17th July 24

Agri Value Chain Expert

Location: Burkina Faso or Benin
Type: Associate Consultant

Experience Level: Senior (Minimum 10 years)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled Agri Value Chain Expert to join our team and support in a potential opportunity/project that is currently at the proposal stage, focused on Benin and Burkina Faso.

The project’s objective is to enhance the participation and economic resilience of women entrepreneurs in a greener economy within these regions. Key initiatives include:

  • Providing access to finance for women-owned SMEs, women’s cooperatives, and emerging women entrepreneurs.
  • Enhancing the capacity of women owners and managers of SMEs and cooperatives to sustainably develop value chains using climate-smart approaches.
  • Overcoming entrenched social and cultural resistance to women’s empowerment at national, sectoral, and community levels.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience in agricultural value chains such as cotton, grains, horticulture, nuts, and shea butter.

The role involves working closely with agribusinesses and other stakeholders to identify and address challenges within various value chains, promote sustainable practices, and support the development of innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct literature review of program documents to understand the program background and rationale.
  • Assess SMEs and cooperatives applying through the competition windows based on the assessment model and scoring guides developed by the program.
  • Perform due diligence with applicants to verify the details provided in their applications.
  • Identify technical gaps and provide recommendations on the technical support required by the investees/applicants.
  • Support in the development of investor-facing materials, such as investment memorandums, with all supporting documentation.
  • Support in the development of reports on due diligence activities for SMEs and cooperatives.
  • Support in the preparation of insight report summarizing the entire process, lessons learned, and recommendations


Qualifications:

  • Graduate and postgraduate qualifications in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience working with agribusinesses; experience with SMEs and agricultural cooperatives is a plus.
  • At least 10 years of experience in agro-industry, agricultural economics, agri-food management in the private sector, or related fields.
  • Working knowledge of agricultural value chains, agribusiness financing, the agribusiness-energy nexus, and climate-smart agriculture in Burkina Faso or Benin.
  • Experience in social impact investing or private sector development, especially with agricultural SMEs in various value chains.
  • Professional certification in a relevant field is an added value.
  • Good understanding of English is an asset.
  • Practical knowledge of gender mainstreaming and women empowerment in the agricultural sector.

Desired Skills:

  • Strong analytical and research skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Commitment to social impact and sustainability.

Application Process:

Interested candidates or firms are invited to submit their CV, cover letter, and relevant certifications to info@agrifrontier.com

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