The Value Chain Specialist (VCS) oversees the implementation of value chain activities for The Goldozi Project and coordinates with grantees and partners on project development. He/she is responsible for the technical oversight of grantee activities as they relate to the project. The VCS reports to the COP/DCOP on grantee technical performance, such as design and delivery of the necessary project interventions with beneficiaries and relationship building with lead institutions (NGOs, training providers, etc.) in value chain development. The VCS will coordinate with the DCOP and Grants Management team on compliance and accountability related to USAID rules and regulations. The VCS will also work closely with the Marketing Specialist on best practices for market integration and the Learning Specialist on training and capacity building of beneficiaries. The VCS ensures all interventions take into consideration gender sensitivity and mainstreaming approaches to value chain development and income generation. The VCS will assist the M&E team in tracking progress against indicators. The VCS will collaborate with colleagues from Goldozi, grantees, and partner organizations in the Goldozi Partnership Network to effectively optimize resources and ensure a cohesive project strategy.
- Oversee the management and implementation of project grantees.
- Formulate cost estimates and financing plan for grantees based on Goldozi formats
- Maintain strict budgetary adherence and monitoring, working closely with the Finance Manager, Grants Manager, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
- Identity lead embroidery actors in the value chain to better facilitate the implementation of activities, and cultivate relationships with value chain actors
- Provide technical backstopping and support to grantees and other teams including coordination with grantee functional areas to ensure compliance with rules and regulations pertaining to project monitoring and evaluation, communications, marketing, and training and capacity building.
- Assist in mentoring and developing capacity of grantees in value chain development, to manage and monitor value chain interventions, working closely with the Learning Specialist.
- Track training interventions of project beneficiaries (lead entrepreneurs and women embroiderers) and recommend course corrections where needed to ensure project progress and deliverables are achieved.
- Coordinate buyer-seller meetings, exposure visits, and participation in exhibitions, working with grantees and the project’s Marketing and Communications team.
- Foster linkages with private sector actors to promote product sales and repeat orders, working closely with grantees and the Marketing Specialist
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in the recording of sales and dissemination of market information, placing orders, and managing and tracking market trends and sales data through mobile app technologies
- Collaborate with crosscutting technical advisors to address gender integration, environmental concerns, access to finance, and market linkages
- Maintain good relationships between Goldozi and its stakeholders
- Contribute to the design of grantee activities for work planning, with COP, DCOP and Technical team.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual work plans.
- Represent Goldozi in events and meetings where applicable, as directed by the COP and DCOP.
- At least five to eight years of experience in value chain development working with international organizations, USAID preferred.
- Previous value chain experience in project-related thematic area, (specifically knowledge of Afghan embroidered products a plus).
- Demonstrated experience in organizing and/or conducting activities including trainings, B2Bs workshops, and seminars.
- Familiar with, and preferably involved in creating gender-sensitive approaches to value chain development.
- Ability to work in a team and think strategically and critically about achieving project objectives.
- Ability to solve problems and manage a variety of activities with multiple deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and client relations skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, presentation and editing skills in English, Dari and Pashtu.
- Experience with mobile technologies a plus.
- Strong planning, organizing, coordinating, problem-solving, and liaising skills.
- Ability to work effectively, both, independently and on a team.
- Ability and willingness to travel regionally within Afghanistan.
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