Technical Advisor – Trade Processes and Formalities

Job Description

Background:

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening agriculture from farm-to-fork, helping businesses grow, and linking farmers to markets. Since our start in 1981, we have been leveraging nearly 100 years of expertise in crop inputs, agricultural insights, dairy and animal nutrition from our close affiliate, Land O’Lakes, Inc., a farmer-owned agribusiness in the United States committed to fulfilling its purpose of feeding human progress.

Project Description:

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded Bangladesh Trade Facilitation project (BTF) will expand regional and international trade in agricultural goods by addressing systemic constraints to agricultural trade at Bangladeshi ports; simplifying and automating import and export processes; improving the capacity of government agencies, laboratories, and warehouses; and by fostering private and public investment in temperature-controlled logistics and cold storage facilities. The project aims to reduce trade costs, increase transparency, and enhance the capacity of relevant government agencies involved in facilitating trade of food and agricultural products. The project activities include improving infrastructure, introducing new technologies, and providing training and capacity building to relevant stakeholders.

Position Summary:

The Technical Advisor – Trade Processes and Formalities leads implementation of BTF activities centered around simplifying and automating cross-border trade regulatory processes and procedures and building technical knowledge and skills. Working closely with Government of Bangladesh (GoB) agriculture and food regulatory and trade promotion agencies, the Technical Advisor manages project initiatives to automate processes and to integrate sustainable IT systems across government agencies. The Technical Advisor actively and collaboratively contributes to BTF strategy development and adaptation and manages project interventions, (i) supporting legislative reforms targeting agro-trade facilitation, (ii) working directly with training and educational academies and institutions to introduce courses related to international trade, (iii) guiding partner GoB agencies to reform or reorganize institutions to better deliver trade services, and (iv) planning and overseeing research and studies on agricultural trade. The Trade Advisor is responsible for operationalizing and tracking the results of process improvements, capacity building, and institutional reforms.

The position is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with periodic travel to visit ports, training and research institutions, and Government field stations. Reporting & Supervision:

The Technical Advisor – Processes and Formalities will report to the Deputy Chief of Party and will supervise Research Associates or other technical staff and consultants.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilitate policy review and reform advocacy initiatives of BTF by providing technical input and coordinating with relevant government agencies.
• Coordinate, manage, and monitor project activities that promote trade facilitation and improve or automate procedures.
• Engage with Government agencies and other donor projects that are implementing system automation and institutional reforms.
• Maintain coordination and communication with the counterpart agencies to expedite and facilitate the implementation of activities.
• Present BTF objectives and work plans and coordinate with Government agencies to get buy-in for efficient and sustainable implementation.
• Explore new partnership opportunities and organize meetings with different Government Ministries and other agencies to aid sustainability and optimal impact of BTF’s trade-facilitating interventions.
• Oversee research and analysis that can enhance Bangladesh’s positioning in global trade and/or support BTF objectives.
• Advise on reforms and guide institutional reform initiatives to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness in the agriculture sector and the Government’s provision of trade services.
• Network with representatives of GoB and donor projects and participate in events and forums concerning trade and trade facilitation, and communicate about BTF project strategies and outcomes.
• Contribute to compelling communication pieces and impact stories.
• Identify and onboard international and Bangladeshi technical consultants and advisory firms and oversee the contract management process, by developing clear objectives for assignments, reviewing deliverables, and assessing performance.
• Lead teams to implement workshops and training events and awareness programs, planning and coordination meetings, and the development and dissemination of technical and knowledge sharing materials.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in agriculture, international trade, business, economics, public policy, or another relevant field is required.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, managing projects, conducting research, and communicating results and sharing knowledge.
• Knowledge of the Government of Bangladesh policy and legal framework relevant to food and agricultural trade is required. Familiarity or experience with import and export requirements, WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, SPS Agreement, Codex Alimentarius Standards, or international trade laws and related processes is advantageous.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Fluency and strong oral communication and presentation skills in both English and Bangla languages and excellent written skills in English and Bangla scripts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Experience supervising and managing staff.
• Experience working with Government regulatory and trade promotion agencies.
• Familiarity with plant and animal quarantine-related laws, export-import policy and procedures, trade organizations, Bangladesh’s stance on WTO TFA implementation, measures, and standards, and cross-border trading processes and procedures.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted. Land O’Lakes Venture37 will never ask you for personable identifiable information, and we will never request money or payment during the recruitment or employment process. Please submit any questions or concerns to: Venture37generalinquiries@landolakesventure37.org. Land O’Lakes Venture37 is an equal opportunity employer and an organization striving to help global communities thrive through agriculture.

About the Organization

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening agriculture from farm-to-fork, helping businesses grow, and linking farmers to markets. Since our start in 1981, we have been leveraging nearly 100 years of expertise in crop inputs, agricultural insights, dairy and animal nutrition from our close affiliate, Land O’Lakes, Inc., a farmer-owned agribusiness committed to fulfilling its purpose of feeding human progress.

Our team is made up of nearly 350 employees who are committed to market-led approaches, and passionate about collaborating locally to create lasting inclusive economic growth. By unlocking the potential of agriculture for nearly 40 years, the lives of more than 3 million people have been transformed through nearly 300 programs in more than 80 countries.