The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) is a non-profit organization established by Aga Khan Foundation in 1982 to help improve the quality of life of the local communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. AKRSP operates across all 10 districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, two districts of Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and two districts of Sindh. Its main focus areas include Agriculture & Food Security, Climate Resilience, Civil Society, Work & Enterprise, Education, Early Childhood Development (ECD), and Health & Nutrition

AKRSP is seeking applications from qualified candidates to fill the following position:

Agriculture Value Chain Specialist: Head office, Gilgit

Job Purpose:
The Agriculture Value Chain Specialist will drive the strategic enhancement and optimization of high value agricultural and livestock value chains in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. By leveraging in-depth knowledge of the local context, the specialist will work to identify opportunities for increasing efficiency, improving market access, and fostering inclusive economic development. Working closely with senior management and engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, the specialist will champion initiatives that align with organizational goals and deliver sustainable growth and long-term impact.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Analysis and Enhancement
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of agricultural and livestock value chains in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
• Identify binding constraints of the selected value chains and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and optimize value chain processes.
Market Access and Development
• Develop and strengthen market linkages to improve access for local agricultural and livestock products.
• Design and execute initiatives to enhance market competitiveness and visibility of regional products.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, producer groups, cooperatives, private sector actors, financial institutions, and policymakers.
• Facilitate partnerships and build strong networks to support value chain development.
Inclusive Economic Development
• Promote inclusive practices that ensure equitable economic growth and development within the agricultural sector.
• Implement programs that enhance the livelihoods and resilience of local communities.
Coordination with Senior Management
• Work closely with senior management to align value chain initiatives with organizational goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to drive sustainable growth and impact.
Capacity Building
• Conduct training and capacity-building sessions for field staff and local stakeholders to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Agriculture and Food Security team.
Reporting and Documentation
• Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation on value chain activities, progress, and achievements.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in all agri value chain related initiatives.

Required Qualification & Experience

Education: 16 years’ degree in Agriculture / Agricultural Economics, Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Agribusiness, Food Security / Livelihoods. Additional certifications in value chain analysis, climate resilience, financial inclusion, or rural entrepreneurship would be a plus.
Experience: 5 years of post-qualification experience in agricultural value chain development, agribusiness, market linkages, research, intelligence, project implementation, and market access strategies. Experience of both coastal and mountainous/agro-pastoral regions is highly desirable.

Skills:
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentational skills; ability to communicate complex ideas to a wide range of audiences.
• Highly organised with programme management skills and consistent attention to detail.
• Approachable, highly confidential and discreet, demonstrating ethics and integrity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English required

AKRSP offers a competitive remuneration and a conducive working environment. We are an equal opportunity employer. Women are encouraged to apply. Our recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and adults in accordance with the safeguarding policy.
By applying for this position, the candidates give their consent for independent professional background check by AKRSP