Timor-Leste: Agribusiness Specialist

Sep 12, 2014 | ACDI/VOCA

Since 1963 and in 146 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 delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 60 projects in 30 countries and total revenues of $173 million.

Agribusiness Specialist, Timor-Leste

We are currently seeking a senior Agribusiness Specialist for a USAID-funded project in Timor-Leste. The AVANSA Project, Integrated Food Security, Climate Change Adaptation, and Private Sector Competitiveness, is a horticulture value chain initiative aimed at addressing the key challenges of rural poverty, natural resource degradation, food insecurity, and under-nutrition. ACDI/VOCA will utilize a value-chain approach to achieve increased productivity along key horticulture value chains that include vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Activities will aim to stimulate and support increased economic activity and growth in targeted rural communities. Key activities will include promotion of sustainable production practices; increased functionality of farmer groups and associations; improved market linkages; and increased availability and access to quality agricultural inputs and services. This position is subject to successful project award.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical direction of the horticulture value chain development activities, including training of entrepreneurs and SME owners for business start-up and expansion
  • Lead access to finance component of AVANSA
  • Work closely with project field staff, entrepreneurs and business owners, and private sector partners
  • Work with regional value chain networks to identify upgrading opportunities, public-private partnerships and other opportunities that support an industry vision
  • Provide input into the performance monitoring plan to measure success and validate causal model assumptions, and provide oversight of the field-level data collection under the guidance of the Monitoring and Evaluation Expert

Qualifications: 

  • A Master’s degree in a related field and a minimum of 10 years’ experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of 12 years’ experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or value chain development projects
  • Experience managing a staff of 10 or more in a complex, multi-disciplinary area
  • Demonstrated success in implementing programs aimed at increasing the productivity and competiveness of horticulture value chains for economic growth
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in horticulture productivity and value chain development
  • Regional experience required, Experience in Timor-Leste preferred
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills
  • Fluency in English required, Tetum language skill preferred