Ukraine_Support the implementation of the "Ukraine Agri-food APEX Loan" operation

The overall objective of the project, which this technical assistance assignment will support, is:

  • To support modernisation of the cereals, oilseed and aquaculture/fisheries value chains in Ukraine so as to improve resource efficiency, reduce losses and waste along the value chains, enhance product safety and quality and improve product competitiveness on national and international markets, in line with the National Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy 2015-2020.
  • The objective of this technical assistance assignment is therefore to support implementation of the Ukraine Agri-food APEX Loan by providing complementary services to Project participants aimed at facilitating disbursement of the loan to eligible final beneficiaries and the implementation by beneficiaries of sub-projects that address identified gaps and bottlenecks in the target value chains.
Qualifications: 
  • Education to at least University Degree or equivalent in, e.g. Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science with preference given to candidates with postgraduate study experience;
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian would be an advantage;
  • Computer literacy.

General professional experience

  • In depth knowledge of the cereals and oilseeds sector and downstream storage, processing and trade, as evidenced by 10 years of relevant professional experience;
  • 6 years of professional experience of identifying best available technologies and implementing related investment projects in the cereals and oilseed sector.

Specific professional experience

  • Strong knowledge of the constraints relating to SME cereal and oilseed production and marketing in developing or transition countries, as evidenced by 5 years of relevant professional experience;
  • Experience with EU environmental and social standards and impact assessments for cereals and oilseed project development;
  • Experience relevant to the project context in one or more of the following would be a distinct advantage: irrigation system rehabilitation, seed breeding and selection, crop protection from pest and climate, on farm demonstrations, agricultural and agri-food product and process certification and marketing.
Start / Duration: 

The main base of operations shall be the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. Extensive travel to Ukraine’s regions will be required by Kyiv-based experts to deliver the activities outlined above and the Consultant will establish mobile teams based in at least three regions able to support final beneficiaries and financial intermediary branches across the country.

In addition, although Ukraine’s offshore (ocean going) marine fish capture fleet is not eligible for support, limited work in undisputed inshore areas of Ukraine’s maritime exclusive economic zone are anticipated.

The intended start date is June 2018 and the period of execution of the activities is of 36 months from the commencement date.

Please send your most recent CV to  barbara.braun [at] afci.de Please note, that only shortlisted experts will be contacted