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.

Agriculture and Market Systems Lead, Madagascar Feed the Future

ACDI/VOCA is seeking an Agriculture and Market Systems Team Lead for an upcoming Feed the Future activity in Madagascar funded by USAID. The anticipated program will improve and sustain the food and nutrition security of vulnerable populations through sustainable, climate resilient agricultural and natural resource management practices in a to-be-determined region of Madagascar. These activities will work at the household, community, and institutional levels to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition and strengthen sustainable livelihoods and agriculture productivity.

The Agriculture and Market Systems Team Lead will oversee and conduct analyses and synthesis for the development of a strategy and marketing action plan that will improve market function for micro, small, and mid-sized enterprises, leading to improved incomes and empowerment for women and youth. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in a to be determined region of Madagascar.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to program participants in market identification and development, agricultural value chain development, agricultural supply chain management, private sector development, business development, regional and international trade policies, and promotion of investments.
• Design and implement strategies and work plans to strengthen market linkages, expand access to markets, support the development of diversified livelihoods opportunities, and strengthen input, service, and capacity building networks for diversified livelihoods activities
• Provide technical assistance to agricultural product development via viable market orientation, considering the marketing issues related to the transition to high-value products
• Contribute to development and management of strategies to improve uptake of nutrition-sensitive, inclusive, and climate-smart business practices.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with cooperatives, partners, collaborators, rural finance institutions, and any other associated stakeholders
• Contribute to training of farmers and producer groups to better understand and analyze their markets
• Collaborate with the M&E team to develop monitoring and evaluation tools on marketing outcomes
• Support extension staff working with farmers and producer groups to create new and/or diversified market linkages
• Collaborate with the private sector to facilitate the purchasing and transport of agricultural products that meet target market quality standards
• Ensure the reporting on results, changes, revenue generation, and profitability of marketed volumes ICT/digitization technologies and private sector engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, business management, or relevant field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in market studies, economic growth, trade, value chain development, competitiveness, or agricultural development programs.
• Knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in value chain development and USAID’s value chain approach is preferred.
• Experience working in Madagascar is required.
• Fluency in French and/or Malagasy is required; English preferred.

Malagasy nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.