Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership and Program implementation (45%0

• Ensure capacity building of the staff, farmers and where applicable implementing for effective engagement in the Local Value Chain development/Inclusive Market System Development…
• To provide advice, mentoring, motivation, supervision and support for Project staff in Local Value Chain Development/iMSD interventions.
• Market actors mapping per AP and development of engagement plan and platforms such as Business to Business for enhanced farmers’ profitability along key value chains supported through Building Secured Livelihood model (BSL)
• Provide a leadership role in working with the project staff in the formation, strengthening and capacity building of households and producer groups in Local value Chain Development/iMSD interventions.
• In liaison with the field staff, explore and establish aggregation centres among the producer groups areas and other strategic points where needful and feasible.
• Oversee establishment of Business-to-Business Forums, production groups, marketing groups and enhanced collective marketing of produce.
• Develop practical Local Value Chain Development/iMSD training materials and references according to local context and conduct relevant training sessions for staff, partners, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Support Project Staff in facilitating the formation of Producer Groups within the project implementation areas.
• Engagements with respective counties and National government for more investment in infrastructure development to support Local Value Chain development
• Provide quality assurance for LVCD/iMSD project models implementation, in accordance to WVKs Strategy.
• Work with government staff and other key stakeholders to guide farmers in their respective producer groups do farming as per the market demand.

Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability, Learning and Innovation (30%)

• Carry out participatory market research and value chain analysis for selected and prioritized value chains (for on-farm and off-farm)
• Develop tools, frameworks and resources to enable better Local Value Chain Development & Inclusive Market System Development integration in THRIVE Project
• Coordinate field level monitoring of Local Value Chain Development/ iMSD interventions and the implementing partners.
• Track and report against Local Value Chain Development/iMSD indicators in THRIVE project.
• Working closely with the DMEAL coordinator, generate Quality & Accurate quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports informed by Monthly Management Reports and in line with support office requirements and regulations.
• In liaison with the DMEAL coordinator and the field program managers, develop a regular schedule for monitoring and support visits and organize reflection and learning forums on Local Value Chain Development interventions
• Lead the capacity building initiatives of communities and partners on monitoring and ensure participatory data collection on Local Value Chain Development/ iMSD initiatives
• Review and provide technical feedback on project results and reports to donors in order to ensure quality with a focus on Local Value Chain Development.
• Identify successful LVCD/iMSD practices in the project that can be showcased in publications, communication materials and conferences
• Prepare communications materials that highlight the Project’s LVCD/iMSD programming, successes and lessons learnt.

Engagement Networking and Advocacy (20%)

• Establish and sustain working relationships with key THRIVE stakeholders including, local value chain partners.
• Mapping of key buyers at the Field & National level and fostering buyer seller agreements with farmers for maximum profitability.
• Engagements with respective counties for more investment in infrastructure development to support Local Value Chain development.
• Strengthen linkages between the Project and other WVK programs
• Ensure program representation in key strategic LVCD technical working groups and forums at the county and national level
• Actively participate in the Project meetings, and other WVK forums and meetings as appropriate

Others: (5%)

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by supervisor or designee from time to time.
• Participate and contribute to committees and task forces which you may be appointed to.
• Participate and lead devotions as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in community development work implementing Livelihoods & Resilience programs.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience on Economic empowerment and specifically through Local Value Chains Development/Inclusive Market System Development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management, Entrepreneurship, Agricultural Economics, Horticulture, Agriculture Extension, or a closely related field from a recognized University.
•  An understanding of poverty analysis and livelihood security frameworks; Value Chain Development, Making Markets Work for the Poor.
• Proven track record as a staff and community trainer and capacity builder in mindset change, agricultural production, on-farm and off-farm Local value chain development, marketing and financial inclusion.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in Results-Based management, staff capacity development, development of community capacity and community-based organizations, linking of professional, academic and community-based learning models
• Ability to build capacity of staff on Local Value Chain Development and Inclusive Market System Development technical fields;
• Ability to take initiative, solve complex problems, exercise independent judgment;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision;
• A team player, capable of building staff and partners in economic development activities
• Cross-cultural sensitivity, and emotional maturity.