Value Chain Experts, Albania At ACDI/VOCA

Overview

Since 1963 and in 148 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 designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.

Value Chain Experts, Albania

ACDI/VOCA is seeking Value Chain Experts for an anticipated economic growth program. The activity will attempt to catalyze the establishment of a competitive food value chain around appropriate high-value, processed food sub-sectors; demonstrate/consolidate an effective model for producing and delivering high-value, high-quality food products, increase domestic production/consumption of Albania brand products; and connect Albania’s food industry with tourism, regional markets, and beyond. The program is anticipated to start in 2023.This position will be based in Albania.

Responsibilities

• Work to identify value chains for project interventions. Assess production capacities, geographic locations, capabilities for domestic use and export
• Work with producers and enterprises to develop their capacity to identify and respond to business opportunities in the selected value chains with focus on berries, herbs, fruits, and vegetables
• Develop capacity to develop value chain linkages among value chain actors and the supporting business service providers
• Assist producers, producer groups and enterprises in improving the flow of inputs and services to producers in the project area and to increase the market opportunities for the sale, distribution or processing of farm output
• Increase efficiency and competitiveness of selected value chains by introducing new technologies that improve agricultural commodities produced by agribusiness organizations and farmers
• Facilitate and arrange workshops, events (e.g., trade fairs) and meetings that establish dialogue and activities that lead to transactions between key stakeholders in the selected value chains

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, or a relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a mix of economic growth/trade/value chain competitiveness/agriculture development/food security programs.
• Demonstrated success in increasing the competitiveness of agricultural value chain relationships and mechanisms.
• Experience working in conjunction with high-value crops, cold storage, knowledge of export requirements, and demands in developing countries.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in value chain development and USAID’s value chain approach.
• Demonstrated creativity and willingness to innovate, think systematically and design catalytic approaches to intervening in value chains.
• Experience with value chain finance analysis, design of implementation interventions and monitoring.
• Experience working in the Balkans preferred.
• Fluency in English required.

Albanian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.