Value Chain Development Specialist

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Uganda provides technical assistance to the Government of Uganda in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related sectors. The Value Chain Development Advisor will support the planning, implementation and monitoring of GCP/UGA/054/EC project entitled “Global Climate Change Alliance plus (GCCA )”; GCP/UGA/055/SWE project entitled “Climate Resilient Women Economic Empowerment (CRWEE)” funded by the European Union and Government of Sweden, respectively. These projects aim to strengthen key government institutions at central and decentralized levels and build the resilience of communities in the face of a changing climate

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Uganda, in collaboration with the Deputy FAO Representative, National Project Managers and Heads of Sub Offices, the Value Chain Development Specialist reports directly to the Team Leader – Climate Change Program.

The Value Chain Development Specialist will provide technical leadership in planning, implementing and monitoring the projects value chain development initiatives.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Value Chain Development Specialist will\:

• Provide advice on the most appropriate agriculture value chain development models/ approaches for implementation based on Uganda context.
• Provide advice on agricultural commodities which has the comparative advantage and potential for developing the value chain in the target districts.
• Provide support in conducting value chain analysis for the selected commodities in the target districts. This will include, among others, agronomic production profiling, value chain mapping, functional analysis of each value chain, climate change and gender implications, economic analysis of potential opportunities to add value along the chain, policy and institutional conditions necessary to create suitable enabling environment for value chain development.
• Provide support in identifying new and potential business opportunities for farmer groups and organizations, including alternate market channels and agri-businesses
• Provide support in development of value chain and market linkages for identified agricultural commodities/ products, develop business plans for the commodities and roll out the plan
• Provide support in the review and development of training manuals to ensure smooth functioning of agricultural value chain enterprises
• Support the development of agribusiness financing models that also address climate related risks
• Identify areas of intervention in the value chain cycle for the youth, persons with disability and older men and women as well as their specific training needs.
• Provide support in the development of market information system with respect to women farmers
• Build capacity of District Local Government, NGOs and Farmer organizations on value chain development through mentoring and facilitation of learning by doing processes
• Perform other related duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• Advanced University Degree in Agriculture Economics, Development Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Agri-Business Management or related fields
• At least three years of relevant experience in value chain development and market linkages for rural produce
• At least have supported two value chain assessments.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of Uganda

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

• Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge in value change development and market linkages
• Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge in value chain analysis
• Extent of knowledge and experiences in working with various stakeholders in Uganda including UN, Government, NGOs, private sector, academics, and others
• Writing and communication skills
• Ability to manage a high workload, meet tight deadlines and multi-task under pressure
• Extent of experience with international organizations, non-government institutions/organizations, and donors in a multi-cultural setting.
• Extent of experience in more than one location or area of work