Ukraine_Support the implementation of the "Ukraine Agri-food APEX Loan" operation

The overall objective of the project, which this technical assistance assignment will support, is:

  • To support modernisation of the cereals, oilseed and aquaculture/fisheries value chains in Ukraine so as to improve resource efficiency, reduce losses and waste along the value chains, enhance product safety and quality and improve product competitiveness on national and international markets, in line with the National Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy 2015-2020.
  • The objective of this technical assistance assignment is therefore to support implementation of the Ukraine Agri-food APEX Loan by providing complementary services to Project participants aimed at facilitating disbursement of the loan to eligible final beneficiaries and the implementation by beneficiaries of sub-projects that address identified gaps and bottlenecks in the target value chains.
Qualifications: 

Qualifications and skills

  • Education to at least University Degree in Agronomy, Finance, Business Administration, or related disciplines with preference given to candidates with postgraduate study experience. Alternative professional qualifications may be accepted where supported by 8 years relevant field experience;
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian would be an advantage;
  • Computer literacy.

General professional experience

  • In depth knowledge of the banking sector related to agricultural businesses in developing or transition countries, as evidenced by 10 years of relevant professional experience;
  • 5 years of relevant professional experience in the financing of agricultural and agri-food processing/logistics investments;
  • 3 years of professional experience of providing access to finance advisory services to SMEs, Mid-Caps and public sector organisations in relevant sectors.

Specific professional experience

  • In depth knowledge of business management, as evidenced by at least 5 years of relevant professional experience;
  • 5 years of relevant international professional experience (outside the country of origin), of which
    3 years in countries of the Central and Eastern Europe;
  • Additional knowledge of assignments in the cereals, oilseed and aquaculture/fisheries sectors would be of particular interest;
  • Experience in providing trainings to financial institutions and SMEs, preferably in the agriculture/agribusiness sectors.
Start / Duration: 

The main base of operations shall be the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. Extensive travel to Ukraine’s regions will be required by Kyiv-based experts to deliver the activities outlined above and the Consultant will establish mobile teams based in at least three regions able to support final beneficiaries and financial intermediary branches across the country.

In addition, although Ukraine’s offshore (ocean going) marine fish capture fleet is not eligible for support, limited work in undisputed inshore areas of Ukraine’s maritime exclusive economic zone are anticipated.

The intended start date is June 2018 and the period of execution of the activities is of 36 months from the commencement date.

Please send your most recent CV to barbara.braun [at] afci.de Please note, that only shortlisted experts will be contacted