Food & Market Systems Expert

Responsibilities:

• Carries out all assigned tasks in accordance with the rules, standards, Code of Conduct, and compliance requirements of Welthungerhilfe and the co-financing donor (BMZ PA).
• Establishes effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders from Civil society, government (Municipality, governorate, Directorate of Agriculture, Directorate of environment, Directorate of water, etc.), academia, private sector, donors and other stakeholders in south of Iraq (especially Dhi Qar).
• Reports regularly to the Program Manager, through written reports and coordination meetings, on implementation progress, contextual developments, and project risks.
•  Provides capacity building and technical guidance to WHH national team and partner staff, upon need, within his/her areas of expertise.
• Helps ensure adherence to quality standards in relevant fields
• Monitors contextual developments, agri-food systems, and market dynamics in Dhi Qar Governorate, providing regular updates to Programme Management and advising on emerging needs, opportunities, and priorities to inform the development of future interventions and funding proposals.
• Fulfilment of any other tasks which are assigned by the management and correspond in general with the character of this position
• Represents WHH in the south of Iraq (Dhi Qar and Basra) when coordinating with local authorities, private sector actors, NGOs, and community stakeholders.
• Oversees and supports the implementation of project activities in Dhi Qar, ensuring alignment with the results framework and timely delivery.
• Provides field support to consultants conducting market ecosystem mapping, business development support, and other specialized studies, including facilitating access to communities, arranging meetings, and gathering local data.
• Coordinates closely with project partners (CARE and WEO) in the field to ensure smooth collaboration, avoid duplication, and strengthen joint activities.
• Assists in organizing and facilitating workshops, roundtables, and information sessions with farmers, producer groups, and private sector actors; supports documentation and reporting of outcomes.
• Helps consultants and selected private sector actors during coaching sessions and peer learning exchanges, ensuring farmer groups and retail agents are engaged and benefit from tailored strategies.
• Supports the establishment and monitoring of the retail agent network in Dhi Qar, including mobilizing participants, ensuring gender balance, and facilitating linkages between local farmers, partner companies, and agricultural service providers from outside Dhi Qar.
• Collects field data, prepares activity reports, and contributes to monitoring visits to ensure accountability and learning.
• Facilitates communication with farmer groups, women led producer groups, and local communities to strengthen participation, inclusiveness, and ownership of project activities

Master’s or PhD Degree in Agronomy or Relevant Field

• Additional training or demonstrated expertise in Food Systems, Market Systems Development (MSD), Business Development Support (BDS), value chain development, or private sector engagement is an asset.
• Additional training or demostrated expertise in climate-resilience is a strong asset.

Job-related professional experience

• 5 to 7 years' professional experience in relevant sectors such as agricultural development, food systems, economic recovery, market systems development, business development, value chain development, or private sector engagement.
• Experience coordinating with private sector actors and technical consultants is an asset.
• Experience working with NGOs or development projects is an asset.
• Previous working experience in Dhi Qar Governorate and demonstrated good understanding of the local agricultural, market, and institutional context are strong assets.

Languages:

• Fluent in Arabic
• Professional Proficiency in English

Miscellaneous

• The position is not required to be based in Dhi Qar Governorate; however, willingness and ability to undertake regular field visits to Dhi Qar are required. During field missions and office-based work in Dhi Qar, the expert will be hosted at the office of WHH's local implementing partner.
• The position is expected to contribute approximately 40% level of effort, equivalent to an average of two working days per week. This schedule is flexible and will be adjusted according to project needs. At times, the staff member may be required to work full weeks during periods of intensive activity, followed by lighter weeks when fewer activities are scheduled.

Interested candidates should apply with their updated CV and a cover letter via WHH's online recruiting portal by clicking here. The deadline to receive applications will be September 07, 2026.

Successful applicants will be vetted as per WHH's anti-terrorism screening process.