Specialist in Commercial Partnerships and Value Chains

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) aims to reduce illicit drugs and crime globally, providing technical assistance to Member States. In Bolivia since 1985, UNODC initially focused on sustainable development in coca-growing regions and drug use prevention. Since 2007, it expanded to combating corruption and strengthening justice against organized crime. This role is within a KOICA-funded project in Los Yungas, enhancing coffee productivity. The Specialist will lead the Commercial Partnerships model, linking producer organizations to high-value national and international markets.

Job Purpose

The International UN Volunteer Specialist will be a strategic asset within the KOICA-funded project in Los Yungas, focused on strengthening local economies and controlling surplus coca crops by enhancing coffee productivity and commercialization. The primary purpose is to lead the implementation of the Commercial Partnerships (Alianzas Comerciales) model, connecting small-scale coffee producer organizations with high-value national and international markets. This involves bridging the gap between producers and private sector stakeholders like exporters and retailers. The Specialist will coordinate technical assistance for coffee quality improvement, post-harvest efficiency, and commercial negotiation. The assignment aims to ensure the commercial sustainability of the project's outcomes, fulfilling the Republic of Korea’s cooperation objectives in Bolivia by generating long-term economic benefits for farming communities. The role also involves establishing private sector partnerships for market development and advising on business management.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will design and implement a market-oriented strategy for coffee value chains, specifically positioning "Yungas Coffee" in specialty, organic, and fair-trade niches. This includes identifying, negotiating, and consolidating commercial alliances with national and international private sector actors, adhering to the UNODC "Alianzas Comerciales" model to secure stable market access for producers. The role involves strengthening the business management and commercial capacities of Producer Organizations (OPAs) in Los Yungas through training on quality standards, traceability, and logistical management. The Specialist will conduct ongoing analysis of the coffee value chain to identify bottlenecks and implement innovative solutions for improving post-harvest processes and commercial competitiveness. Responsibilities also include leading visibility actions and marketing campaigns to promote the regional coffee brand, emphasizing its social and environmental impact, and working closely with field teams to ensure production standards meet market demands. The Volunteer will ensure high visibility for the Republic of Korea's contribution, drafting high-level technical reports and success stories. Additionally, the role entails preparing Terms of Reference for procurement, undertaking frequent field missions to Los Yungas for monitoring and direct support, and documenting best practices and lessons learned for project sustainability and scaling.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required. This includes experience in the development and management of agricultural value chains, preferably coffee. Candidates should also have proven experience in negotiating and managing partnerships with the private sector, implementing commercial and marketing strategies within development contexts, and project management, including monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Skills

Required competencies include Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Essential technical skills encompass high-level negotiation and relationship management, strategic thinking, and the ability to design complex business models. Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Office Suite and digital marketing tools is necessary, along with excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills for diverse audiences. Expertise in Agriculture, Business Management, and Development Programmes is also expected.

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