Emerging Markets Specialist

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Emerging Markets Specialist for a USDA Forest Service project to be implemented in Puerto Rico. The project will seek to support the participation of underserved and small- acreage forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation and/or forest resilience.

The ideal candidate should have significant work experience in Puerto Rico; a demonstrated track record in facilitating market access, developing effective marketing strategies and analysis, and engaging private sector actors; as well as experience engaging directly with individual landowners to build their knowledge and capacity to access new markets.

You will lead the charge in providing technical support to forest landowners, enabling their seamless integration into emerging markets for agroforestry products. You will play a pivotal role in supporting project implementation and activities, collaborating with project partners, private sector stakeholders, and relevant government entities to identify opportunities that connect landowners with emerging market actors and systems.

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Provide technical leadership to market activities and oversee their design and implementation.
• Support initial project assessments and consultations, and value chain (VC) analyses with relevant stakeholders for targeted markets.
• Lead the formulation of market development strategies in collaboration with project stakeholders, staff, and partners.
• Conduct ongoing analysis and promotion of emerging markets in Puerto Rico.
• Lead the development of Spanish-language outreach materials, organize workshops and tours, and conduct site visits to facilitate development of landowner market strategies and market access.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with other USDA and USG-funded projects in Puerto Rico to enhance project impact, develop synergies, and create sustainable linkages.
• Work closely with project staff and NCBA CLUSA Headquarters to ensure high-quality periodic reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Integrate community-led, hands-on practical facilitative approaches, gender sensitivity, social inclusion, and capacity building into market activities as appropriate.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in agroforestry, forestry, agriculture, environmental science, or related technical area, or Bachelor's degree with equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in forestry, agroforestry, forest management, and/or climate areas.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability, regenerative agricultural practices, and agroforestry principles;
• Demonstrable experience in understanding agroforestry systems including riparian buffers, silvopasture, forest farming, and alley cropping.
• Experience working with private forest landowners, land managers and agricultural producers in implementing agroforestry systems, conservation planning, and climate adaptation.
• Experience in GIS mapping (ArcGIS or other), data management, and software relevant to agroforestry planning and analysis is preferred.
• Experience with commonly used online conservation tools and accounting systems (such as COMET-Farm).
• Familiarity with USDA rules and regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work productively with peers across Puerto Rican municipalities and U.S. states.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to be able to accept and discharge substantial responsibilities, to prioritize work assignments, to meet deadlines, and to exercise professional judgment.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in marketing, business, or other related field, or Bachelor's degree with equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience, preferably in the areas of marketing, market systems, agrobusiness, economics, and/or entrepreneurship.
• Knowledge of forestry, agroforestry, and/or agriculture, is desired.
• Demonstrated understanding of USDA contract rules and regulations is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships and collaborations with key stakeholders and partners such as forest landowners, agricultural producers, government entities, and private sector actors and companies.
• Ability to successfully design and deliver effective training, workshops, and site visits.
• Proven ability to produce results in challenging contexts.
• Excellent communication (both oral and written), analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The ability to work productively with peers across Puerto Rican municipalities and U.S. states.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites in Puerto Rico and, as needed, on trade missions to external markets.
• Currently based in Puerto Rico