Senior Advisor, Cashew Input Strategy Program (m/f)

Description

• TechnoServe Background: TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With nearly five decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives
• Program Description:TechnoServe has been providing technical assistance to Mozambique’s industries, agribusinesses, and entrepreneurs with high growth potential for over 20 years, since our office first opened in 1998. We have helped create a competitive and sustainable commercial agricultural sector, which has generated opportunities for small-scale rural producers and suppliers, in addition to new employment opportunities for the rural poor. While we have worked in a number of value chains in Mozambique, TechnoServe is particularly known for creating lasting impact in the cashew sector. TechnoServe initially worked to create a cashew processing sector in northern Mozambique, and later also assisted farmers to get access to better inputs, agricultural practices and more competitive markets. TechnoServe is currently expecting to secure funding for a program that would work closely with the Mozambique Cashew Development Institute (INCAJU) to transition the sector towards more sustainable, private-sector oriented provision of necessary chemical inputs to producers. The program is expected to encompass two phases, with Phase I (likely to last 14 months) focused on joint development of an appropriate subsidy withdrawal strategy with relevant stakeholders, and Phase II being the subsequent roll-out phase (likely over 2 years). Phase I will consist of three Components: 1) Confirming political will and generating stakeholder engagement; 2) Designing the subsidy withdrawal strategy; and 3) Designing the strategy roll-out plan (likely in the form of a voucher system)
• Scope of Work: The Cashew Input Strategy Senior Advisor is expected to help lead Phase I of the program, working with the Program Manager to provide strategic leadership throughout the entire phase, with potential for engagement continuing through to Phase II. The Senior Advisor is expected to support the definition of the Program’s governance structures, collaboration modalities, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The Senior Advisor will develop and maintain critical relationships with government stakeholders and support consensus-building by the stakeholders and key public sector counterparts. This position will be key in ensuring the program brokers public-private sector solutions, and that decision making is aligned with government priorities

Duties

Strategic Leadership and Program Management

• Lead Component 1, confirming political will and generating stakeholder engagement – this will involve engaging with key stakeholders in MADER and INCAJU to ensure support for the initiative and identify critical design elements, confirming private sector engagement, and developing multi-stakeholder working structures for the program

Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain close working relationships with critical personnel in government, in particular in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER), and INCAJU
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with key industry personnel at national and provincial levels (including agro-chemical companies, agro-input dealers, processors, traders, and other critical stakeholders in the cashew value chain)
• Lead formation of multi-stakeholder Working/Advisory Groups, including definition of governance structures, collaboration modalities, and dispute resolution mechanisms
• Coordinate constructive multi-stakeholder discussions and engagement, ensuring multiple viewpoints are recognized and captured, and decision points reached, with a clear way forward

Requisites

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, agricultural economics, public policy or other relevant discipline plus 10 years of professional experience in a relevant field, including business consulting, development of agricultural value chains, agribusiness, and/or entrepreneurship; OR
• A Master’s degree plus a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in a relevant field, including business consulting, development of agricultural value chains, agribusiness, and/or entrepreneurship
• Substantial relevant professional experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mozambique preferred; relevant experience desired includes:
• Designing and implementing impactful public-private partnerships
• Developing successful public sector strategies and approaches, especially in the agriculture sector
• Prior value chain experience in cashew or other tree nuts
• Experience working with non-profit/International NGO organizations
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills
• Proven ability to build rapport in a multi-stakeholder setting
• Results-oriented work ethic
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English and Portuguese, including report writing and presentations
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically approximately 40%, and internationally when necessary

Notes

• Qualified and interested applicants should submit a single Word-formatted document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history
• Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted
• TechnoServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities