Cooperative Development Foundation of Canada
| Position Title: | Value Chain Specialist |
| Reports to: | Country Manager |
| Contract Term: | 2 Years (with possibility of extension) |
| Status: | Full-time |
| Annual Salary: | $22,000 to $25,000 CAD |
| Work Location: | Lilongwe, Malawi |
Formed in 1947, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) has focused its efforts on advancing self-reliant, member-owned co-operatives on a global scale. The strength of CDF Canada is grounded in its mission – Acting on Co-operative principles, we partner with communities to achieve sustainable economic and social development – and is at the heart of all strategic activities the organization undertakes. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do! We recognize the immense value that different experiences and perspectives bring to our organization.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Value Chain Specialist plays a pivotal role in designing and implementing value chain development interventions in the Integrated Aquaculture Agriculture Malawi (IAAM) project. The Value Chain Specialist will provide technical assistance, value chain development advice and implementation support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), farmers associations, and producer organizations in the development of market linkages in the aquaculture and agriculture sector so that these can become profitable and self-sustaining in the long run. The Value Chain Specialist will report directly to the Country Manager and will work closely with the Headquarters Program Manager to effectively accomplish work plans.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Stakeholder Engagement
- Conduct inclusive identification of key stakeholders in selected value chains.
- Collaborate closely with farmers, co-operatives, input suppliers, and agrodealers.
Assessment and Selection
- Conduct thorough assessments to identify and evaluate existing value chains, and identifying opportunities for improvement, growth, or potential target value chains (VCs).
- Collect, organize, and analyse market information including pricing, demand, and buyer requirements for dissemination to cooperatives and other actors along the value chain.
- Develop strategies to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of these value chains.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment with development goals.
Development and Enhancement.
- Work closely with community members, enterprises, and private sector companies.
- Provide technical assistance to promote environmentally friendly value chains.
- Strengthen value chain infrastructure, market systems, and partnerships.
- Facilitate capacity building and knowledge transfer.
Capacity Building and Linkages
- Facilitate the formation of cooperatives and associations in collaboration with the Co-Op Development Specialist.
- Offering support to workshops and training sessions on best practices for resource management, and innovative business strategies in collaboration with the Co-Op Development Specialist.
- Facilitate linkages that enable cooperatives and groups to establish formal agreements for mutual benefit. Identify potential partners, organize networking events, provide advisory support for contract drafts, and ensure that the agreements align with the strategic goals of all parties involved.
- Support lead farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives in leveraging local resources. Promote inclusive participation and gender equity within value chains.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitor the performance of value chains, identifying bottlenecks and opportunities.
- Evaluate the impact of interventions on livelihoods, income, and sustainability.
- Adapt strategies based on evidence and lessons learned.
- Submit monthly and quarterly progress reports as required by project management.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors or Masters Degree (preferred) in international development, agribusiness management, business administration, agricultural economics, agricultural development, or related field.
- 5 years relevant experience in Malawi
- Relevant certifications or training in value chain development, sustainable agriculture, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated experience and understanding of farmer technology adoption models.
- Experience in farmer mobilization and linking small holder farmers to substantive markets.
- Prior experience in international development projects is an asset.
- Capacity to periodically write/present high-quality reports on project activities and results under tight deadlines for a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and result-drive, with the ability to effectively build and manage networks and relationships for program promotion and issues resolution.
- High level of proficiency in written or oral English.
COMPETENCY & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
- Excellent communication, marketing and negotiation skills.
- Strong networking and relationship building skills with an ability to work with producer organizations to link small holders to markets.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
- Experience in project design, implementation, and monitoring.
- Results-oriented mindset with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage budgets and timelines effectively.
- Comfortable working in challenging environments.
- Willingness to travel to remote areas.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and learn from setbacks.
Method Of Application
We require all applications, including cover letters and resumes, to be submitted through CDF Canada’s web portal.
https://cdfcanada-coop.hiringplatform.ca/processes/183744-value-chain-specialist-lilongwe-office?locale=en
Application Deadline: Friday, July 19, 2024 4:00 p.m. CAT
Applicants must be Malawi Citizens or have legal authorization to work in Lilongwe, Malawi. Please note that we are unable to provide visa assistance or offer relocation support for this position.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and unsolicited communication will not be accepted.
CDF Canada is committed to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or age.