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.

Sr. Market Systems Development (MSD)/Value Chain Advisor, Sri Lanka

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Sr. MSD/Value Chain Advisor for an upcoming Economic Modernization Activity in Sri Lanka funded by USAID. The program will improve economic competitiveness through an improved business enabling environment, increased small and medium business export competitiveness, and upgraded workforce capacity.

The Sr. MSD/Value Chain Advisor will support the integration of inclusive and adaptive market systems approaches in program activities to create lasting transformational change. They will provide strategic input and technical guidance to relevant program staff on market systems and value chain development approaches to activity design and implementation. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Responsibilities

• Identify market opportunities and analyze value chain and market system constraints, technical and policy impediments to development of inclusive market systems
• Analyze capacity building needs related to the development and competitiveness of value chains
• Identify and work with small and medium businesses to develop new market opportunities, build market linkages, support agricultural producers, and improve the business enabling environment
• Identify and engage with value chain actors to scale exports to local, regional, and national markets
• Support the program team in designing and implementing interventions that will lead to and improve business enabling environment and increased small and medium business export competitiveness
• Contribute to program deliverables such as quarterly and annual reports and work plans
• Promote a culture of collaboration and learning amongst internal program staff and program stakeholders through knowledge sharing, developing thought pieces, and attending industry events

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, business development, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in market systems or value chain development programs, designing and implementing market driven strategies.
• Experience conducting training and/or providing technical assistance for public sector officials, private sector representatives, and/or community leaders.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations preferred.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience with teams and professional groups in a cross-cultural environment.
• Experience working in Sri Lanka required.
• Fluency in English is required.

Sri Lankan nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.