Business and Market System Director

(READVERTISED)

POSITION TITLE: Business and Market System Director

LOCATION: Kathmandu, Nepal

UNIT: Agriculture, Resilience & Water

REPORTS TO: Deputy Chief of Party

The Feed the Future Nepal USAID Agricultural Inputs is a new five-year USAID-funded Feed the Future (FTF) activity in Nepal. The aim of USAID Agricultural Inputs is to increase the availability, accessibility, and use of agricultural inputs and technology to improve Nepal’s agricultural productivity. The activity is implemented by Winrock International in collaboration with five organizations: Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy, Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED), MarketShare Associates (MSA), Pathway Technology, Fertilizer Association Nepal (FAN), and Vikara Institute.

USAID Agricultural Inputs will enable lead firms, agrovets, input suppliers, local machinery service providers, and Government of Nepal (GON) change agents and farmers to increase productivity, input supply chain efficiency, market system competitiveness, and strengthen the enabling environment in a way that equitably addresses the needs of women, youth, and members of marginalized groups. USAID Agricultural Inputs will benefit 200,000 farmers in the USAID FTF zone of influence. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position will lead activities related to strengthening the competitiveness, resilience, and inclusiveness of agricultural market systems as well as to ensure the application of market principles to project interventions.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify potential opportunities offered by end markets and the private sector buyers.
• Design and implement interventions that leverage the interconnections between farmers and the private companies providing improved inputs and services the farmers need to be able to improve quality and produce competitive products for end markets. 
• Develop a network of lead firms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and an implementation plan for engaging them.
• Oversee activities related to enhancing financial services markets (debt, equity, and foreign direct investment/FDI) and market infrastructure in selected market systems, including insurance and business development services. 
• Analyze and enable relationships among actors that translate into shared benefits to incentivize new investment in market systems.
• Collaborate with major commodity associations such as Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (SEAN), Pesticide Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (PEAN), Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).
• Collaborate with Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Director to ensure integration of GESI considerations. 
• Coordinate with the Senior Partnerships and Grants Manager to provide technical oversight over the grants program.
• Collaborate with the policy team regarding private sector requirements. 
• Participate in and contribute to project GESI and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQURIEMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Master’s degree is related field or Masters in Business Administration preferred.  

Required Experience & Skills:

• At least eight years of experience working in agricultural/agribusiness, with demonstrated experience integrating GESI considerations in implementation.
• Proven ability to foster and maintain partnerships, particularly with private sector actors.
• Demonstrated experience in strengthening business and value chains (particularly for rice, maize, lentil, and other high-value commodities).
• Strong communication skills.

Language: Fluent Nepali is required. Fluent/Advanced English is required.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates can post their cover letter and CV to Jobs.AgInputs@winrock.org. Applications will be received on a rolling basis until October 10, 2023. Applicants should reference Business and Market System Director in the subject line. 

Candidates who applied for this position through an earlier call are not required to re-apply.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY (DEIA): 

Winrock International seeks to cultivate an environment where all candidates relish equal employment opportunities devoid of discrimination, misconduct, fraud, and abuse. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and Localization guides our practices not just in hiring, but also in staff retention, growth, and policy implementation. This commitment signifies that we value diversity in all its forms including age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and cultural background. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry of the communities in which we live and work.

DISCLAIMER: Winrock does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (resume submission, interview, processing).