AGRI STTA position EU markets quality and sustainability standards specialist ERA BACKGROUND In 2022 the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) became one of the implementers of the Agricultural Resilience Activity (AGRI Ukraine), a $350 million inter-agency initiative of the US government to bolster Ukrainian agricultural production and exports and to help alleviate the global food security crisis exacerbated by Putin's brutal war on Ukraine.
About the Assignment ERA leads the export logistics component of AGRI and is focused on developing export solutions to increase Ukraine's agricultural commodity export capacity. This requires specific knowledge about target UE markets specific standards and quality requirements.
The purpose of this 55-day short-term consultancy intervention is to pursue and attain the following goals:
- Identify & document the full quality, food safety, phytosanitary & documentary requirements for each selected destination & crop - ERA will identify key markets of primary interest. Up to 5-10 target markets will be selected.
- The consultant shall develop easy-to-use reference guide (adapted for online and printing versions) to enable farmers, traders and logistics specialists to ensure they meet the required specifications and standards at the destination markets.
- The consultant shall develop and conduct four training for target companies i.e. farmers, traders, logistics specialists, including silos, storage facilities & surveyors.
This work entails building knowledge of commodity export standards and specifications, ensuring Ukrainian agriculture commodity exports to be competitive and meeting expected requirements to pursue new market opportunities and export solutions.
Responsibilities:
- Preparatory work for guideline creation which documents the full quality, food safety, phytosanitary & documentary requirements for each selected destination & crop.
- Preparation of the guideline document (online and printing version) in co-operation with internal designer.
- Preparation of the workshop.
- Conduct four offline workshops in selected regions of Ukraine.
- Report on every stage of the work done.
- Work closely with select potential beneficiaries.
- Involvement with ERA marketing efforts to maximize USAID's beneficiary efforts.
- Provide and deliver expert advice and education during workshop seminars.
Job expectations: In this position, you are expected to share the DAI four core values:
- Integrity: commit to civil and ethical behavior, play by the rules, and do the right thing;
- Responsibility: be accountable to clients, partners, grant recipients, beneficiaries, colleagues, and communities where we work. If you fall short, you own up, fix the problem, and get it right the next time.
- Excellence: adhere to the highest technical and professional standards in innovation, learning, and service.
- Global Citizenship: respect the cultural diversity and treat everyone everywhere with professionalism and dignity to make the world a better place.
Desired Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science and/or Agriculture.
- 10 years private agricultural or related sector experience, and proven track record on the commercial side of the business (either farm inputs or export commodities sales)
- A deep understanding and experience working within either international agricultural inputs or commodity export markets. Knowledge of key quality requirements for agricultural commodities in the international markets.
- An understanding and first-hand experience of working with key private sector stakeholders in the Ukrainian agriculture sector and proven firsthand experience and willingness to travel inside Ukrainian and deliver training programs.
- Practical knowledge and experience with grain/top commodities export and quality standards and requirements on different markets.
- Excellent professional communications.
- Ability to work both independently and in close cooperation with a remote team. Ability to work cross-functionally and internationally.
- An energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image.
- A well-organized and self-directed individual with profound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus. Ability to plan and meet specific deadlines.
- Holder of a valid travel passport and able to travel in Ukraine.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both English and Ukrainian.
WE OFFER Contract length: Up to 55 days total intervention.
Start date: January 20, 2025.
