Position Title: Sr. Technical Specialist, Private Sector Advisor
Location: Arlington, VA or Little Rock, AR
Group: Agriculture and Enterprise
Reports To: Senior Director, Agriculture & Enterprise
Position Summary:
The Senior Technical Specialist, Private Sector Advisor for the Agriculture and Enterprise Group will be responsible for leading Winrock’s development and implementation of its strategic vision for the agriculture and enterprise sector in a market systems framework, including market-driven approaches in sustainable production, marketing, climate smart agriculture and agriculture technology in Winrock’s domestic and global programs within the Agriculture and Enterprise Group. The position will require significant travel to the field, will be partially billable to programs, and will be directly responsible for supporting field teams on existing projects. The position will interface directly with private sector players in the agriculture and enterprise segment globally to identify new opportunities for Winrock in the field, including developing scalable agribusiness models, exploring private sector alliances, and working with international field teams to deliver sustainable technical approaches implemented under current and future programs. The position is responsible for targeting private sector alliances in global and domestic programs to augment impact, in coordination with other groups within Winrock. The position will develop market system models with an eye on sustainability, climate smart strategies, sound financing models, and sustainable and inclusive business models.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Participate and lead as appropriate Winrock’s agriculture enterprise development strategy domestically and internationally by identifying and developing successful models in the field to take to scale bilaterally and regionally.
- Develop and draft proposals for funding to the private sector, US government and other donors incorporating market-led solutions for agricultural development domestically and internationally.
- Provide leadership in identifying, developing, tracking, and securing new private sector alliances for Winrock’s A&E Group through technical thought leadership and representation; and sharing best practices in agricultural development internally and externally.
- Target key geographies where agriculture and food security is at greatest risk from climate change, infrastructure deficiencies, human resource limitations, and weaknesses in governance in the field and align strategies and areas of funding in the private sector with donor initiatives in Winrock’s programming areas.
- Collaborate with External Affairs team to evaluate and create alternative business models and financial structures for attracting a more diversified set of funders in Winrock’s agriculture practice area.
- Liaise with all Winrock technical and technical support staff working in agriculture in the U.S., across groups, and worldwide to provide technical advice and develop opportunities for augmenting work through private sector and foundation funding. Expertise and topical areas include workforce development and civil society; natural resource management and governance; climate mitigation and adaptation; and the ability to supply renewable energy to meet the needs of the agricultural supply chain
- Lead engagement with other Winrock units and groups on developing new business opportunities for country specific programs that provide integrated solutions incorporating the private sector to complex problems facing agriculture and food security with particular attention to Winrock’s experience with workforce development and civil society; natural resource management and governance; climate mitigation and adaptation; and the ability to supply renewable energy to meet the needs of the agricultural supply chain.
- Aggregate and communicate results internally and externally, sharing best practices and technical success.
- Represent Winrock International in strategic technical matters related to A&E.
Qualifications and Bakground:
Education: Advanced Degree in agricultural field or equivalent experience required. Ph.D. in related field preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 8 years relevant experience in agriculture and related fields including agricultural program design, technical proposal writing, representation in relevant conferences and seminars and experience in programs financed by the USG, multilateral donors, and Foundations. International experience working and living in a developing country is preferred.
A proven track record in managing innovative technical proposal teams, proven ability to secure funds for technical work from diverse donors, and in creating and managing public private partnerships; Experience in the private sector is required; experience in sustainable supply chains and equitable treatment of labor and the environment preferred.
Knowledge/Skills:
Strong international sustainable agriculture production and enterprise development skills are required.
Strong technical skills in order to effectively provide thought leadership about latest innovations in agriculture, oversee technical activities, and understand the alignment between programs and private sector strategies.
Work experience in agribusiness domestically or internationally preferred.
Work with US Government agricultural programming preferred.
Demonstrated capability to secure private sector partnerships or funding required.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English and ideally one other language.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and sensitively with a broad cross-section of internal staff and external donors at the senior as well as grass roots level are essential.
Sound analytical skills, including ability to understand contemporary development concepts, themes and issues and present them clearly and effectively.
Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Demonstrated strong networking skills, including management of multiple tasks.
Understanding of the importance of gender in development and the ability to include gender analysis in program development.
Effective “hands-on” user of Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel).
Other: Approximately 50% travel required
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