Agricultural Value Chain and Market Development Specialist at Global Path Research and Analytics, Ethiopia

Job Description

Global Path Research and Analytics LLC is seeking an experienced Agricultural Value Chain and Market Development Specialist to support the assessment of agricultural market systems, smallholder sourcing models, agribusiness performance, and value chain development interventions. The specialist will contribute to the evaluation of market linkages, commercialization pathways, sourcing arrangements, private sector engagement, and sector-level outcomes affecting farmers, cooperatives, aggregators, processors, and financial institutions.

The position will provide technical expertise in analyzing agricultural value chains, identifying market opportunities and constraints, assessing buyer-supplier relationships, and evaluating how investments contribute to strengthening domestic sourcing, improving market access, increasing competitiveness, and expanding smallholder participation in commercial agricultural markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead value chain and market systems analyses across targeted agricultural commodities.
• Assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of smallholder sourcing and aggregation models.
• Evaluate market linkages between farmers, cooperatives, aggregators, processors, financial institutions, and buyers.
• Analyze supply chain performance, including volumes, quality, productivity, aggregation, and commercialization outcomes.
• Assess how project interventions have contributed to improved access to markets and increased participation of smallholder farmers in commercial value chains.
• Examine factors influencing domestic sourcing, import substitution, market competitiveness, and private sector investment.
• Analyze relationships between producers, off-takers, processors, and market actors to identify opportunities and constraints affecting value chain performance.
• Support assessments of agribusiness engagement, business model sustainability, and market expansion strategies.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations with farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, traders, processors, exporters, and financial service providers.
• Contribute to the development of analytical reports, presentations, learning products, and dissemination materials.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Agricultural Marketing, Value Chain Development, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural value chain development, market systems development, agribusiness, or agricultural commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience conducting value chain analyses and market assessments.
• Strong understanding of agricultural markets, commodity systems, market linkages, supply chains, and private sector development.
• Experience working with farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, agribusinesses, agricultural processors, traders, and financial institutions.
• Knowledge of inclusive business models, market systems approaches, and agricultural commercialization strategies.
• Experience supporting donor-funded agricultural development, market systems, or private sector development programs.
• Excellent written and spoken English.