logistics, procurement, security, administration and human resources.
Ensure the completion of program implementation on time, on target and on-budget using effective M&E systems, and is well documented
Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.
Organizational Learning
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve – we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Direct supervision of RAIN Program Managers and value chain and microfinance technical unit including five specialists
ACCOUNTABILITY
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Chief of Party
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Heads of Office, M&E unit, Logistics and Administrative teams
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
5-7 years of experience in design and management of agricultural livelihoods and agribusiness development projects
Relevant advanced degree required
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing facilitative project interventions using a Making Markets work for the Poor (M4P) approach and/or a value chain development approach
Experience with USAID grants
SUCCESS FACTORS:
Diplomacy skills in managing a team with different backgrounds, abilities, and technical knowledge.
Contextual knowledge of Liberia
Effective communication and team-building techniques.
Excellent organizational and strong interpersonal skills.
Even temperament and good sense of humor.
LIVING CONDITIONS /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The position will be based in Monrovia, and may require some travel outside the capital. Liberia is recovering from 14 years of war and instability. Security has improved and Mercy Corps staff members travel throughout the country to program sites. Monrovia and towns in outlying areas are generally safe though nighttime travel and activities should be considered carefully as armed robbery incidents are rising. Life in Monrovia is still basic but supermarkets are full of western goods at western prices.
This is an accompanied post, with an American school catering to most grades.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE
How to apply:
Apply online at our website:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo…
Closing Date: Friday, 17 August 2012
