USAID/Peru Agronomic Technical Advisor

About Us:

We are International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. (IBTCI), a global consulting firm working some of the most complex and impactful development problems worldwide. We work on programs that help government agencies, private companies and donors improve the lives of others. At IBTCI you will be part of an inclusive team that provides expert solutions and advice to understand and address critical problems while giving you opportunities to succeed and grow.

Assignment Title: Agronomic Technical Advisor to USAID/Peru

Department/Location: ISPI/Remote

Technical Point of Contact: USAID Supervisor

Type: Consultant

Classification: Consultancy

Overview: The consultant will support the Alternative Development (AD) Office of the USAID/Peru Mission in Lima. The primary purpose is to provide support to AD Office leadership and staff on matters associated with alternative development, focusing on Development Objective 1 of USAID/Peru's strategy to expand economic and social development in post-eradication regions to sustain coca reductions.

Responsibilities:

Scope of Work:

The consultant for the USAID/Peru Mission will take the lead in accomplishing the following critical tasks:

Primary Functions:

Provide technical support to the AD team and other USAID/Peru offices as a subject matter expert on agronomic issues including, but not limited to, agro-forestry and agricultural production and productivity;

Provide guidance/advice on AD's private sector agricultural value chain work;

Advise the AD team on coordination with the Peruvian counternarcotics agency (DEVIDA);

Mentor recently-hired AD staff on project/activity design and management, technical issues (agricultural production and agro-forestry methods, focusing on cacao and coffee), private sector partnerships, and coordination with the Government of Peru;

Provide recommendations on agricultural and agro-forestry production opportunities;

Help the AD team ensure coordination across USAID sectors (environment, governance, health) and with AD implementing partners, focusing on the regions of San Martin, Huanuco, Ucayali, Pasco, the VRAEM, and Puno;

Review and provide recommendations on concept notes submitted under USAID/Peru's Annual Program Statement; assist with the co-creation process if necessary;

Review and provide recommendations on unsolicited proposals and requests for concurrence on USAID/Washington-funded activities;

Contribute to the design of activities that will increase the incomes of rural families that have transitioned from coca cultivation to licit crops (cacao and coffee) by increasing productivity, improving product quality, linking farmers and farmer associations to high-value markets, and improving access to financial and digital services;

Assist with the design of activity evaluations and a Whole of Project Evaluation;

Contribute to the strategy that will underpin a new Government-to-Government agreement with DEVIDA;

Contribute to written products such as reports, success stories, briefing materials and other documents, as needed, in collaboration with activity managers and the Development Outreach and Communication team;

Support procurement processes across the AD office.

Other duties as assigned.

Deliverables:

Regular and relevant advice/guidance to AD Office staff on: agronomic issues (including agro-forestry and agricultural production and productivity); agricultural value chain work (focusing on cacao and coffee); private sector engagement; and coordination with and assistance to the Peruvian counternarcotics agency (DEVIDA). (September 2021 - September 2022)

Regular mentoring/coaching of recently hired AD project management specialists on technical issues (agricultural production/productivity and agro-forestry methods, focusing on cacao and coffee), project/activity design and management, private sector partnerships, modification of existing awards, and coordination with the Government of Peru. (September 2021 - September 2022)

Draft analyses (gender, environment, climate risk), activity descriptions, and other design documents as part of the design of three follow-on activities to increase the incomes of rural families that have transitioned from coca cultivation to licit crops (cacao and coffee) by increasing productivity, improving product quality, linking farmers and farmer associations to high-value markets, and improving access to financial and digital services. (September - December 2021)

Develop and prepare written technical recommendations on concept notes submitted under USAID/Peru's Annual Program Statement (September 2021, November 2021, February 2022, April 2022).

5. In coordination with USAID/Peru staff, Draft design documents for a new Government-to-Government agreement with DEVIDA. (July 2022)

In coordination with USAID/Peru staff, draft Statements of Work for evaluations of activities (GDAs) that are intended to increase the incomes of rural families that have transitioned from coca cultivation to licit crops (cacao and coffee) by increasing productivity, improving product quality, linking farmers and farmer associations to high-value markets, promoting investment, and increasing access to financial and digital services. (September - October 2021)

Draft, in coordination with USAID/Peru staff, other written products (reports, success stories, briefing materials, etc.) requested by the AD Office. (September 2021 - September 2022)

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

A minimum of five years of progressive responsibility, preferably as a program/project manager, with development projects/activities in the agriculture sector related to alternative development in the context of counternarcotics efforts.

Experience working in developing countries, preferably within Latin America;

Experience working in a dynamic environment with U.S. government agencies, international donors, NGOs, community groups, and other stakeholders;

Experience working with key government partners;

Language proficiency: Level IV (Fluent) English and Spanish proficiency is required;

Experience managing USAID activities preferred.

Ability to obtain Facility Access Clearance.

Education: Master's Degree in agronomy, horticulture, agriculture, agricultural development, agricultural economics, rural development or related technical field;

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge across a range of technical issues, including agricultural production and extension, agricultural marketing, business development, financial services, natural resources management, local and regional governance, and decentralization.

An in-depth understanding of illegal-drug-related issues and government counternarcotics policies.

Demonstrated management skills; capable of executing complex tasks with minimal supervision over an extended timeline;

Excellent interpersonal, writing and presentation skills.

Working Environment: Work will be performed remotely.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Travel: None

About the Organization:

IBTCI has been in business since 1987. We specialize in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL), Institutional Support (IS), Financial & Risk Management (FRM), Supply Chain Management & Procurement (SCMP); Social & Behavior Change (SBC) and Capacity Building. We provide these services across many sectors including, but not limited to, agriculture, resilience & food security, conflict & crisis, democracy & governance, economic growth & trade, education, energy & Infrastructure, environment & climate change, global health & WASH and humanitarian and disaster assistance. At IBTCI, our colleagues are encouraged to collaborate and be part of the solution while getting the tools and guidance needed to grow and support our clients' missions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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