Tender # – ICARE-PR/015/AM/25

Overview:

Job type: Demo Sites Business Development Expert (with frequent travel nation-wide)
Location: Proshyan, Kotayk marz, Armenia
Contract type: up to 172 Expert days within 30 months

Job Description:

“International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education” (ICARE) Foundation is looking for an experienced and proactive Demo Sites Business Development Expert to support the implementation of the DEMONSTRATING CLIMATE-SMART PRACTICES IN HORTICULTURE IN ARMENIA Project, within the framework of PROGRESS – Promoting Green Deal Readiness in the Eastern Partnership Countries programme commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the Project Coordinator the expert will play a leading role in developing, coordinating, and supervising business-oriented demonstration projects, supporting farmers and agribusinesses with climate-smart solutions, new technologies, and market access. The position covers a wide scope: from farmer and business selection to procurement planning, technology integration, and monitoring of results.

Job responsibilities:

• Conduct market overview of farmers engaged in fruit production.
• Assess and select the most viable demo ideas, providing a brief expert justification for chosen and excluded options.
• Develop criteria and approaches for selecting demonstration sites and potential beneficiaries.
• Organize awareness campaigns and info sessions to present project-supported solutions and technologies.
• Short-list, evaluate and negotiate with potential businesses, ensuring transparent and fair selection
• Assist shortlisted farmers in developing brief business plans to prove business viability.
• Negotiate cooperation terms and support the signing of agreements with selected beneficiaries.
• Conduct expert overview of available solutions for automatic weather stations, digital monitoring, and other farm-level technologies; define required features for procurement.
• Support the development of Agricultural Knowledge Hubs (Agri Corners), including preparing concepts, targeted installation areas, and integration with the aygi.am platform.
• Prepare procurement plans for selected agribusinesses in close cooperation with procurement specialist.
• Assist businesses in developing tailored marketing strategies and improving competitiveness.
• Monitor cooperation progress with partner farmers, businesses, and nurseries, ensuring effective implementation.
• Support documentation, handover of procured equipment, and ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Prepare reports on demo sites with expert findings and conclusions.
• Contribute expert inputs to project reporting and participate in knowledge dissemination through stakeholder events and platforms.

 

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Development, or related field.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in donor-funded or international projects, preferably in agribusiness development, project management, or consulting in the agricultural sector.
• Proven experience in working with farmers and agribusinesses in fruit and berry value chains.
• Strong knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, agricultural technologies, and value chain development.
• Familiarity with procurement, contract negotiation, and donor-funded project implementation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Excellent communication and training skills for working with farmers and stakeholders
• Fluency in Armenian; working knowledge of English.
• Proficiency in MS Office and web-based applications.
• Willingness to travel across Armenia for fieldwork.

Salary:
Commensurate with experience.

Application procedures:

Interested applicants are requested to send their 1) CV and 2)Price Quotation – in AMD to the ICARE office in a closed envelope until September 25, 2025, indicating “Demo Sites Business Development Expert” on the envelope; otherwise, your application will be rejected.