Market Assessment Consultant IMA4P at VSO

Role overview
Following the success of our Making Markets Work for the Poor MMW4P project, VSO has secured funding from a strategic donor to implement a new 5 year global project - Increasing Market Access for the Poor (IMA4P).VSO is seeking a consultant for 45 working days to coordinate a market assessment ahead of the Improving Market Access for the Poor (IMA4P) project in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.

This project will focus on value chain crops such as soybean, maize and rice.

Job Profile: Market Assessment Consultant (Reporting to Project Coordinator)

The consultant will work collaboratively with VSO, local partners and beneficiaries to design and carry out a market assessment in Minna, and translate the results of the research. The consultant will be responsible for identifying 1) the major value chain stakeholders 2) existing challenges and gaps along the value chain 3) stakeholders' expectations and 4)
ways to build capacity across the value chain.

The consultant will be responsible for carrying out a market assessment with the following objectives:

• To identify and articulate the vulnerability, assets and livelihood strategies of the target groups in Niger State and identify the sub-sector markets that are (potentially) most significant for them;
• To evaluate in detail, one or two key sub-sectors or value chains in these markets, including market chain actors, the enabling business environment and the provision of extension and/or other support services;
• To identify the barriers and market failures preventing the target group from accessing value chains or gaining a greater share of them;
• To identify opportunities for circumventing these barriers/failures and recommend potential partners/interventions VSO can engage with to address these barriers;
• To validate the research findings and proposed interventions with key stakeholders and produce a full written report;
• To participate in workshop to share research findings and translate it into project design and business models with relevant VSO staff, volunteers and partners.

Skills, qualifications and experience required
Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Master's degree in a relevant field;
• In-depth understanding of markets, especially in relation to poor communities;
• At least 5 years experience designing, implementing and managing market research - with a preference for rural research;
• Sensitive to issues of participation and preferably with some knowledge of participatory approaches;
• Previous field work experience in rural communities;
• Outstanding research report writing and presentation skills;
• Strong training and facilitation skills;
• Demonstrable experience or knowledge of enterprise development approaches for poor rural communities and in an agricultural context would be an advantage;
• Management experience including project management, business development planning and/or strategic management planning;
• Successful candidate should be available to start remote work immediately, and to travel to Minna, Niger by July ending;
• Willing to live and work in Minna, Niger State.

Desirable

• Knowledge of specific crop/product and processing, production and marketing process (e.g. rice, fruit, handicrafts, high value crops);
• Experience in rural and community group development;
• Experience working in the geographic area and understanding of local customs and norms;
• Ability to speak fluent Hausa.

Due to anticipated interest in this post, only short-listed candidates will receive a response.

How to apply
To apply, please visit http://vso.force.com/jobopportunities to complete an online application and submit the following:
1. Cover letter demonstrating evidence of your a) suitability for this role, b) understanding of markets in a developing country context, c) experience in undertaking market development assessment and d) ability to manage a research process in a participatory manner;
2. CV / Resume, including 3 references, with contact email and phone numbers, who can independently verify past work;
3. Schedule outlining how you plan to complete the work defined above;
4. Proposed daily rate in Naira for completion of the scope of work defined above.

Closing Date: Sunday, 06 July 2014, 17:00 GMT.

VSO is an equal opportunity employer, values inclusion and seeks to have a diverse workforce. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

Closing Date: Friday, 11 July 2014, 17:00 GMT

Application closing date
11 Jul 2014

Interview/Assessment date(s)
21/7/2014

Start date
1 August 2014