FAO in collaboration with the government, UN organizations and development partners began serving both the host communities and the Rohingya population in building their livelihoods and skill development opportunities in Cox’s Bazar from October 2017.
As the continuation of the crisis response moving towards development intervention, the FAO is implementing the multi-donor funded programme in strengthening resilience through Agri-Food Systems Transformation in Cox’s Bazar. The programmatic approach for intervention promotes economic inclusion and strengthening of local supply chains and markets, as well as the development of private sector partners across the sub-sectors of the crop, livestock, and fisheries.
The Cox’s Bazar livelihood programme contributes to food security and households’ nutrition through improved farming practices in increasing farm productivity and profitability for the smallholder farmers. The farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies develops opportunities for host communities to economically benefit from the wider markets created due to the Rohingya influx. In addition, the strategies for integrated farm production and networking with the digital extension services reiterate the FAO’s commitment to sustainable and resilient livelihoods for the local communities.
Reporting Lines
The Market Development Specialist is a SC 9 position based in Cox’ Bazar. S/he will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the Senior Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Advisor, in coordination with the operations, MEAL and other team members. The incumbent will be responsible for food security issues, strategies and programmes to support the development, competitiveness, inclusiveness and improved impacts of agribusiness, food systems and value chain development in the project area. S/he will also contribute to the development and implementation of programmes and projects related to agribusiness, value chain development, food security and development of improved agricultural technology; and as requested, provide technical support to the Food Security Sector Coordinator.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will be responsible for the development of the agricultural market systems and value chain in supporting the food security systems with stakeholders from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Department of Fisheries (DoF), local government, community leaders and farmers’ groups for improved market infrastructure and sales.
Tasks and responsibilities
Provide evidence-based analytical support to national, regional and local level initiatives related to food security, nutrition and sustainable food security systems;
Analyze technical and policy issues, strategies and programmes to support the development, competitiveness, inclusiveness and improved impacts of agribusiness, food systems and value chain development;
Participate in developing and reviewing information materials, technical papers and guidelines related to agricultural economics, agribusiness, value chain and food system development, such as agro-industrial, sector/sub-sector, food system and investment strategy development, market and policy analysis, business enabling environment, institutional strengthening; inclusive business models, entrepreneurship; contract farming, digital solutions/technologies for value chain development, marketing and market linkages; value chain finance, business support services; public-private platforms and partnership;
Contribute to the appraisal of capacity-building needs related to the development, competitiveness, inclusiveness and improved impacts of agribusiness and value chain development; and contribute to developing training materials and to training courses and activities;
Contribute to the collection and dissemination of relevant data and information related to agricultural and development economics, agribusiness, food value chains and systems, including, for example, trends and developments, approaches, impacts, lessons and good practices;
Contribute to the organization of and/or participate in meetings, conferences, workshops, consultations and field visits as needed; contribute to building collaborations and partnerships;
Contribute to the design and implementation of programmes and projects related to agribusiness, and value chain development;
Analyze technical and development issues, strategies and programmes to support the development, competitiveness, inclusiveness and improved impacts of agribusiness, food systems and value chain development;
Steer and provide strategic direction to producers, market aggregators and other actors for local aggregation and marketing of the agricultural produces;
Extensive experience working in and with the private sector, market systems approach, inclusive business/market models, and public-private partnerships.
Experience to work for sustainable and resilient agricultural production in the climate-affected area;
Experience to work in the adverse climatic condition and disaster-prone areas;
Take the lead role in analyzing existing markets and designing agro-business strategies to support FGs and Aggregation Centers for increasing their capacity to access higher markets;
Play lead role in Agro-business planning, market assessment and programmatic guidance for the partners and other stakeholders according to project guidelines and donor requirements;
Supervise the Aggregation Center for the effective execution of the project interventions/activities with the coordination with partners, relevant market actors, and public and private organizations;
Develop technical papers like concept note, Letter of Agreement (LOA) and guidelines related to agribusiness, value chain and market system development,
Perform other related duties, as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following
Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree in agricultural science, Agri-Business, International Business, or related discipline with post-graduation in market development or value chain development;
Minimum of Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional work experience with the United Nations or international development organizations on agricultural business or market development or agricultural value chain analysis;
National of Bangladesh
Working knowledge of English
Professional experience with agro-based private sector entities will be an added advantage.
Technical/Functional Skills
Knowledge of national food systems and agricultural value chain systems;
Proven track record of successful teamwork, good presentation/facilitation skills;
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook);
Experience in UN Agencies is preferred.
Ability to perform in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary contexts;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required;
Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision;
Selection Criteria
Experience in complex/protracted emergencies would be an asset;
Experience in conflict-sensitive and peacebuilding programmes would be an asset;
Extensive Field experience in implementing market development activities and strategies required;
Experience to develop an agreement and work with national-level private sectors for market system development.
