Value Chain Specialist

Job Opportunity: Value Chain Development Expert

Project Overview:

The Aquaculture Promotion and Livelihood Improvement Project aims to strengthen sustainable aquaculture systems, improve rural incomes, and enhance livelihoods in Assam.

This project promotes inclusive rural transformation by supporting smallholder producers, facilitating market integration, and addressing poverty reduction through aquaculture-based value chain development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead comprehensive value chain assessments of the aquaculture sector in Assam, identifying bottlenecks, opportunities, and potential interventions in line with an inclusive and pro-poor approach.
• Design and implement upgrading strategies across the aquaculture value chain, covering hatcheries, feed supply, farming practices, post-harvest handling, processing, storage, and market access.
• Facilitate sustainable market linkages between smallholders, cooperatives, producer groups, private sector actors, and institutional buyers, ensuring equitable participation of women and marginalized groups.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to community organizations, self-help groups (SHGs), cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs on improved aquaculture practices, enterprise development, and financial literacy.
• Support livelihood diversification initiatives to strengthen resilience, promote income growth, and reduce vulnerability among smallholder households.
• Ensure that all interventions integrate climate resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Coordinate with government agencies, private sector partners, NGOs, and project management units to strengthen policy and institutional support for aquaculture development.
• Document and share best practices, lessons learned, and success stories for knowledge management and replication.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on project outputs, outcomes, and impacts as per results framework.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Management, Economics, Rural Development, Social Work, Fisheries, or related discipline from a recognized university/institution.
• 10+ years of professional experience in value chain development, aquaculture/fisheries, or rural livelihoods, with a strong track record in donor-funded or IFAD-supported projects.
• Proven expertise in smallholder-focused market development, inclusive value chain promotion, and rural enterprise strengthening.
• Solid understanding of aquaculture systems, rural livelihood models, and pro-poor value chain interventions.
• Experience working with government, private sector, producer organizations, and financial institutions.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills; proficiency in English is essential, knowledge of local languages preferred.

Benefits:

Contract duration: 44 months (extendable based on performance and project needs).

Workplace: Onsite, Assam (with extensive field travel).

Remuneration: Competitive, based on qualifications and experience.

Other Details:

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of benefits. Additional details will be discussed during the hiring process.