ThaiNGO

Sustainable Value Chain Advisor

Position Title                               Sustainable Value Chain Advisor                     

Location                                        Thailand Country Office

Contract Form                             Fixed Value Consultancy

Department                                 Sustainable Business & Finance

Directorate                                  Conservation & Policy

Responsible to                            Sustainable Finance Specialist

Approved by                                Head of Department

Contract Value                           Up to THB 960,000 – 1,200,000 Per year

ed Term                                         (12 month)

Our vision and mission

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity, driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and every role, every person in every corner of ZSL has one thing in common – we are all conservationists, and passionate about restoring wildlife.

Purpose of the role

The Sustainable Value Chain Advisor will provide technical advice, market research, business development and implementation support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), producer organisations and buyer businesses in the soft commodities and tourism sectors so that these become profitable, nature-positive and self-sustaining.

The primary responsibility of this position will be to develop and implement nature-positive value chain initiatives for ZSL Thailand and other countries in the region, and to share learnings to inform wider sustainable livelihoods and value chain approaches in ZSL priority landscapes, within the region and globally.

The role will work with a range of stakeholders across the country, including close collaboration with local communities, NGOs, government and the private sector to proactively catalyse and accelerate sustainable supply chains, nature-based enterprise development and financing opportunities that benefit people and planet. The role will also be responsible for supporting finance sector engagement and the development of Nature-based Solutions within Thailand.

Research, Analysis and Design

• Undertake desktop-based value chain mapping, market research, market analyses, including the development of links to market for key products and associated marketing strategies
• Identify key value chain opportunities to assist community members (particularly women and youth) to start and scale up their businesses
• Work with local communities and institutions to design and approve sustainable business, financial and impact models
• Develop nature-positive business plans and sustainability strategies for companies
• Research and write guidance for the finance sector on biodiversity and sustainability topics.

• Synthesise online research and interviews to produce written reports and recommendations.
• Work with internal subject matter, external consultants and other peer conservation/social development organizations to incorporate advice on specialist areas
• Identify, apply and monitor relevant business regulations in sustainable value chains
• Identify, apply and monitor relevant traceability and transparency systems and certification standards

External Engagement

• Undertake interviews and market research with businesses, government and NGOs
• Participate in engagement with communities, farmers and smallholders
• Engage and present to businesses and financial sector on biodiversity conservation and sustainability topics
• Negotiate and secure commercial agreements with businesses, such as offtake agreements
• Present work outputs to a wide variety of audiences from businesses to local communities
• Establish good working relationships with local communities and their leaders, and endeavour to uphold the reputation of ZSL.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate activities in-country in accordance with project workplan, communicating activities and deliverables between project contributors
• Track project expenditure in-country in accordance with project budgets and escalate any deviation from budget
• Undertake in-country procurement activities for goods and services.
• Ensure protect activities are compliant with ZSL policies and procedures, and head contract terms and conditions.
• Identify, manage and mitigate business, social and environmental risks

Fundraising

• Identify potential, high impact market-based nature-positive projects and businesses
• Develop or contribute to fundraising proposals and pitch decks
• Engage with and present to potential donors and investors

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks

may be assigned from time to time that are in line with the level of the role.

Knowledge and skills

• At least 5 years’ relevant experience in market research, value chain mapping, and/or business development, preferably with sustainable development organisations
• Experience in farmer mobilisation and linking small holder farmers to finance and sustainable commodity markets
• Relevant experience in conducting agricultural/rural sector/subsector analytical studies, including investment feasibility studies, food chain analyses and agricultural value chain studies.
• Experience in the planning, design of agricultural supply chain business and sustainability initatives
• Demonstrated experience in convening, designing, and facilitating meetings, trainings and workshops from conception through to delivery.
• Experience in the supervision of agricultural and rural investment operations
• Experience in undertaking sustainability certifications such as FSC and RSPO
• Experience in implementing supply chain traceability and transparency initiatives
• Experience in other relevant sectors such as tourism and seafood
• Experience in fundraising, project design and writing grant proposals
• Postgraduate degree in agribusiness management, business administration, agricultural economics, agricultural development, development economics, or a closely related field
• Strong analytical and report writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear and concise manner
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and local communities
• An understanding of finance sector activities including lending, investing and microfinance
• Knowledge of biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management issues
• Familiarity with relevant business regulations, traceability systems, and certification standards, and the ability to apply and monitor them effectively.
• Familiarity with Corporate Social Responsibility practices
• Excellent command of both spoken and written Thai and English.
• An ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• An ability to work remotely and coordinate regular reporting and meetings to both ZSL and project partners.
• Willingness to undertake considerable travel within Thailand and, occasionally, overseas.
• Strong commitment to creating a culture that lives ZSL values and commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity (collaborative, inspiring, inclusive, innovative, impactful and ethical)

Application Process

Applicants will need to upload their CV and cover letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position with details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please contact  thanakritta.oonsri@zsl.org

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on 28 August2023