Value Chain and Market Development Expert (VCMD)

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 lead by a Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) is looking for candidates to fill the following positions: Value Chain and Market Development Expert (VCMD)

Key responsibilities:
- Under the supervision of CTA, the main function of the assignment is to assist and develop the capacity of the PPMU staff, in particular the rural finance officer on all levels (including district and commune)
- Together with his/her government counterparts, the main functions of the consultant’s work are as follows:
- Assist and enhance the capacity of the PPMU Value Chain Expert and Market Development Officer and to advice him/her in implementing relevant program activities along the IFAD log frame and annual work plan ensuring timely and comprehensive implementation;
- Provide on-the-job technical support and coaching for the PPMU Market Development Officer and Value Chain Officer, other relevant PPMU team members and line agencies (e.g. DARD), for effective delivery of advisory services to the beneficiaries (related to the respective AWPB and log frame);
- Coordinate activities and tasks with other VIE/029 staff, in particular the Rural Finance and Training Expert, and others on demand;
- Assist the PPMU in promoting the functioning of the service market (supply and demand sides) around selected agro-value chains;
- Assist the PPMU in supporting clients/partners and Common Interest Groups (CIGs) in building and maintaining market linkages, networks and partnerships between them;
- Facilitate evaluation and outcome assessment (jointly with the M&E officer) of the program interventions both at client/partner level and beneficiary level;
- Support networks and collaboration with partnerships similar and complementary initiatives, undertaken by other organizations, institutions and programs;
- Provide training and assistance on relevant activities and monitor the learning progress of the PPMU and relevant line agencies;
- Provide adequate input to the PPMU & VIE/029 Knowledge Management unit and M&E unit;
- Provide support to IFAD supervision missions and mid-term evaluation;
- Provide required reporting (work plan, time sheet, etc) as per LD regulation;
- Support the CTA for preparing relevant activities for the LD work plan;
- Other tasks that may be required by the CTA.

Minimum Requirements:
- A relevant university degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration and at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in the fields of agro-business, agriculture, and related fields;
- Significant expertise in the area of value chain and market development for selected agro-products and sectors;
- Working experience with Common Interest Groups (CIGs);
- Broad experience in capacity development and organizational learning;
- Excellent communication and teaching skills. Experience in participatory approaches, coaching and strategy development;
- Innovative and creative, team player;
- Fluency in English, both in speaking and writing.

DURATION OF CONTRACT: One year, renewable for up two years

REMUNERATION:
Salary will be based on work experience and educational background (maximum salary according to latest EU/ MPI cost norm)
Housing allowance: 150 USD/month and other project related reimbursements as per LD country cost norm ( e.g. transportation, perdiem)
DUTY STATION: Cao Bang, Vietnam with frequent travel to districts and communes.     
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION: 18. October 2010
HOW TO APPLY: Applications in English consisting of:
(i) a covering motivation letter 
(ii) a Curriculum Vitae in English and minimum of two referee’s contacts; and
(iii) copies of relevant degrees, certificates 
must be forwarded by e-mail to: Lux-Development, Ms. Pham Thu Thuy, Project VIE/029 Cao Bang Office at [email protected] or [email protected], specifying in the subject line, e.g. “VCMD/VIE029”
Detailed TOR can be provided upon request to the above email address.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview(s) (end of October 2010)
Women /ethnic minorities are highly encouraged to apply.