Value Chain Development Associate

Relevant Experience:

A. General Qualifications and Skills

• Basic understanding of agricultural implements such as machining, fabrication, welding, metal casting, heat treatment, ISO 9000 certification, and quality control.
• Basic understanding of value chain and economic growth concepts
• Knowledge of USAID procedures and regulations is preferred
• Experience of working with Agri Implement Units/ Agricultural Farm machinery would be a plus. 
• Ability to perform successfully as a member of multiple teams.
• Fluency in both English and Urdu required. Other Pakistani languages especially Punjabi preferred.
• Willingness to travel to all provinces of Pakistan.
• Work experience in the private sector, value chain development, manufacturing, engineering, or international development is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office, web browser, and email proficiently required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Experience of working in Faisalabad is highly desirable

B. Educational Requirements

• B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Farm Machinery, Industrial Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering required. Masters preferred. 

Job Description:

The individual holding this position shall perform the following specific tasks:

• Coordinate with the Sector Lead of Agricultural Implements Manufacturing Sector and  VCD Team Lead on a regular basis to report on progress and ensure smooth planning and implementation of the work plan.
• Visit the project beneficiaries to maintain close professional relationships with the goal of maintaining optimal levels of communication. This will include supporting the implementation of all tasks and activities of project beneficiaries.
• Organize training events and support project consultants to conduct sector training events.
• Monitor the VCD consultants and vendors in accordance with their SOW.
• Gather necessary information and data of the project beneficiaries to keep an accurate record of activities, results, and key performance areas.
• Assist the M&E team and third party evaluators and auditors to conduct audits of beneficiary units as necessary.
• Take appropriate corrective action when instances of non-compliance by beneficiaries are identified by Firms employees.
• Coordinate with partner development agencies, academic, and governmental agencies as needed to ensure open communication.
• Track contact and general information for sector vendors and beneficiaries.
• Follow up on all tasks and sub-tasks that are a part of the work plan to assist in smooth implementation.
• Provide administrative support to the technical team including assisting with meeting administration, tracking and filing project documents, and report writing.
• Provide administrative support to all project consultants on an as needed basis.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with other Firms departments project including M&E, Procurement, and Public Awareness, as well as with external partners and stakeholders.
• Support field staff to maintain project standards and protocols.
• Conduct research as needed to support existing and proposed activities in support of project beneficiaries and other concerned parties. 
• Ensure project policy-compliant closeout of all Component short-term assignments.
• Serve as a facilitator for VCD events and write event reports to be shared with stakeholders and the COTR when needed.
• Perform day to day operations, administration, and technical tasks as assigned.
• Arrange and participate in meetings, conferences, and project team activities.
• Conduct and record participant responses to project surveys to support trainings.
• Manage, organize, update, and file data related to project activities in soft and hard copies.
• Review and edit training materials, coordinate with the training and events team to ensure that all training rooms, venues, equipment, catering arrangements, logistics and other requirements are booked.
• Print training support materials and handouts for training courses, and assist with the creation and editing of training packets.
• Accomplish all tasks as required by the project workplan.