Agri Value Chain Finance Analyst

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized.
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

The Government of India’s flagship schemes KCC/MISS and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have become important tools to strengthen the resilience of Indian farmers. The schemes ensure maximum benefits for the farmers by providing credit under 5 categories and financial risk protection against natural calamities and catastrophic events including pests, climate uncertainties and environmental shocks. To address agrarian distress, the Kisan Credit Card/ Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) was introduced by the Government of India to provide cheap and hassle- free credit for millions of farmers and to ensure continued investment into agriculture to bring in mechanization, modernize agriculture practices and eventually enhance productivity. Additionally, PMFBY also provides comprehensive risk coverage for the entire crop cycle, PMFBY also enables direct claim transfer into farmers’ accounts through e-remittance.

UNDP’s Country Programme Document (2023-2027) intended Outcome 2 states that “By 2027, people will benefit from and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth through higher productivity, competitiveness and diversification in economic activities that create decent work, livelihoods, and income particularly for youth and women”. UNDP leverages its expertise in systems strengthening to support the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare (MoA&FW) through setting up of a Central Program Management Unit (CPMU) for the implementation of PMFBY and KCC, to improve institutional and programme responsiveness, increase coverage and better access among marginalized and excluded farm households, offering innovative measures and support mechanisms for Agri-value chain financing. The PMU will also focus on providing Capacity Building and Training support to participating state-level government departments involved in PMFBY and KCC and advancing the scheme among new states for improved uptake.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Agri value Chain Finance Analyst- Technical Support Unit will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the National Programme Director-TSU. She/He will ensure the engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Joint Secretary (Credit), DoA&FW, MoA&FW and the Credit Division when needed.

Research and Development

• Designing targeted research, pilot programs, and initiatives in the areas of agricultural value chain development and agricultural financing.

Value Chain Analysis and Development

• Develop comprehensive Value Chain analysis and development of commodities identified in Strategic Plan including specific actions facilitate informed decision-making.
• Identify finance and investment opportunities through strategic partnerships with key value chain stakeholders and develop strategies for connecting smallholder farmers to the markets.
• Collaborate with financial institutions and value chain actors to design innovative financial products to meet smallholder demand for financial services and reaching to the most vulnerable population including small, marginal and women farmers.
• Develop, package and market a pipeline of Agri Value Chain Financing related investment opportunities.

Capacity Building, Trainings and Partnerships

• Identify and conduct key stakeholders’ consultation in various identified cluster specific value chains.
• Capacity building of value chain stakeholders to strengthen implementation of KCC.
• Work with GOI and other agencies to support agriculture value chain investment strategy.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Digital & Innovation

• Data Analysis: Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making
• Data Storytelling and Communications: Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion
• Agile’ Methodologies and Practices: Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context

Partnership management

• Emerging Partnerships: Ability to engage with emerging partners, develop and manage a strategy and develop approaches to developing and managing these new strategic partnerships

Finance Financial reporting and analysis

• Research and Development: Understands changes in regulatory, legal and ethical frameworks and standards for financial reporting in the public sector. Ability to extract, evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful and coherent manner to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring. Understands the benefits of integrated reporting, including non-financial resources such as human, social and intellectual capital, and environmental and governance performance.

General (across the functions)

• Event Planning and Execution: Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP’s overall brand and mandate.

Business Direction & Strategy

• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Agriculture Agriculture Economics/ Agri Business Management.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of demonstrable experience in agri value chain financing, AVCF competitiveness, investment promotion in agricultural value chain development
• Strong knowledge/experience of the stakeholders in the agricultural sector
• Demonstrated ability to nature and/or build effective partnerships with different partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite,
• Experience in project Management practices and ability to formulate and manage budgets,
• Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and requirements of the post with excellence.
• Proven ability to work in a cross-cultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Good interpersonal skills and proven ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Proven Management skills.
• Additional years of experience in relevant role with at least 5 years Implementation experience in agri value chain finance projects.
• Experience of working with Agritech/ fintech companies on similar assignments will be preferred,
• Additional 3-4 years of experience of working with Central and/or State Governments/ international agencies/on similar assignments
• Demonstrated competency in developing and implementing effective strategies, business plans and budget management
• Proven Ability to work persuasively and diplomatically in a team- based environment with high complexity and ambiguity.
• Proven Ability to organize farmers into business organizations, including linking them to markets.
• Experience in Facilitating and contributing toward research and development resulting in quality publications, scientific writing and reports.

Language Requirement:

• Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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