1. Introduction to Sahaj – Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (NAMDP) – Phase II The Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (NAMDP), also known as Sahaj (Nepali for ‘facilitate’ or ‘make easier’), is designed with three successive phases spanning across a 12-year horizon. Sahaj’s objectives are based on a vision of a thriving and inclusive agriculture sector, aiming to grow employment and income for Nepal’s rural population. Sahaj operates under a bilateral agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Government of Switzerland. Sahaj is a Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) project, implemented by a consortium of Swisscontact (as the lead agency) and the Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED). The programme focuses on Province Number 1 (the far-most eastern province). 1.1 Background: NAMDP Phase I NAMDP Phase I (March 2016 – November 2020) aimed to increase farmers’ income by integrating them into commercial agriculture markets and networks. Using an approach that makes private sector markets work better for the poor (also known as a Market Systems Development or MSD), the programme supported market-based solutions around inputs and farming. The impact targeted smallholder farmers, including women and people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme’s activities boosted on-farm productivity and increased the marketing potential of their agricultural products. Sahaj Phase 1 partnered with over 75 private sector and 10 public sector actors through around 50 interventions. It covered over 50 districts of Nepal, including 12 of the 14 districts in Province Number 1. The programme created 1,800 new jobs, and increased farm-income of 45,800 households. 1.2 NAMDP Phase II NAMDP Phase II builds on the work done in the previous phase, but shifts focus towards growth and investment in forward market linkages, strengthening the country’s commercialisation, processing and export of value-added agriculture products. The second phase will run from December 2020 until November 2024. The programme will provide financial and technical support towards increased provision of services and access to innovation for agri-businesses in Province Number 1. This will increase demand for smallholders’ produce, including them in value-added supply chains and building resilience in rural communities through higher employment and income. NAMDP Phase II’s slogan “partner in innovations for agriculture” will be paramount in phase II – a strong focus on supporting investment in small and medium-sized agri-businesses with innovative services in the province. This will be done through three pillars supporting i) agriculture services, ii) non-agriculture services, and iii) the overarching business environment. Under these pillars, the programme will identify and address constraints to growth, unlocking the services agri-businesses need to invest in innovation and of value-added sustainable agriculture products. This includes addressing policy bottlenecks and unlocking potential for closer collaboration between the government and the private sector. NAMDP Phase II will build a portfolio of interventions (support for Small and Medium Enterprise partners), starting in the maize, dairy, cardamom and vegetable sectors. Additionally, the programme will support the government’s efforts to strengthen the federal structure by working closely with Provincial and Local Government units. Consortium partners Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development http://www.ceapred.org.np Expected results 1,000 new jobs created in local economy, with 40% for women and 20% for disadvantaged groups (DAGs); the new jobs will generate NPR 150 million of annual income. 20,000 farmers benefit from higher farm-income (at least 6,000 women farmers and 5,000 DAGs); farm-income will grow by NPR 300 million annually. 2. Vacancy: Sahaj – Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (NAMDP) – Phase II For the Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (NAMDP) Phase II, Swisscontact invites applications from qualified candidates (Nepali citizens) for the following positions. Serial Number.: 1 Position: Officer-Services and Innovation Place of Work: NAMDP Office, Swisscontact, Biratnagar, Province See section 4 for the job descriptions. 3. Application Procedures Interested candidates who meet the requirements for relevant position are requested to send their current CV (maximum four A4 pages) and a motivation letter to np.info@swisscontact.org latest by 11:59 PM Nepal time on 27 May 2022, Friday. Along with the CV and the motivation letter, please send the duly filled in “job application form”, which is available on our website (same address as above). In the “subject” line of your email, please mention the position applied for. Swisscontact Nepal will not entertain any phone enquiries or other such solicitations for these positions. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the selection process. Swisscontact Nepal reserves the right to reject any or all applications. Swisscontact Nepal promotes workforce diversity and applies positive discrimination to candidates from discriminated groups (women, Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi/Terai and other minority communities). 4. Job Description Officer – Services and Innovation Start of employment: 1st July 2022 Place of work: Biratnagar, Province 1, Nepal Reports to: Manager – Agriculture Services Tasks The Officer– Services and Innovation (Agriculture Services) is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the programme activities under Agriculture Services team. Her/his major tasks include: Analysis of agriculture services functions and performance as well as constraints in identified sectors. Assisting line-manager with gathering relevant information to develop intervention strategies in line with the market systems development (MSD) approach. Ability to propose innovative ideas to solve systemic constraints identified in the sector strategy documents. Explore opportunities to work with relevant private sector companies and industry associations, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders as per the strategies. Ensure quality of implementation by guiding partners to conduct activities under partnership and, if needed, recommending changes in intervention design or modality to improve the outcome of the interventions. Undertake day to day implementation in the field and supervision of intervention activities in accordance with defined strategies. Implement approaches and interventions that foster gender and social inclusion and green growth. Contribute to Federal State Building/Business Enabling Environment (FBS/BEE) initiatives as per project approach. Contribute to all relevant MRM processes; using MRM as a tool to improve interventions and strategies and proving results. Prepare and/or contribute to relevant documentation for MRM. Contribute to prepare outputs from the services and innovation team in accordance with communication guidelines and needs. Provide input to the Yearly Plan of Operations (YPOs) and (semi-)annual progress reports. Maintain professional working relationships with partners (subcontractors and intervention partners). Comply with the Project Manual of NAMDP and other relevant requirements of Swisscontact and SDC. Requirements Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience (market systems development (MSD), private sector development or in the private sector in agriculture) with bachelor’s degree in Management/Economics/Agriculture with specialisation in Agri Economics or Agri Business or minimum 2 years of relevant work experience with Master’s degree in Management/Economics/Agri Economics/Agri Business. Good knowledge of the context in which agribusinesses or industries operate in Nepal. Good understanding of agriculture services and non-agriculture services for agri-businesses and the underlying constraints facing the service providers in Nepal. Passion for learning and implementing innovative ideas Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Nepali and English Willingness to travel frequently, often to remote places and sometimes within short notice

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