Policy 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.

Policy Experts, Albania

ACDI/VOCA is seeking Policy 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

• Develop partnerships with local governments, private sector, and industry organizations to improve the environment and address policy bottlenecks to market systems development, in particular, leading on the analysis and strategies for the development of a regulatory and legislation environment that promotes innovative, nature-positive businesses
• Liaise with partner country governments, regional economic communities, and industry associations to identify targeted legislative and regulatory reform and expansion of public and private dialogue
• Propose practical interventions aimed at increasing Albania’s capacity to meet EU regulations, policies, and standards.
• Build industry association capacity in research and analysis, outreach to new and existing members, and formulation of a cohesive policy agenda
• Liaise with associations to develop strong communications strategies that educate public and private audiences about the risks, benefits, impacts, and political and investment feasibility of key legal and regulatory issues in Albania’s agricultural industry
• Develop institutional capacity of associations in the areas of governance, membership services, development and fundraising, and management, focusing on sustainability and based on a collaborative strategic planning process
• Use a market led, facilitative approach to identify and remedy enabling environment barriers to agricultural trade

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, agribusiness, or a relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a mix of value chain competitiveness, investment promotion, or agriculture development and policy advice.
• Extensive experience in planning and implementing technical assistance for policy reform and institutional capacity building is required.
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID and/or other international Donor programs’ rules and regulations.
• Experience working in the Balkans preferred.
• Fluency in English required.

Albanian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.