VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT /IT SPECIALIST, ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT, EXTENSION SPECIALIST, WOOL AND CASHMERE VALUE-CHAIN SPECIALIST/
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Government of Mongolia has received financing from the World Bank in the form of a grant to support the Virtual Cooperatives to Empower Pastoral Livestock Communities. The overarching goal of the project is to improve the livelihoods of remote pastoral livestock communities in targeted locations by harnessing digital technologies and services. The project is now seeking to recruit qualified individuals for the following positions:
IT SPECIALIST
Area of Expertise: Information Technology / Digital Services
Reports To: State Secretary, MOFALI and Project Coordinator
Position Overview: The ICT Specialist will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and management of a digital platform aimed at supporting rural herders. This platform will serve as a central hub for accessing agricultural information, resources, and services to enhance productivity, market access, and community engagement.
• Lead the planning and execution of the digital platform project from conception to deployment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including farmers, herders, government agencies, and NGOs, to gather requirements and ensure the platform meets the needs of the user community.
• Oversee the design and development of the platform's architecture, ensuring scalability, security, and user-friendliness.
• Manage the integration of various services into the platform, such as market information, weather forecasts, agricultural best practices, and e-commerce capabilities.
• Coordinate with technical teams to develop mobile applications and SMS services that complement the digital platform.
• Implement data management and analytics systems to monitor platform usage and impact on the target communities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards for data protection and privacy.
• Develop training materials and conduct capacity-building sessions for users and local support teams.
• Monitor and evaluate the platform's performance, making adjustments as necessary to improve functionality and user experience.
• Manage the platform's budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with project goals.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in ICT project management, preferably with a focus on agricultural or rural development projects.
• Strong technical background with experience in software development, database management, and cloud computing.
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector and the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Experience with user-centered design and agile development methodologies.
• Fluency in English.
Working Conditions:
• This position may require travel to rural areas to engage with stakeholders and understand the on-the-ground realities of platform users.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and deadlines.
This job description is a general outline of the responsibilities and qualifications for the role of an ICT Specialist overseeing a digital platform for rural farmers and herders. The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the organization and the project's scope.
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT + MIS
Area of expertise: Project management
Reports To: State Secretary, MOFALI, and Project Coordinator.
Position Overview: Administration assistant + MIS /management information system/ will be responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of the project. This responsibility encompasses the procurement of essential fixed assets, their maintenance, office supplies, and the management of all relevant records and reports. Additionally, the assistant will perform necessary documentation tasks and provide support to guarantee the effective functioning of the project management information system. Furthermore, the assistant will execute any other duties assigned by the project coordinator.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare and update annual staff schedule and annual travel plan;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of PIU information /activities and answer general inquiries;
• Prepare draft of various correspondences ready-to-go for review by the Project Coordinator;
• Support in ensuring the normal operation of the project management information system /MIS/
• Monitor and maintain fixed assets registry and manage the maintenance of office equipment and office supplies;
• Manage the office supplies and consumables in maintaining a record of assets & stock inventory;
• Facilitate the organization of workshops, Project Steering Committee Meetings, Technical Working Group Meetings, Project Review Meetings, and staff meetings; prepare meeting minutes and circulate for minimum inputs for finalization and filing;
• Manage local and international travel arrangements for PIU staff and visitors (including procurement of tickets, hotel reservation, and pick-up from the airport);
• Do interpretation and translation work to serve the project activities;
• Create and maintain a roster of individual consultants, resource persons and potential candidates for temporary positions;
• Responsible for the scanning and archiving all project-related documents in both electronic and hard copies to facilitate easy access for the Project Coordinator;
• Facilitate various Implementation Support Missions, draft Itineraries for the WB and GoM inputs; circulate these itineraries to various stakeholders and confirm various meetings for Missions as well as record attendance, and minutes from various meetings and circulate draft two days after meetings are held;
• In consultation with the M&E and IT specialist, develop a directory of various stakeholders, Implementing Partners, development partners, government agencies, firms, consultants etc.
• Manage PMU vehicles and drivers schedules under the supervision of the Project Coordinator;
• Undertake any other activities assigned by the Project Coordinator.
• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration, Finance, Social sciences or other related field.
• 3 or more years of working experience in a similar sector,
• Previous experience working for donor-funded projects is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor his/her work plan and those of subordinate staff.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, make appropriate links in work processes, and anticipate next steps.
• Self-motivated.
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, including negotiation skills
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including presentations
• English speaking and writing fluency with good translation skills;
• Computer literacy with proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications
• Good filing skills (Electronic and hard copies)
• Well-developed organizational skills
• Thorough knowledge of Government and private sector institutional and organizational structures and operations in general
• Working knowledge of the operational modalities for national and international NGOs is desirable.
EXTENSION SPECIALIST/ GRANTS MANAGER
Area of expertise: Grants and Program Management
Reports To: State Secretary, MOFALI, and Project Coordinator
Position Overview: The Grants Manager will oversee the grant-making processes and capacity-building activities related to the digital extension services provided to herders. This role involves close collaboration with the ICT Specialist and Wool and Cashmere Value-Chain Specialist to ensure that the grants and services provided through the digital platform effectively support the virtual cooperatives and contribute to the sustainable development of the rural economy.
Key Responsibilities:
• Manage the entire grant cycle, including call for proposals, grant writing, review, awarding, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Work closely with the ICT Specialist to ensure that capacity-building activities and digital extension services are effectively integrated into the digital platform.
• Collaborate with the Wool and Cashmere Value-Chain Specialist to align grants with value-chain enhancement strategies and market development goals.
• Supervise the delivery of digital extension services to herders, ensuring content is relevant, accessible, and impactful.
• Coordinate with virtual cooperatives to identify needs and opportunities for grant support that will strengthen their operations and services.
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of capacity-building activities and the impact of grants.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies throughout the grant management process.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among grantees and stakeholders to promote best practices and continuous improvement.
• Manage the grants budget, ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of funds.
• Provide regular reports to donors and organizational leadership on grant activities, outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related Agricultural field. Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in loans/grants management, preferably within the context of rural development or agricultural programs.
• Familiarity with digital platforms and how they can be utilized for capacity building and extension services.
• Strong understanding of the non-profit sector and experience working with virtual cooperatives or community-based organizations.
• Excellent project management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and financial management skills, with experience in budgeting and financial reporting.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation, with the ability to use data to inform programmatic decisions and improvements.
• Fluency in English and, if applicable, local languages of the target communities.
Working Conditions:
• Office-based work with frequent travel to project sites to meet with grantees, and stakeholders, and to monitor project implementation.
• Flexibility to work outside of standard office hours when necessary to meet project deadlines and objectives.
This job description provides a general outline of the responsibilities and qualifications for the role of a Grants Manager focused on digital extension and capacity building for rural herders. The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the organization, the scope of the project, and the needs of the stakeholders involved.
WOOL AND CASHMERE VALUE-CHAIN SPECIALIST
Area of Expertise: Agricultural Development / Rural Economy / Light Industry
Reports To: State Secretary, MOFALI, and Project Coordinator
Position Overview: The Wool and Cashmere Value-Chain Specialist will be responsible for analyzing, developing, and implementing strategies to enhance the value chain of wool and cashmere products. This role involves working closely with the ICT Specialist to leverage digital platforms for the benefit of rural farmers and herders engaged in wool and cashmere production.
Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct comprehensive value-chain analysis for wool and cashmere, identifying bottlenecks, opportunities, and strategic interventions.
• Collaborate with the ICT Specialist to integrate value-chain services into the digital platform, such as quality standards, production techniques, and market trends.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including producers, processors, traders, and buyers within the wool and cashmere industry.
• Facilitate the adoption of best practices in wool and cashmere production, processing, and marketing through training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Work with local communities to improve the quality and sustainability of wool and cashmere production.
• Assist in the development of branding and marketing strategies to increase the value of local wool and cashmere products.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of value-chain interventions on the livelihoods of farmers and herders.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations for policy development to support the wool and cashmere industry.
• Ensure that environmental and social safeguards are integrated into value-chain development activities.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field with a focus on agricultural value chains. Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in value-chain development, Light industry, preferably in the wool and cashmere sector or related fields.
• In-depth knowledge of the wool and cashmere industry, including production, processing, and market dynamics.
• Experience working with digital tools and platforms to support agricultural value chains.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate analysis into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
• Proven track record of managing projects and delivering results in challenging environments.
• Fluency in English is highly desirable.
Working Conditions:
• The position may involve travel to production areas, processing facilities, and markets to engage with stakeholders and gather insights.
• Flexibility to respond to the needs of the industry and adapt strategies as necessary.
This job description outlines the general responsibilities and qualifications for the role of a Wool and Cashmere Value-Chain Specialist. The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the organization, the scope of the project, and the needs of the stakeholders involved.
Application Submission:
Candidates must submit their applications including the following documents no later than 12 PM on 16th December 2024 to Virtual Cooperatives Project at #101, Namak building, Peace Avenue 18A/1, 3rd khoroo, BZD district, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, or through email: tugullcp@gmail.com.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Contact information: 976+7700-4047
• A cover letter in Mon/Eng.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae in Mon/Eng with a recent photograph (taken within the last 6 months).
• Copies of academic diplomas and relevant certifications.
• At least two reference or recommendation letters from current and/or past employers.
• Any additional supporting documents attest to the candidate's qualifications and abilities.