Liberia: Oil Palm Marketing Network Development Consultant, Liberia
Country: Liberia
Closing date: 06 Sep 2013
Since 1963 and in 146 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 delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has 80 projects in 36 countries and revenues of approximately $168 million.
Oil Palm Marketing Network Development Consultant, Liberia
We are seeking a market network development specialist consultant for the USAID-funded Smallholder Oil Palm Support project (SHOPS) in Liberia. The objectives of SHOPS are to 1) increase the productivity and profitability of Liberia's smallholder oil palm sector; 2) improve the marketing and trade capacity of this sector; and 3) improve the enabling environment and support functions.
Presently SHOPS works with a network of over 60 actors involved in the oil palm trade throughout Liberia, including: individual and group processors; oil palm depots; group and individual traders. While crude palm oil is traded easily on the local market at favorable prices, due to the introduction of additional palm bi-products (PKO, palm kernel cake, etc), there is a need to formalize the trade sector to improve trade linkages and usage and distribution of new products. Equally, extension of market linkages may allow commodities to extend beyond their current distribution networks.
This consultancy will include a two-person team with an international and a local expert.
Responsibilities:Undertake a market survey of 15-20 diverse key actors to understand the current local market conditions for oil palm traders.Collaborate with local institutions such as the MoCI, CDA, CBL, and LPMC to understand their roles and support to the formalization of trade networks.Use appropriate tools to analyze key aspects of the market including the 6 C’s: context, channels, customers, competitors, choices and communication.Work with technical staff to organize appropriate meetings to address key issues relating to trade and strengthen networks amongst key actors.
Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in relevant agriculture/agronomy technical field required, Master’s strongly preferred.Experience conducting market research, analysis and recommendations for expanding trade of multi-use agricultural products.Experience presenting end market research using analytical tools for the 6 Cs.Experience leading informational sessions on important trade related discussions for agricultural products.Experience developing trade contracts between buyers and sellers.Must be computer literate, capable of working in MS word, MS Excel and MS Power Point.
How to apply:
Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E5556C361D43515B7E59192F77571C6802627B4D. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.
