OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Karakul Value Chain Expert, Afghanistan

 

Since 1963 and in 145 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 90 projects in 40 countries and revenues of $124 million.          

Karakul Value Chain Expert, Afghanistan

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a short-term Karakul Value Chain Expert for its subaward role on the USAID-funded Strengthening Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives for the North, East and West (IDEA-NEW) program based in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. The Karakul Value Chain Expert will oversee and lead activities focusing on analyzing, evaluating and recommending a comprehensive enhancement of the Karakul value chain in various northern provinces of Afghanistan.

 

Responsibilities:

• Investigate the current market for Karakul pelts.
• Investigate the production of pelts and its role in the herd management system in northern Afghanistan.
• Identify factors, such as breed improvement, animal health and harvesting practices, that could improve the value of pelts.
• Evaluate the existing system of curing and grading.
• Investigate access to the international market for Afghan producers of Karakul.
• Identify factors affecting the value and price achieved for Afghan Karakul exports.
• Make recommendations for a program to increase the value of Karakul exports and especially to increase producer household incomes.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business, agribusiness and marketing, agricultural economics or another related field is desired.
• Must be fluent in English; knowledge of Pashto and/or Dari Persian will be useful.  
• Experience in value chain assessment and development.
• Previous experience with development of Karakul value chains.
• Experience working with the private sector, producer organizations and smallholder livestock farmers along the agricultural value chain.

 

Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E55565361D43515B7E59192F7755186F0C627B4F. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.