Associate Scientist, Business Enterprise Development

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Associate Scientist, Business Enterprise Development to ensure the goals and the expected results of the “Integration of Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato Value Chain Development” into MIONJO project in Madagascar.

The Position: This position will be hosted by AfricaRice in Madagascar. The selected candidate will be based in Ambovombe, Madagascar and will report to the Food Technology Associate Scientist and Project Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct feasibility studies for developing select orange-fleshed sweetpotato processed products, and value chains related to fresh root and leaf sales. Cost benefit analysis will be included in these studies.
• Conduct a gendered market analysis assessment for sweetpotato roots and leaves.
• In collaboration with the Project Manager under the country Manager and the Principal Scientist determine the criteria for and co-ordinate the selection of at least 20 community-based organizations or small-scale enterprises that will be testing the OFSP-based value chains. Design and implement a tool for assessing the potential of a CBO for successfully engaging in a sweetpotato value chain with an enterprise perspective linked to two markets identified in each district.
• Collaborate with the Food Technologist (Project Manager) to scope out a potential candidate among larger-scale private sector operators in Southern Madagascar to invest in commercial sweetpotato puree production and conduct a feasibility study for profitability of such an operation.
• Developing the criteria for selecting 21 nutritious food agents to be promoting orange-fleshed sweetpotato consumption in 21 markets and coordinating their linkage to producers and traders supplying roots to the market
• Collaborate in the design of a baseline and endline surveys at the organizational and individual level to ensure that the benefit of participating in sweetpotato value chain activities is captured, taking gender and socio-economic conditions into account, and the development of the appropriate digital tools for implementation.
• Development the criteria for selection of youth or women as value chain specialists. Develop and coordinate the implementation of the gender-responsive training program for marketing and business development skills of sweetpotato-focused value chain specialists
• Write a report that summarizes the legal options for organizing value chain specialists (VSCs), small and medium scale enterprises, and vine-root producers into associations, federations, cooperatives or other type of legal entity for service provision.
• Based on the report, work with five promising groups/associations to decide on which formal governance structure is the best fit and facilitate the initiation of the registration process.
• Collaborate with team members in introducing the program to district and local officials and selecting the organizations, associations, and individuals the project will engage with for value chain development.
• Undertake other tasks jointly agreed upon with the Project Manager.
• Represent CIP in regional meetings for the program and other events

Selection Criteria

• At least a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Business Management, or closely related field.
• At least six years of relevant work experience
• In depth understanding of agricultural value chains, including the processing sector
• Experience in marketing and exposure to agribusiness assessment and business plan development
• Experience in designing and conducting feasibility studies
• Designing, conducting, and analyzing survey data, including supervision of enumerators
• Experience in designing gender-responsive interventions preferred
• Experience in project management and setup preferred
• Language: Excellent French and Malagasy speaking and writing skills; working knowledge of English.
• Track record of building and managing strong client and stakeholder relationships with private, public sector and government for value chain development
• Experience in developing course material for training business skills preferred
• Statistical and price analysis, Cost-benefit analysis
• Strong project management and analytical skills, as evidenced by leading roles on successful initiatives of significant scale.

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

What are we offering?

• Excellent working environment.
• Compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Fixed term contract of 1 year with possibility of renewal subject on performance and availability of funds.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.