Project Assistant – Value chains

The purpose of the position is to identify, develop, and scale nature-positive, locally driven value chains by strengthening–based enterprises, supporting communities and MSMEs, and improving access to markets, finance, and an enabling institutional environment. The role aims to translate local market opportunities into viable, inclusive, and sustainable businesses that contribute to livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and regenerative land use in the target countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, Somalia

Duties and responsibilities

1. Jointly with country team, conduct market analyses, identify opportunities (value chains, priority enterprises and key actors), and develop demand-driven market action plans for each target country.
   
2. Project actors need assessment and training modules development based on identified gaps.
   
3. Support the selection and reporting for each country, priority value chains and enterprises based on local opportunities and national priorities, with the aim of promoting indigenous and so-called ‘forgotten’ species through appropriate marketing tools and materials.
   
4. Support communities and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing tree-based value chains with viable business models and facilitate access to higher–value-added markets.
   
5. Jointly with country team, identify at least one financing mechanism per country for the selected value chains or enterprises, and co-develop investment plans and risk-mitigation strategies for regenerative activities and value chains
   
6. Organize and contribute to national consultation forums to strengthen collaboration with value chain actors, enterprises, and relevant institutions
   
7. Identify institutional and regulatory bottlenecks affecting local entrepreneurship and innovation, and contribute to addressing and removing these constraints
   
8. Support the advocacy with value chain stakeholders and the private sector
   
9. Compile country Value chains, innovation and entrepreneurship field interventions technical report.
   

Requirements

• Master’s degree in tree-based agricultural-economy, Agribusiness, socio-economy, green-economy, Rural Development, or a related field.
  
• Proven experience of at least 3 years in value chain development, market analysis, business support, innovation platforms.
  
• Proven knowledge in developing and implementing VC, business plans, innovation related training modules.
  
• Knowledge of indigenous/underutilized species, tree-based value chains, and regenerative business models.
  
• Experience working with local communities, MSMEs, and multiple stakeholders.
  

Education, knowledge and experience

•Master’s degree in tree-based agricultural-economy, Agribusiness, socio-economy, green-economy, Rural Development, or a related field.
 •Proven experience of at least 3 years in value chain development, market analysis, business support, innovation platforms.
 •Proven knowledge in developing and implementing VC, business plans, innovation related training modules.
 •Knowledge of indigenous/underutilized species, tree-based value chains, and regenerative business models.
 •Experience working with local communities, MSMEs, and multiple stakeholders.

Terms and conditions

•This is a Locally Recruited Position (LRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
 •The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, with a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
 •The duty station will be in Abomey-Calavi, Benin CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.