JOB OPPORTUNITY

Market System Development Lead

(Open for Nepalese Nationals only)

Description

iDE has been in Nepal since 1992, developing market systems that provide simple innovations to help rural communities get out of poverty. Our long-standing presence in Nepal is a testimony to adaptive learning, continual innovation, and commitment to delivering meaningful impact. From the germination of an idea, through research, piloting, and its evolution into impactful and scalable solutions, iDE possesses an unparalleled understanding of Nepal’s market dynamics. This deep insight has enabled us to diagnose critical value chain bottlenecks, paving the way for strategic interventions that open doors of opportunity for the marginalized.

iDE Nepal’s holistic approach to market development is what truly sets us apart. In addition to identifying market opportunities for marginalized populations, we nurture them from seed to fruition. We work hand-in-hand with the private sector, forge partnerships with governments at every administrative level, collaborate with global development partners, and most crucially, have earned the trust and partnership of the rural communities we serve. Our expansive reach, covering all seven provinces, and our continued efforts towards inclusive and resilient market development, stand testament to iDE Nepal’s unwavering commitment to making a difference—one innovation at a time.

Working under the overall direction of the Director of Programs (DoP) the Market Systems Development (MSD) Lead will be an experienced MSD expert and business specialist. S/he will play a leadership role in strengthening target market actors’ resilience to market shocks through implementation of innovative market systems and capacity building, both on supply and demand sides. The MSD Lead will provide technical leadership to design and implement MSD strategies and oversee partnerships. This position will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Take a leading role in the development of relevant components of the annual work plans per the project requirements, in collaboration with the program teams to ensure contribution to the overall strategic objectives of iDE Nepal through the MSD modality
Provide technical assistance to the program team in market identification and development, agricultural value chain development, agricultural supply chain management, private sector partnership, and business development.
Design and implement strategies and work plans to strengthen market linkages, expand access to markets, support the development, deployment, and demonstration of climate-smart technologies and practices, and strengthen input, service, and capacity building networks for diversified livelihoods activities
Provide effective overall leadership in the implementation and management of MSD interventions. This includes closely monitoring the progress of the intervention portfolio, mitigating risks and adapting interventions as needed.
Contribute to development and management of strategies to improve uptake of nutrition-sensitive, inclusive, and climate-smart business practices.
Responsible for planning and monitoring implementation and budget to ensure the project is on track and delivering results.
Oversee activities related to enhancing financial services markets and market infrastructure in selected market systems, including insurance and business development services.
Lead and coordinate the drafting of terms of reference (TOR) and scopes of work (SOW) for local consultancy services needed for activities implemented under your supervision.
Facilitate private sector partnerships, and liaise with key government officials and international and local organizations as needed
Identify opportunities for partnering with organizations working in the area of entrepreneurship
Conduct regular visits to project sites, as feasible, to provide technical assistance, and ensure proper implementation and monitoring of project activities.
Provide technical leadership for the market systems team to stay abreast of market changes, trends and risks.
Manage a team of technical staff implementing project activities.
Other duties as assigned by the DoP

Requirements

A Master’s degree in development economics, finance, business, or a relevant social science related field
Minimum 8 years of experience in market studies, economic growth, trade, value chain development, competitiveness, or agricultural development programs.
Previous experience scaling solutions through private sector partnerships with agriculture value chain actors, financial institutions, and the private sector.
Strong negotiation and facilitation skills, and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders
Ability to think both innovatively and practically, translate thinking into real world outputs, and work with minimum supervision, under pressure
Must have the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team, and have experience fostering a cooperative environment with colleagues
Must possess a high degree of computer literacy (particularly in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), as well as analytical and organizational skills.

Note: This position is based in Kathmandu, Nepal and is contingent upon funding.

Interested and qualifying applicants can submit their application Letter and CV in English, with both phone and email contact details of at least 3 professional references by March 31, 2024.

Benefits

As per the iDE norms.

iDE Nepal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Members of Disadvantaged Caste, Ethnic and Religious Groups are Strongly Encouraged to Apply