Value Chain Experts - Nigeria USAID/Feed the Future at Palladium Group

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Value Chain Expert - Nigeria USAID/Feed the Future

Location: Lagos

Project Overview and Role

• Palladium brings more than 50 years of experience applying rigorous, evidence-led methodologies to international development. Our work covers health, education, economic growth, governance, environmental issues, informatics, workforce development, and monitoring and evaluation, offering innovative approaches that support the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of development programs. Our presence extends across more than 90 countries, creating positive impact over 100 projects through the dedication of 2,000+ project and home office staff.
• Palladium seeks Value Chain Experts for an anticipated USAID-funded Nigeria opportunities in Agriculture Competitiveness Project.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical leadership for one or several value chains in Nigeria.
• Responsible for identify growth opportunities and value addition for several strategic value chains in Nigeria: Cassava, soy/legumes, aquaculture, rice, maize, sorghum.
• Advises on best practices for value chain development in the aforementioned foods throughout the country through climate smart agriculture, post-harvest handling, processing, trade and enterprise development.
• Develops concepts, methodologies, guidelines and indicators for agricultural marketing and inclusive and sustainable agri-food value chain development;
• Oversees and leads analysis of selected food value chains with emphasis on growth opportunities and improvement of product quality, value chain addition, feasibility of agribusiness investment projects. Analysis should also include assessment of constraints/opportunities related to agribusiness investment, support services, and private sector engagement.
• Facilitates relationships between value chain actors including smallholders, traders, financial institutions, buyers, processors and agribusiness.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Crop Production, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics or related field. Knowledge of aquaculture a plus.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience working with USAID or another donor agency.
• Seven years professional work experience in the specific value chains outlined above.
• This includes experience in crop/aquaculture production, crop/aquaculture protection, food security, value chain development including facilitation, agribusiness, marketing, and financial services, private sector development, and enabling environment policy reforms.
• Experience in training, provision of technical assistance and public private facilitation among smallholders and value chain actors.
• Previous experience in Nigeria preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills required for working with project staff and beneficiaries
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure with limited guidance
• Excellent communication skills are essential to write effectively and persuasively and be able to present information in a variety of settings and formats
• Fluency in English required
• Experience with gender mainstreaming a plus
• Preference will be given to local candidates.

Application Closing Date
5th May, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online