Sustainable Commodity Value Chain Specialist

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead agency for international development, working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality by building resilience and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP Ghana focuses on sustainable development, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and climate/disaster resilience. Its current programmes promote sustainable agricultural commodity value chains, natural resource management, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive rural development, supporting national priorities in these areas.

Job Purpose

This assignment aims to contribute to the design and implementation of innovative programmes that strengthen sustainable agricultural commodity value chains in Ghana. The role will enhance livelihoods while addressing environmental challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerability. The Volunteer will support ongoing initiatives, identify new opportunities for investment and partnerships, and play a key role in developing the sustainable cashew value chain. The position is integrated within UNDP Ghana's Environment and Climate portfolio, requiring close collaboration with technical specialists, programme teams, national counterparts, and various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the design, implementation, monitoring, partnership development, and knowledge management of UNDP's sustainable commodity and natural resource management portfolio, focusing on cocoa, shea, soybean, and cashew sectors. Key tasks include providing technical and coordination support for ongoing projects, implementing activities related to climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable land management, and strengthening community governance for natural resources. The role involves conducting field visits, analyzing the cashew value chain, identifying opportunities for sustainable production and market development, and supporting stakeholder consultations. Additionally, the Volunteer will contribute to developing public-private partnerships, promoting sustainable finance, engaging the private sector, and enhancing economic opportunities for women and youth. Monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management activities, including data analysis, report preparation, and developing case studies, are also integral to the role.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required in areas such as sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, forestry, environmental management, climate action, rural development, or agribusiness. Experience in developing, implementing, or monitoring projects related to landscape management and agricultural commodity value chains is essential. Familiarity with natural resource management, agroforestry, forest restoration, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, or community-based resource management is needed. Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, conducting research and value chain analysis, and preparing technical reports is also required.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, building trust, commitment to learning, communication, ethics, integrity, knowledge sharing, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, and teamwork. Technical skills encompass problem analysis, research, report writing, project design and monitoring, data analysis, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential. Expertise in climate change, environment, community development, and natural resources management is highly desirable.

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