Value Chain and Market Development Expert

Lux-Development, the Executing Agency for Bilateral Co-operation financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is assisting the Provincial People’s Committee (PPC) of Cao Bang and a number of technical line ministries and departments by delivery of international and national TA and capacity building to implement the initiative called  “Developing Business with the Rural Poor”, which is part of a province-wide programme in the Cao Bang province - predominantly designed by- and financed through- loan support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), commenced in mid-2008.

The recently launched project VIE/029 -  “Technical Assistance” (TA) towards “Developing Business with the Rural Poor in Cao Bang”  has a planned duration of 3 years.
Lux-Development Support Team led by a Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) is looking for candidates to fill the following positions:

01 Value Chain and Market Development Expert (VCMDE) Part-time

Key responsibilities:

Under the supervision of CTA, the main function of the VCMDE task is to develop and foster the capacity of  the PPMU Market Development unit, relevant line agencies (e.g. Value Chain Task Force under DARD), and respective extension stations at district level. In addition, the VCMDE assists in implementing relevant programme activities along the IFAD-DBRP log frame and respective annual work plans ensuring timely and successful implementation in line with IFAD set guidelines.

Together with his/her government counterparts, the main functions of the expert’s work are as follows:

- Act as adviser for developing strategic framework and proposals of Lux-Development project VIE/029 support to the PPMU in agricultural value chain products. This includes a hands-on approach during the implementation phase of the respective action plans;
- Act as adviser to the PPMU and relevant line agencies (province and district level) in promoting the functioning of the service market (supply and demand sides) around selected agro-value chains;
- Act as adviser to the PPMU in supporting clients/partners in building and maintaining market linkages, market development, networks and partnerships among them;
- Coach and monitor relevant consultancies and activities under the IFAD-DBRP programme and VIE/029 Technical Assistance support;
- Act as resource person for strengthening the capacity of the PPMU and relevant line agencies.

Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration or equivalent (Masters Degree a plus)
- At least 7 year-experience in advisory work and pro-poor value chain/private sector development (work experience with international organisations is strong asset);
- Significant expertise in the area of value chain and market development for selected agro-products and sectors on district and communal level in Vietnam;
- Working experience with Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and Socio Economic Development Planning (SEDP);
- Broad experience in capacity development and organizational learning;
- Excellent communication, presentation and teaching skills. Experience in participatory approaches, coaching and strategy development;
- Innovative and creative, team player;
- Proficient with the MS Office package and Internet use;
- Fluency in English (reading, writing and communicating);
- Willingness to work part-time in a remote rural mountainous area of Vietnam.

DURATION OF CONTRACT: One year, renewable (with two-month probation)

REMUNERATION:

- 12 consecutive days per month on average (start as soon as possible until December 2013), fee rate per day is negotiable and based on the latest MPI/EU cost norm, work experience and education;
per diem (accommodation and daily subsequent allowance) as per Lux Development country cost norm: currently 660 000 VND/per day if stay in Cao Bang town (elsewhere in the province 370 000 VND/day);

- Transportation support: project provides transportation within the province if on duty missions. Transportation Hanoi to Cao Bang and return will be paid for one time per mission per month with maximum $200 and based on supporting documentation (official receipts).

DUTY STATION: Cao Bang Province with frequent travel to districts and communes

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION: July 31st, 2012

HOW TO APPLY: Applications in English consisting of:

- a covering motivation letter 
- a Curriculum Vitae in English and minimum of two referee’s contacts; and
- copies of relevant degrees, certificates 

must be forwarded by e-mail to: Lux-Development, Ms. Hoang Thi Minh Phuong, Project VIE/029 Cao Bang Office at [email protected] or [email protected], specifying in the subject line, e.g. “VCMDE/VIE029”.

Detailed job description and TOR’s can be provided upon request to the above email address.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview(s) (tentatively on August 7th, 2012)

Women /ethnic minorities are highly encouraged to apply.