Position Title: Market System Associate (MSA)
Number of positions available: One (1)
Duty Station: CONNECT Office- Majhgaun, Kanchanpur
Duration of Contract: 12 months with possible extension based on performance
Project Name: Connecting communities and ecosystems in Shuklaphanta National Park (CONNECT)
Reporting: Senior Program Officer
Salary: Attractive as per the institutional provision

Qualifications: 

At least a Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, veterinary science, Natural Resource Management (NRM), agribusiness or related discipline with a minimum of two years of working experience respectively in a similar position. S/he should have a strong practical knowledge and understanding of market systems approaches and development, value chain analysis, and business plan development. S/he should have experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and building partnerships between the private sector, government, and civil society. Candidates should have proven experience of working with different institutions at all levels; knowledge of information management technologies, partnership development, and familiarity with monitoring and evaluation principles and practices is an added advantage.

Job Summary

The Market System Associate will support the Market System Consultant and Senior Program Officer (SPO) in the implementation of activities under the CONNECT Project by analyzing market dynamics, identifying key constraints and opportunities, and facilitating interventions that improve market linkages, access to services, and business performance. S/he coordinate with consortium partners, governmental authorities, and key stakeholders for the tangible benefit of the organization and projects. The position requires a strong understanding of market systems approaches, value chain as well as a proactive and solution-oriented mindset to address the challenges faced by local businesses and communities. S/he must posses strong communication skills, mobilization and facilitation skills. S/he will assist the Senior Program Officer to develop and conceptualize working strategies, training modules and assist Market Systems consultant in facilitating training, producing knowledgeable products that support the project’s advocacy and practice objectives and share this knowledge with target audiences.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments of market systems, value chains, and business environments to identify key bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring of interventions aimed at improving market systems, including capacity building, market facilitation, and business development activities.
• Work closely with private sector actors, local businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and ensure the successful implementation of project activities.
• Support and facilitate training and capacity-building initiatives for targeted communities on local businesses, livelihood enterprises (aquaculture, agriculture, livestock rearing) and stakeholders to enhance their ability to engage in and benefit from improved market systems.
• Facilitate Communities in developing business plans, operation and maintenance plans of technologies used in agriculture and income generating cycle.
• Facilitate identification of intermediary and supporting goods and service providers and help foster regular connection between these goods and service providers and communities.
• Contribute to knowledge management by documenting case stories, lessons learned, best practices, and innovative approaches to market systems development or positive outcome of the project..
• Track progress of project activities, prepare reports, and contribute to the development of work plans and budgets. Ensure that project outcomes are aligned with expected targets and milestones.
• Support the project’s field team in fund leveraging.

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