Agriculture and Markets Specialist

Call for Applications

Agriculture and Markets Specialist

Organization

SOCODEVI is a Canadian network of cooperative and mutual enterprises that shares its technical expertise and practical know-how with partners in developing countries. Our mission is to improve the living conditions of the communities we support in a tangible and sustainable way.

 

Workplace

Hanoi, Vietnam.

 

Duration of assignment

August 2025 – December 2029.

  

Contract Type 

The position is for Vietnamese nationals only.  

 

Project Description

SOCODEVI Vietnam is looking for a qualified candidate to take on the position of Agriculture and Markets Specialist. The successful candidate will work directly with local partners and communities to support the implementation of the BLOOM project (Biodiversity and Livelihood Opportunities for Ethnic Minority Women), a Global Affairs Canada-funded initiative (2025–2030) that promotes biodiversity conservation and inclusive livelihoods in Ha Giang and Dak Lak provinces. The project’s ultimate goal is to improve the health of key ecosystems to support biodiversity and climate change adaptation with a focus on ethnic minority women and their communities in Ha Giang and Dak Lak provinces.

 

Key Expected Results:

• Outcome 1100: Increased adoption by ethnic minority women and their communities of gender-sensitive nature-based solutions (NbS) that protect the ecological integrity of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) for biodiversity and climate adaptation.
• Outcome 1200: Increased sustainable use of HCVF biodiversity by ethnic minority women who are especially vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• Outcome 1300: Enhanced participation and influence of ethnic minority women in shaping governance, policies, and programs related to HCVFs that are critical for biodiversity and climate resilience.

 

Position summary

Under the supervision of the Deputy Project Director, the specialist will lead technical activities related to sustainable agriculture, Agri-Nature based Solutions (Agri-NbS), cooperative development, and inclusive value chains.  

 

The role includes designing field-based interventions and training content, strengthening linkages between producers and markets using the existing cooperative and/or supporting establishing new cooperatives, and promoting biodiversity-friendly farming practices. The project is equally committed to tackling the barriers that limit women’s meaningful involvement in targeted value chains. By supporting the development of cooperatives, the initiative will foster stronger networks among women producers and entrepreneurs, it will also enhance connections between women and other actors along the value chain, creating more inclusive opportunities for economic engagement.  

 

S/he will lead and manage the technical implementation of relevant activities under Outcome 1100 (Agri-NbS) and Outcome 1200 (inclusive cooperative integrated in value chains) that promote both community-based conservation and women’s economic empowerment. To do so, the specialist will work with Performcoop approach, a well-established methodology developed by SOCODEVI.

 

S/he will work in coordination with local government authorities, communities, project staff based in Vietnam and at SOCODEVI headquarters, and technical partners, and provide expert guidance to ensure high-quality interventions. 

 

S/he will contribute to the identification, design, and development of new project opportunities and strategic partnerships, with the chance to actively engage in concept development, proposal writing and innovation supporting both professional growth and organizational impact.

 

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

Project Delivery (50%)

• Lead the design and implementation of Agri-Nature based Solutions, cooperative development and market-related activities aligned with project outcomes.
• Guide and support agricultural cooperatives to adopt sustainable business models and inclusive governance.
• Develop inclusive cooperatives integrated in climate-resilient value chains and facilitate market linkages.
• Act as budget holder for designated project outcomes and activities, ensuring that all expenditures are planned and monitored in accordance with donor guidelines and SOCODEVI’s financial policies
• Support the integration of gender-inclusive approaches into value chain and market access strategies.
• Collaborate with the Forestry & Biodiversity Specialist to integrate sustainable land use practices and conservation priorities into agricultural value chain development.
• Coordinate with partners and stakeholders including the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Provincial Cooperative Alliances and local women’s organizations.
• Support monitoring and results-based reporting in coordination with the MEL team.
• Contribute to the development of training tools and facilitate training for field teams and stakeholders.

 

Partner and Stakeholder Engagement (30%)

• Coordinate with provincial authorities, forest management boards, local mass organizations, and NGOs.
• Support partnerships with research institutions and experts to inform evidence-based programming.
• Organize and participate in technical workshops, trainings, and community outreach events.
• Represent the project in relevant agricultural, cooperative, and value chain networks at national and international levels.

 

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Communication (10%)

• Contribute to the development and means of measurement of indicators related to sustainable agriculture, Agri-Nature based Solutions, cooperative development, SMEs and inclusive value chains
• Work with the MEL manager to ensure appropriate tracking of Agri-NbS and value chain outcomes and best practices
• Support field monitoring, data analysis, and documentation of lessons learned on sustainable agriculture, Agri-NbS, cooperative development, and inclusive value chains
• Collaborate closely with the Communications Officer to identify and leverage communications and media opportunities that promote SOCODEVI and DID’s work and increase their visibility within the wider development community in Vietnam and internationally.

 

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion mainstreaming (10%)

• Collaborate with the Gender Equality and Financial Inclusion specialist to ensure the integration of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy principles across all project components, including agri-based nature-based solutions, and cooperative development
• Provide input on gender-sensitive indicators related to environmental outcomes, such as participation in access to sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience.
• Help raise awareness and capacity among local partners, and community groups on inclusive approaches to conservation and forest management.

 

Professional Requirements

Minimum:

• Advanced degree in agriculture, business administration, rural development, or a related field (a bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience also considered).
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in sustainable agriculture, value chains, SME or cooperative development.
• Proven experience supporting commercialization of agricultural products or services and/or developing market-oriented solutions for rural cooperative enterprises.
• Understanding of ethnic minority livelihood dynamics and economic opportunities in upland landscapes
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and communication skills in English
• Proficient in standard IT tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

 

Desirable:

• Experience with donor-funded initiatives (e.g., Global Affairs Canada, EU, UKAID, DFAT, etc).
• Experience in business incubation, SME coaching, or enterprise development within rural/agricultural sectors.
• Familiarity with private sector engagement strategies and inclusive market systems development.
• Experience working with ethnic minority communities and mass organizations.
• Familiarity with integrating gender-sensitive approaches within agricultural value chains

 

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work as needed.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: SOCODEVI supports flexible work options, including work from home, adjusted hours, and job sharing, where feasible.
• Contract Type: 12-month full-time employment contract, with strong potential for extension.
• Workplace: Based in Hanoi, with regular travel to Ha Giang and Dak Lak provinces.
• Availability: Position to be filled as soon as possible.

 

SOCODEVI Core Values

At SOCODEVI, we are committed to advancing gender equality and building an inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment for both the communities we serve and the people on our team. We welcome applications from women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities, and actively support flexible work arrangements, including job sharing, remote work and adjusted hours. We recognize that diverse perspectives and lived experiences strengthen our work, and we are committed to ensuring accessibility and equity at every stage of employment.

 

All staff are required to sign the Code of Conduct and the Policy Against Fraud and Corruption on an annual basis. The Code of Ethics, Safeguard Policy, and AntiTerrorism Policy are to be signed once upon hiring.  

 

How to Apply

Please click on this link to access the online application form. Applications by email will not be accepted. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. SOCODEVI offers a competitive compensation package, with offers based on the relevant experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 24 June at 5:00 PM Hanoi time.