Job Description

Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has 44 active projects in 31 countries and total revenues of approximately $176 million.

Market Systems Analyst

ACDI/VOCA is currently looking for Market Systems Analyst, based in Dhaka Office, for the USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Rice and Diversified Crops (RDC) Activity. The activity is a five-year primary mechanism to support productivity and market systems development under USAID/Bangladesh’s FTF strategy, with the objective of improved food security through systemic changes that increase rural incomes and – via increased incomes, including women’s income, and incentivized crop diversification – to improved nutrition. USAID/Bangladesh’s new Rice and Diversified Crops (RDC) activity will foster growth and reduce poverty through improving the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of rice and other selected crops in the FTF Zone of Influence (ZOI) to the benefit of large numbers of men and women and their families in rural households, farms, and market systems

The Market Systems Analyst will be responsible for design and implementation of market facilitation strategies and interventions in the rice sector that impact the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of rice/other selected crops. Facilitates relationships among rice companies, suppliers, machinery owners, farmers and other relevant market actors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Identifies rice related market development opportunities.
  • Conducts research on new/potential rice market systems that will be of value to farmers and other market system actors developing market channels, business models, or partnerships that will determine if the introduction of these crops and market systems will be economically viable.
  • Initiate and with support from RDC management, MEL team leader and Market Systems Managers design research and studies which will generate information and data that will support RDC develop and constantly improve an RDC rice sector strategy.
  • Support MEL team leader draft rice related questions for ad hoc and annual performance surveys.
    • Identifies rice market actors, assesses end markets, develops value chain maps, and identifies constraints, market-based solutions, and incentives to integrate small-scale producers into rice supply chains and commercial distribution networks.
    • Assesses the feasibility and projected impact of proposed RDC initiatives in support of performance monitoring plan targets and overall strategic objectives.
    • Facilitates strategy sessions with potential partners to design initiatives that will increase the access of farmers and other market system actors to rice and market systems that will improve the efficiency and profitability of cropping system production and crop processing and through this improve income for farmers.
    • Supports the Market Systems Manager prepare requests for applications for rice related grants.
  • Support the Market Systems Manager draft partnership agreements with companies who have applications approved by the project grant application review committee. Support the Market Systems Manager negotiate the content, activities and budget with companies for agreements. Analyses the sustainability and economic viability of company interventions that will be supported through an RDC grant. Develop and review impact causal models/results chains to demonstrate how interventions will contribute to sustainable poverty reduction in targeted districts.
    • Be responsible for managing a portfolio of company agreements assigned to the Market Systems specialist by the Market Systems Manager. Specifically, the Market Systems Specialist will be responsible for monitoring company implemented field activities and reviewing monitoring data such as event participation forms for their quality and accuracy.
  • Encourages the flow of information and reflection to maximize performance and continuous improvement.
  • Be a resource person for RDC on rice related matters and when required prepare publications on rice related project activities and communications at meetings, workshops and field visits.
  • Be responsible for liaising with Government institutions and development organizations implementing rice related programs.
  • Supports the Market Systems Manager produce technical briefs, success stories and other communications materials for the project communications manager.
  • Supports the Market Systems Manager prepare data for quarterly work plan meetings and for quarterly and annual report. Writes sections for these reports when requested.
  • Collects stakeholder reports, generates reports, or conducts additional research to support performance monitoring and evaluation data collection.
  • Monitor and provide feedback on rice market system trends, facilitation activities, and private and public sector actor interventions in the agricultural machinery sector that promote farmer income development.
  • Undertakes other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Demonstrated understanding of agricultural market systems, the current rice sector in Bangladesh, the rice market systems and the constraints and opportunities for development of the rice sector in Bangladesh.
  • Proven ability to work with and motivate private- and public-sector actors.
  • Strong written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
  • Strong analytical skills, including ability to gather and analyze a variety of information pertaining to machinery issues and to develop appropriate recommendations for action.
  • Advanced computer skills in a Windows based environment including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with donors, project stakeholders, in-country collaborators and staff at all levels of the organization. Awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of cross-cultural issues particularly in representing a US-based agency.
  • Proven ability to prepare and conduct formal presentations, and to organize conferences, seminars, workshops, trainings, and study tours.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
  • Travel 40% of the time.
  • Fluency in English, both verbal and written.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelors or Master’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural economics or business administration, with a specialization in agronomy, economics or business management or another relevant field.
  • Minimum of four years’ experience in agricultural development preferably with experience of market systems preferably including working in the private sector or supporting private enterprise. Proven experience in program design.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Interested applicants are requested to apply on or before February 16th, 2019. Please email your CV along a Cover letter to jobs@acdivocardc.org . Please mention the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email. No phone calls please. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified women and minorities candidates. ACDI/VOCA will never solicit a payment from any applicant.