Specialist in Commercial Partnerships and Value Chains, La Paz, Bolivia

General

Description of assignment title: Specialist in Commercial Partnerships and Value Chains

Assignment country: Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

Duty stations: La Paz

Work location: On UN premises

Expected start date: 09/12/2026

Duration: 12 months(with possibility of extension)Long-term benefits and allowances

Sustainable Development Goal: 8. Decent work and economic growth

Host entity: UNODC

Modality: Onsite

Type: International

Volunteer category: Specialist UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives:

• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has the goal of reducing illicit drugs and crime in the world. UNODC confronts this \"uncivilized society\" by supporting Member States with technical assistance, legal advice and investigations. It also helps countries to apply the provisions of the international legal instruments related to drugs, transnational crime, corruption and terrorism.
• The UNODC has been present in Bolivia with a technical cooperation programme since 1985. Initially, it supported the search for a solution to the cultivation of coca destined for the pro-duction of cocaine. In this sense, the programme gave a strong boost to sustainable devel-opment, both in the Yungas of La Paz and in the Tropics of Cochabamba, and in parallel to the prevention of drug use. Then, starting in 2007, it extended its actions to new challenges such as the fight against corruption and the strengthening of the capacities of the State, es-pecially of justice operators. This in order to improve the investigation and judicial prosecution in cases of organized crime and related crimes, such as human trafficking, illicit arms traffick-ing and money laundering.

Context:

• The International UN Volunteer Specialist will be a key strategic asset within the KOICA-funded project "Strengthening local economies and controlling the expansion of surplus coca crops through enhancing productivity and commercialization of coffee in agroforestry systems in Los Yungas", specifically leading the implementation of the Commercial Partnerships (Alianzas Comerciales) model. While field teams focus on primary production, the Specialist will lead the strategy to connect producer organizations (OPAs) with national and international high-value markets.
• The role involves bridging the gap between small-scale coffee producers and private sector stakeholders (exporters, roasters, and retail). Based in the Country Office in La Paz, the Specialist will coordinate technical assistance for coffee quality improvement, post-harvest efficiency, and commercial negotiation. This assignment is designed to ensure the commercial sustainability of the project's results, fulfilling the strategic objectives of the Republic of Korea's cooperation in Bolivia by generating tangible and long-term economic benefits for the farming communities.
• The specialist will report directly to the project coordinator and work under the general supervision of the UNODC representative in Bolivia, to establish partnerships with the national and international private sector for the identification, development, and consolidation of markets for producers' goods, as well as to provide advice on their business management, thereby contributing to the achievement of the projects' objectives.

Task description:

• Under the direct supervision of Project coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• 1. Design and implement a market-oriented strategy for coffee value chains, focusing on positioning \"Yungas Coffee\" in specialty, organic, and fair-trade market niches.
• 2. Identify, negotiate, and consolidate commercial alliances with private sector actors (national and international), following the UNODC \"Alianzas Comerciales\" model to ensure stable market access for producers.
• 3. Strengthen the business management and commercial capacities of Producer Organizations (OPAs) in Los Yungas, providing training on quality standards (SCA protocols), traceability, and logistical management.
• 4. Conduct ongoing analysis of the coffee value chain to identify bottlenecks and implement innovative solutions for improving post-harvest processes and commercial competitiveness.
• 5. Lead visibility actions and marketing campaigns to promote the regional brand of coffee produced under the KOICA-UNODC partnership, emphasizing its social and environmental impact.
• 6. Work closely with the field teams and Local UN Volunteers to ensure that production standards meet market demands and commercial commitments.
• 7. Ensure high visibility for the Republic of Korea's contribution in all commercial forums and materials. Draft high-level technical reports and success stories documenting income growth and economic resilience.
• 8. Prepare Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the acquisition of inputs, materials, or services required for project implementation, ensuring compliance with UNODC norms and procedures.
• 9. Undertake frequent field missions to Los Yungas to monitor progress and provide direct support to producer organizations, following UN safety protocols.
• 10. Document best practices and lessons learned in commercial development to contribute to the sustainability and scaling of the KOICA project model.
• During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Required experience: 3 years

Donor priorities:

• .

Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Additional eligibility criteria:

• This assignment is funded by the Government of Korea and therefore specific criteria apply:
• - Candidates must be Korean nationals. Fluency in Korean is required.
• - Candidates must be 27 years of age at the time of application.
• - Candidates who have already served as UN Volunteer Specialist funded by the Government of Korea are not eligible to apply (former UN University and UN Youth Volunteers are eligible).
• - Serving UN Volunteers will not be considered for other UN Volunteer assignments until they reach three (3) months before the end of contract date of their current UN Volunteer assignment. This provision applies equally to first and subsequent contracts.
• - Candidates may apply to a maximum of three assignments and indicate the order of preference in the 'Additional remarks' field when filling in the application form.
• - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment.
• APPLICATION DEADLINE: 19 July 2026
• +++ UN Volunteer entitlement calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator +++

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience:

• 3 years

Languages:

• English, Level: Fluent, Required
• Spanish, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, International Trade, Economics, Agronomy (with commercial focus), or International Development.

Competencies and values:

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Commitment and Motivation
• Communication
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Self-Management
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Skills and experience:

• Experience in:
• Development and management of agricultural value chains (preferably coffee).
• Negotiation and management of partnerships with the private sector
• Implementation of commercial and marketing strategies in development contexts.
• Project management, including M&E and reporting.
• Skills in:
• High-level negotiation and relationship management
• Strategic thinking and ability to design complex business models.
• Advanced command of Microsoft Office Suite and digital marketing tools.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills for diverse audiences.

Area(s) of expertise:

• Agriculture, Business management, Development programmes

Driving license:

• -

Other information