Vacancy Announcement

Deadline for Application: 14/12/2020

Market Development Specialist

Organizational Setting
FAO in collaboration with the government, UN-organizations, and development partners began serving both the host communities and Rohingya population in building their livelihoods and skill development opportunities in Cox’s Bazar from October 2017. As continuation of the crisis response intervention, the European Union (EU) funded EU-FAO PROACT Project titled ‘Resilience Strengthening through Agri-Food Systems Transformation in Cox’s Bazar will be promoting economic inclusion and strengthening local supply chains and markets, as well as development of private sector partnership across the sub-sectors of crop production and fisheries.

The PROACT project contributes in improving households’ nutrition in introducing nutrition sensitive activities and develop opportunities for host communities to economically benefit from markets created by the presence of Rohingya. In addition, the project continues FAO’s commitment to environmental rehabilitation and economic support for the local communities. The restoration of environmental balance to the targeted area is a core commitment in creating sustainable livelihoods.

Reporting Lines
The NPP (Market Development) is a SC 9 position and will work under the overall supervision guidance of the FAO Head of Sub-Office, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and the direct supervision of the Team Leader, 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 in developing and implementation of programmes and projects related to agribusiness, value chain development, food security and development of improved agricultural technological; and as requested, provide technical support to the Food Security Sector Coordinator.

Technical Focus
The incumbent will be responsible for 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;
  • 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 experiences with the United Nations or international development organizations on agricultural business or market development or agricultural value chain analysis;
  • National of Bangladesh
  • Professional experience with agro-based private sector entities will be an added advantage. 

FAO Core Competencies

  • Results Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Building Effective Relationships
  • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/ Functional Skills

  • Working knowledge of English is essential;
  • Knowledge of national food systems and agricultural value chain systems;
  • Proven track record of successful teamwork, good presentation/facilitation skills;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills required;
  • Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision;
  • Self-motivation, willingness to learn and strong work ethics in a multi-disciplinary team environment. 

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Duty station: Bangladesh-Coxs Bazaar

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  •  FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application,     interview meeting, processing).
  •  Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help, or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
  •  Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
  •  Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the
  • online applications.
  • For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/

HOW TO APPLY

  • To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered.
  • Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
  • The subject must refer to “Application for the position of “Market Development Specialist”
  • Vacancies will be removed from the recruitment portal at 23:59 Central European Time (CET) on the deadline for the application date. We encourage applicants to apply well before the deadline date.
  • If you need help or have queries, please contact:iRecruitment@fao.org

All recruitment to FAO posts are made on a competitive and transparent basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply directly to FAO and follow the instructions on the above-mentioned website. Please note that no intermediary is allowed to expedite or facilitate such process. All those who represent themselves as such are fraudulent and should be reported to FAO immediately.

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.