Agribusiness Processing Specialist (STTA), Regional Agricultural Development Project

Creative Associates International (Creative) is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, D.C., the firm has field presence in 20 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. Creative’s Communities in Transition (CIT) Division works with nations and local communities worldwide to promote participatory, peaceful, and democratic approaches to change. CIT operates in areas of political transitions, livelihoods, governance and elections. Project Description The primary objective of the Regional Agricultural Development Program (RADP) is to foster economic growth for farmers and agribusiness, strengthen market access, build food security, and enhance high agricultural value chains. Assignment Duration Short-Term Technical Assistance Position Summary Based in Kandahar, the Agribusiness Processing - STTA will work under the direction of the Deputy Chief of Party and will be responsible for the following tasks: Assist with the assessment of the current and potential domestic and export market for processed Afghan agricultural products against the current import-dominated scenario. Assist in the identification of impediments to realizing that potential (both up and down stream) and make recommendations to alleviate these impediments. Assist in the assessment of the role and relevance of the State-owned processing facilities in relation to current and future private-sector agribusiness investment and entrepreneurship. Assist to identify strategic opportunities for value adding to Afghan agricultural products and by-products, including processing, packaging and labeling. Assist in the identification of legislative and regulatory impediments to maximizing Afghan agribusiness opportunities and assist with the advocacy and development of the necessary legislative and regulatory reforms that will support a fair and open business environment. Provide relevant professional ag-processing advice and mentoring to the technical team of international and local specialist who are under the leadership of the RADP Agribusiness Team Leader. Provide relevant professional ag-processing advice and mentoring to RADP’s cooperating partners including MAIL, DAIL, STTAs, RADP sub-contractors, partners and clients. Undertake regular field visits and assessments to support RADP’s strategic interventions and programmatic goals. Assist with the development and preparation of project documents such as Work plans and reports to USAID. Represent RADP at meetings, seminars, workshops and training programs as directed. Other duties as directed by the Chief of Party or his designated Deputy. Deliverables Regular weekly/bi-weekly or other reports as required by the project’s contractual and other obligations Written notes of field visits and meetings with RADP’s cooperating partners and clients. Other reports as requested by the Chief of Party Reporting and Supervision The Agribusiness Processing - STTA will report to the Deputy Chief of Party Required Skills and Qualifications Minimum 7-10 years of experience Experience designing and implementing programs in Afghanistan, Central Asia or post-conflict countries Experience working in the private sector Minimum 10 years of supervisory experience, including: direct supervision of staff; building and supervising a diverse team of employees; quality evaluation of staff performance and deliverables and contract management Fluency in English Strong oral presentation and writing skills Interact with senior host-government counterparts (as needed) Demonstrated organizational skills Collaborate with contractors, local implementing partners and teams implementing USG- and other donor-funded programs Required Education Master's degree or higher Type of Post Unaccompanied Application Instructions To apply for this position, please complete and submit our simple on-line form, where you can upload your résumé and other documents. Only if you are unable to submit online, may you send your résumé and cover letter by e-mail to RMS@CreativeDC.com with "Afghanistan - Agribusiness Processing Specialist (STTA), Regional Agricultural Development Project CODE:PRP49319" on the subject line. Please note only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please. Creative is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA).