As part of one CGIAR initiative, IRRI is partnering with other CGIAR institutes such as CIMMYT, IFPRI, CIP and IWMI in implementing a large project on ‘Transforming Agri-Food Systems in South Asia’ (TAFSSA)”, the One CGIAR South Asia Regional Integrated Initiative. Working across South Asia, TAFSSA will deliver a coordinated program of research and engagement across the food production-to-consumption continuum to improve equitable access to sustainable healthy diets, improve farmer livelihoods and resilience, and conserve land, air, and groundwater resources.
This position will focus on establishing a strong network with key market players, and creating or improving market linkages and business development support. This includes understanding the market / business related issues, and potential opportunities of supporting farmers in market linkages and business development of targeted agri-food systems. The specific duties of the position include implementing project activities in the country and building a strong network of key stakeholders, coordinating and organizing market linkage workshops, supporting business development in agri-food systems, coordinating and implementing market experiments, surveys and other project activities.
This position will be based at the IRRI Country Office Bangladesh and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Bangladesh.
Roles and Responsibilities
Develop, manage, and oversee implementation of strategies independently in accordance with agreed objectives, outputs, and time lines as reflected in approved impact pathway documents
Develop and maintain partnerships with various public and private stakeholders in involved in agricultural marketing systems
Support business development through innovative ways of involving both public and private sectors
Facilitate the development of market feasibility studies and impact assessments in collaboration with key stakeholders
Plan and manage the implementation of project activities and research/research support service activities
Identify the market and value chain inefficiencies and issues of targeted agri-food systems
Manage and coordination with stakeholders
Coordinate and organize business development workshops to link farmers and other actors to the appropriate markets in increasing their income
Coordinate market and value chain activities in the country and support the project lead in developing, monitoring and implementing work plans
Steer and provide strategic direction to producers, aggregators and other actors for local aggregation and marketing of the product
Participate in Institute wide activities and represent IRRI in events/ meetings
Collaborate and consult with key stakeholders of the project in integration and execution of project activities
Build strong network of different actors in the agri-value chain for business development in Bangladesh
Contribute towards reducing inefficiencies in the existing value chains and creating new value chains wherever necessary
Coordinate and organize training and awareness creation programs with necessary resources
Promote business development of agricultural produce to increase farmers income through various approaches
Review, monitor and manage expenditure/disbursements of the activities assigned to and manage and monitor expenditures of partners and liaison with IRRI financial office to ensure adequate financial activities showcasing the institute’s scientific leadership
Documentation of successful cases of business development along with challenges and reasons for failure of other/existing cases
Organize and coordinate market linkage workshops / trade fairs
Advice internal stakeholders on the market and business related aspects
Scaling out success stories/cases
Prepare reports and communications materials
Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time
Qualifications
Master’s degree in Agricultural Business Management / Marketing or relevant subject area
Experience in Agricultural Business Development for at least 10-12 years
Skills Required
Extensive proven networking in marketing and business field of agri-food systems
Strong collaboration skill and experience in creating long-term partnerships
Proven proficiency in sustainability management aspects
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent leadership skills
Proficiency in bringing new approaches and imparting/organizing skill development and awareness programs
Experience of working in an international organization / MNCs (Multinational Companies)
Exposure of working across different agri-food systems and location of Bangladesh
