Producer Organization Manager
Scope of Work
Title: Producer Organization Manager for the Ukraine Harvest Activity
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine (on-site)
Project Description: Ukraine Harvest Activity (Harvest), USAID (2024−2029)
J.E. Austin Associates, Inc (JAA) is a subcontractor to Chemonics International in the Ukraine Harvest Activity, an initiative funded by USAID to boost the agricultural productivity and market accessibility of Ukrainian farmers. This project focuses on enhancing the supply of high-quality inputs, agronomic support, and extension services while also working to establish robust market linkages, particularly with the EU.
JAA supports Objective 2 of the project, which aims to improve farmers' access to profitable markets. This is achieved through strengthening the market position of small and medium enterprise (SME) farmers, reducing logistics costs via digitalization and optimized strategies, and expanding business-to-business (B2B) connections through industry events, trade missions, and buyer visits. This comprehensive approach is designed to increase production, access to diverse markets, and profitability for Ukrainian farmers, contributing significantly to the region’s food security and economic resilience.
Job Description and Overall Responsibilities:
The Producer Organization Manager will support the project in catalyzing and sustaining the relationships among producer organizations, including associations, cooperatives, Multinational Corporations (MNCs), private sector actors, producer groups, and farmers. The goal is to transform these engagements into robust relationships that can leverage operative, commercial, and trade opportunities. Moreover, the professional should foster these relationships with the objective of nurturing international market linkages. This role requires an individual with a deep understanding of the agricultural sector in Ukraine, the framework of Contract Farming, and the operational dynamics of MNCs within the region.
The Producer Organization Manager will act as a liaison, helping the project develop partnerships that can be crucial for the success of the project component. Knowledge of lead firms and an understanding of commercial actors in the agricultural sector are essential. This professional will leverage connections with MNCs to establish support channels and commercial opportunities, creating capacity and market reach for local producers.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify and engage with potential Producer Organizations for collaboration and integration into the project’s scope.
- Cultivate and maintain the project’s relationships with Associations, Cooperatives, Producer groups, MNCs, and lead firms.
- Assess the current landscape of stakeholder groups within Ukraine’s Agricultural Sector, identifying opportunities for collaboration and resource leveraging.
- Lead trials and drive the implementation of Contract Farming schemes, promoting innovative agricultural business models.
- Actively pursue MNCs to invest in and support local farming initiatives, enhancing the agricultural supply chain.
- Develop strategic alliances that enable farmers to access new markets, utilize best practices, and achieve sustainable growth.
- Oversee the integration of producers into the supply chain, ensuring that contractual and commercial agreements align with the producers' capabilities and market demands.
- Facilitate the adoption of modern farming practices and technologies, reinforcing the competitive edge of Ukrainian producers.
- Other tasks as directed by COP or supervisor.

Job Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Sciences, Organizational Sciences, Economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 5 years of field experience in project management and organizational development.
- Experience in managing and developing agricultural organizations.
- Proven experience working directly with farmers' associations, agricultural extension services, and intermediaries in the agricultural sector.
- Prior experience working with donor organizations is a plus.
- Excellent English and Ukrainian writing skills.

How to Apply:
Interested individual consultants are encouraged to send their CVs and Cover Letter no later than August 5, 2024, to [см. контактную информацию ниже].

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