Value Chain and Market Development Expert (VCMDE)

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:

01 Value Chain and Market Development Expert (VCMDE)

Key responsibilities:
- Under the supervision of CTA, the main function of the VCMDE task is to develop and foster the capacity of  the PPMU Market Development unit, relevant line agencies (e.g. Value Chain Task Force under DARD), and respective extension stations at district level. In addition, the VCMDE assists in implementing relevant programme activities along the IFAD-DBRP log frame and respective annual work plans ensuring timely and successful implementation in line with IFAD set guidelines.
- Together with his/her government counterparts, the main functions of the expert’s work are as follows:
- Act as adviser for developing strategic framework and proposals of Lux-Development project VIE/029 support to the PPMU in agricultural value chain products. This includes a hands-on approach during the implementation phase of the respective action plans;
- Act as adviser to the PPMU and relevant line agencies (province and district level) in promoting the functioning of the service market (supply and demand sides) around selected agro-value chains;
- Act as adviser to the PPMU in supporting clients/partners in building and maintaining market linkages, market development, networks and partnerships among them;
- Coach and monitor relevant consultancies and activities under the IFAD-DBRP programme;
- Act as resource person for strengthening the capacity of the PPMU and relevant line agencies.

Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration or equivalent (Masters Degree a plus)
- At least 5 year-experience in advisory work and pro-poor value chain/private sector development (work experience with international organisations is strong asset);
- Significant expertise in the area of value chain and market development for selected agro-products and sectors on district and communal level in Vietnam;
- Working experience with Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and Socio Economic Development Planning (SEDP);
- Broad experience in capacity development and organizational learning;
- Excellent communication, presentation and teaching skills. Experience in participatory approaches, coaching and strategy development;
- Innovative and creative, team player;
- Proficient with the MS Office package and Internet use;
- Fluency in English (reading, writing and communicating);
- Willingness to work in a remote rural mountainous area of Vietnam.

DURATION OF CONTRACT: One year, renewable (with two-month probation)

REMUNERATION:
- Salary, social and medical insurance: (negotiable) as per Lux-Development’s practices
- Housing allowance: 150 USD/month for those who reside outside Cao Bang
- Transportation support: project provides bi-weekly shuttle from Cao Bang to Hanoi and vice versa, if project car is available. Otherwise, the project will reimburse for public transportation after submission of supporting documentation (bus ticket)
DUTY STATION: Cao Bang, Vietnam with frequent travel to districts and communes.     

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION: Feb 13th, 2012
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. Hoang Thi Minh Phuong, Project VIE/029 Cao Bang Office at [email protected] or [email protected], specifying in the subject line, e.g. “VCMDE/VIE029”.
Detailed job description can be provided upon request to the above email address.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview(s) (tentatively on Feb 20th, 2012)
Women /ethnic minorities are highly encouraged to apply.