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.

Market Systems Team Lead, Zambia

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Market Systems Team Lead for an upcoming Agricultural Diversification Activity in Zambia funded by USAID. The anticipated program will support the growth of Zambia’s agricultural sector and enhance resilience to climate shocks while improving the market competitiveness of targeted commodities. Additionally, the activity will increase the diversity of nutritious commodities that hold the potential to improve dietary consumption at the rural household level.

The Market Systems Team Lead will be responsible for leading value chain and commodity or service specific analyses, guiding the market systems development strategy, identifying and designing private sector partnerships, and continually learning and adapting the market systems strategy and partnerships to improve program impact over the life of the project. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in Zambia.

Responsibilities

• Analyze evolving market trends, lead targeted research on new/potential market channels, business models, or partnerships.
• Identify strong potential partners and innovative opportunities and co-design partnerships with market actors to increase agriculture productivity, strengthen market linkages, and improve dietary diversity.
• Champion ACDI/VOCA’s market systems tools and methodologies with project components and partners.
• Provide on-going capacity building support in market systems development and systems thinking for Activity staff and implementing partners
• Contribute to the development of adaptive management systems and a culture of collaboration, learning, and adaptation that encourages the flow of information and reflection to maximize performance and continuous improvement.
• Coordinates activities and partnerships with government officials, other implementers, stakeholders, and institutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, business management or relevant field required; master’s degree preferred
• 7 years of experience in market systems development, SME development, economic growth and competitiveness, or agricultural development programs
• Experience with agricultural programs focused on climate resilience preferred.
• Knowledge of market systems development and systems thinking approaches and best practices in private sector engagement and facilitation
• Fluency in English (written and oral) is required.

Zambian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.