Kyrgyzstan: Nursery Value Chain Expert, Short-term Consultant, Kyrgyzstan

For over 50 years and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 34 projects in 26 countries and revenues of approximately $174 million.

Nursery Value Chain Expert, Short-term Consultant, Kyrgyzstan
ACDI/VOCA is currently seeking a short-term Nursery Value Chain Expert for the USAID-funded Agro Horizon Project. USAID Agro Horizon Project (Agro Horizon) is entering its second project year with a work plan, that details accelerated outreach to smallholder farmers, SMEs, and service providers in six target value chains. Agro Horizon has identified priority value chains (VC) that present the most viable opportunities for engaging smallholder farmers and improving the value chain to realize market opportunities. These VCs were selected based on value chain assessments, market research, stakeholder discussions, and first year’s catalyzing grant activities. Agro Horizon now intends to identify opportunities for farmers and SMEs to enter high-value markets, identify target markets, and define demand and consumer preferences in target markets, successful business models, as well as barriers in marketing.

The consultant, in collaboration with the Agro Horizon Task Leader and counterpart, will facilitate three core activities over the assignment timeframe to contribute to successful implementation of the Agro Horizon’s target VC activities.

I. Refine Agro Horizon work and activity development on regional and national market opportunities. A more comprehensive analysis shall be undertaken to determine the specific markets for the locally grown seedlings on which to focus.
II. Increase saleable yield of selected producer groups. Advise on and monitor progress of proposed value chain development activities to help Agro Horizon to meet its targets, including technical assistance on production aspects in nurseries, quality management, facilitation of farmer’s adoption of best agricultural and production practices.
III. Improve access to inputs and services. Assist beneficiaries and the project staff in ensuring improved access to inputs and services.

SPECIFIC TASKS
Consultant will conduct the following specific tasks over the second year of the Agro Horizon project:

1. March 2016, 20 days
   • At the beginning of the STTA assignment, meet with relevant Agro Horizon staff to discuss/review this scope of works,
   • Meet with beneficiary farmers to analyze their current practices and assess farmers’ and ASPs’ needs in technical trainings and consultations;
   • Assess the quality and cost of inputs and explore economically feasible alternatives which will ensure increase in competitiveness and productivity of beneficiary farmers,
   • Provide recommendations on creation of mother garden and planting rootstocks on revolving funds at beneficiary cooperatives;
   • Develop a detailed activity plan on implementation of assignment with three cooperatives , including schedule of trainings, field days, coaching, consultations, and other activities, reconciled with ASPs and Agro Horizon coordinators;
   • Provide comprehensive technical assistance in creation of mother garden and revolving funds at beneficiary cooperatives;
   • Perform other tasks, necessary to implement planned value chain activities and achieve target indicators;
   • Submit technical on each activities and tasks completed as well as periodic progress reports;

2. April/June 2016, 50 days

• Design, prepare and conduct trainings on improved production practices and techniques and provide ToT for trainers of ASPs;
• Design, prepare, conduct trainings on improved production practices and techniques for farmers/members of beneficiary cooperatives;
• Design, prepare, and deliver consultations and demonstrations on improved production practices and techniques for beneficiary cooperatives and farmers;
• Facilitate and monitor implementation of recommendations by ASPs and farmers;
• Provide comprehensive technical assistance in creation and maintenance of mother garden and revolving funds at beneficiary cooperatives;
• Perform other tasks, necessary to implement planned value chain activities and achieve target indicators;
• Submit technical on each activities and tasks completed as well as periodic progress reports;

1. July/August 2016, 20 days

• Design, prepare and conduct trainings on improved production practices and techniques and provide ToT for trainers of ASPs;
• Design, prepare, conduct trainings on improved production practices and techniques for farmers/members of beneficiary cooperatives;
• Design, prepare, and deliver consultations and demonstrations on improved production practices and techniques for beneficiary cooperatives and farmers;
• Facilitate and monitor implementation of recommendations by ASPs and farmers;
• Provide comprehensive technical assistance in maintenance of mother garden and revolving funds at beneficiary cooperatives;
• Perform other tasks, necessary to implement planned value chain activities and achieve target indicators;
• Submit technical on each activities and tasks completed as well as periodic progress reports;

1. September/November 2016, 30 days

• Design, prepare and conduct trainings on improved production practices and techniques and provide ToT for trainers of ASPs;
• Design, prepare, conduct trainings on improved production practices and techniques for farmers/members of beneficiary cooperatives;
• Design, prepare, and deliver consultations and demonstrations on improved production practices and techniques for beneficiary cooperatives and farmers;
• Facilitate and monitor implementation of recommendations by ASPs and farmers;
• Provide comprehensive technical assistance in maintenance of mother garden and revolving funds at beneficiary cooperatives;
• Perform other tasks, necessary to implement planned value chain activities and achieve target indicators;
• Submit technical on each activities and tasks completed as well as periodic progress reports;
• Provide final report on the assignment, reflecting achieved target indicators, results achieved, lessons learnt and recommendations;

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 10 years of practical experience in nursery growing
• University or master’s degree in agriculture or related area
• Ability to develop innovative solutions
• Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently
• Ability to prepare reports to a high-level of Russian proficiency

To be considered for this recruitment, please submit a resume to agrohorizon@joinav.org. Please write “Nursery VC” in the email subject line. Resumes should list long-term employment history and any relevant short-term consulting work. In your resume, please provide sufficient detail about your specific contributions and responsibilities. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.