United States of America: Senior Advisor - Commodity Markets

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Organization: Catholic Relief Services
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 30 Sep 2014

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Job Summary:

CRS is the largest Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) in food aid and manages approximately $120M-$160M per year in commodity and freight to 9-15 countries. The Commodity and Markets Senior Advisor strengthens the capacity of headquarters, regional and country program staff in developing, negotiating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating commodity purchase and sales project components, including monetization, local & regional purchase, and related voucher or cash-based programming. In addition, the advisor guides HQ- and field-based staff through the business process of conducting monetization sales in compliance with agency and donor policies and in ways that strengthen the agency relationships with donors, private sector, government and other important actors. The advisor provides technical support for negotiation of contracts, review of specifications price setting, payment mechanisms, troubleshooting and resolution of problems, and the management & mitigation of risks. Furthermore, the advisor proactively represents CRS programs to donors when appropriate, in coordination with HQ- and field-based staff, and develops and maintains relationships with commodity producer/trade associations and industry interest groups where relevant.

Responsibilities:

1. Capacity Building and Training:

Develop and strengthen CRS capacity by:

a) Coordinating and delivering appropriate training in market analysis, commercial sales negotiation, and related topics, for CRS headquarters and field staff engaged in planning and implementation of commodity sales (monetization), local and regional purchase, voucher, and value-chain programming.

b) Proactively following, and disseminating, information on donor monetization, local & regional purchase, and related program considerations.

c) Leading the development, updating and dissemination of relevant tools, policies and procedures, including a manual on monetization and local & regional procurement, to ensure that CRS monetizations meet the highest agency standards.

d) Strengthening understanding of USDA-supported monetization and local and regional purchase programs and the differences in processes and procedures compared to USAID

e) Coordinating the development and maintenance of a global monetization & markets information system and intranet site, in collaboration with other internal stakeholders, to include: pertinent data on monetization sales and local & regional purchases, tools to support decision-making, training materials, lessons learned, etc.

f) Supporting the development of efficient and effective monetization management structures within country programs, including country representatives, monetization staff at country and regional levels, etc. May include development of metrics to be monitored for targeted areas of risk.

g) Exploring, identifying and recommending innovative approaches to monetization, including commercial linkages, regional monetizations, umbrella or multi-agency swaps, endowments or trusts for protection of proceeds and more.

2. Technical Support

Provide technical assistance in the development, negotiation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of monetizations, local and regional purchases, and related programming, including:

a) Clarification of the business processes for monetization, LRP, and related programs.

b) Support in all aspects of the monetization or LRP processes, such as: commodity selection, market analysis, Bellmon certification, UMR updates, food safety issues, buyer solicitation, tender processes, sales negotiation, finalization of sales and/or purchase contracts and financial payment mechanisms, achievement of cost recovery thresholds, USG approval, and protection of sales proceeds.

c) Management and coordination of the CRS Monetization Review Committee and Monetization Working Group.

d) Assistance to country programs/regions with the identification, hiring and supervision of consultants and recruitment of relevant staff. Assessment of staff/capacity building needs.

e) Assistance in initiating, designing, negotiating and implementing Public Private Partnership (PPP) and GDA projects

3. Representation, Advocacy and Private Sector Engagement

In coordination with relevant internal colleagues and through appropriate PVO consortia, proactively represent CRS monetization programs to donors, commodity trade associations, industry interest groups and others in order to:

a) Advocate for favorable monetization and LRP policies, regulations, agreement terms and conditions.

b) Influence strategic plans for the future of monetization, LRP, and related market-based programs.

c) Highlight CRS’ monetization program successes and capacity with the intent of supporting acquisition of donor resources.

d) Help identify and assess relevant needs and opportunities for PVO-corporate partnerships and that align well with CRS programming.

e) Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Agency-wide Competencies:

· Serves with Integrity

· Models Stewardship

· Develops Constructive Relationships

· Promotes Learning

Key Working Relationships:

Internal (at headquarters and in the field): Multiple levels of management contact depending on assignment/issue to include Operational Excellence Department, Resource Acquisition Department, PIQA Technical Advisors, Regional Directors, Deputy Regional Directors, Country Representatives, country program staff, Office of Legal Counsel, Shipping, Audit, and Finance.

External: Multiple levels of management contact for all USG agencies depending on assignment/issue to include USAID/FFP, USDA/FSA, USDA/FAS, and international NGOs, USAID contractors, commodity producer groups, commodity processors, commodity marketing representatives, various legal counsel, private sector, interagency consortia, consultants transport/logistics companies, universities, foundations, etc as required.

Qualifications:

  1. Preferred advanced degree (M.S., M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D. or J.D.) in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Business, Law, Public Administration or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
  2. Proven expertise in commodity sales, contract negotiations, international trade, and/or business law.
  3. Proven skills in market analysis (global, regional and local)
  4. Experience in the planning and implementation of USG monetization and local purchase projects, preferred. Knowledge of cash and voucher programming a plus.
  5. Experience in planning and delivering training sessions to diverse audiences using adult education techniques highly desirable.
  6. Familiarity with USG regulations, preferred.
  7. Familiarity with business process mapping a plus
  8. Demonstrated understanding of local markets where monetization occurs, as well as of commercial market-entry strategies, business plans, marketing plans and sourcing plans, highly desirable.
  9. Spoken and written fluency in English. Functional proficiency in spoken and written French and/or Spanish highly desirable.
  10. Minimum four years' professional experience working overseas for an international PVO, USG, multilateral or private sector institution preferably in different countries.
  11. Minimum two years' experience living or working in developing countries.
  12. Excellent communication and presentation skills. · Computer proficiency in word processing, database management, spreadsheet and graphics presentations.
  13. Position will be based at CRS headquarters. The position will require an average of 25 – 30% travel to developing countries, as well as limited domestic travel.

Personal Skills:

· Ability to work independently and in teams in a highly diverse, multi-cultural environment

· Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills

· Creative, strategic thinker with strong organizational and problem-solving skills

· Excellent listening negotiation and networking skills

· Ability to recognize and effectively negotiate differences among non-profit, commercial and government sectors.

Note:

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation


How to apply:

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of their application

To apply, please visit: https://www5.apply2jobs.com/CRS/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.s...

EOE/M/F/D/V

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United States of America: Senior Advisor - Commodity Markets | Unknown | 5

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