Event Specialist (B2B)

B2B Event Specialist

Scope of Work

Title: B2B Event Specialist for the Ukraine Harvest Activity

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine (on-site)

Project Description: Ukraine Harvest Activity (Harvest), USAID (2024−2029)

J.E. Austin Associates, Inc (JAA) is a subcontractor to Chemonics International in the Ukraine Harvest Activity, an initiative funded by USAID to boost the agricultural productivity and market accessibility of Ukrainian farmers. This project focuses on enhancing the supply of high-quality inputs, agronomic support, and extension services, while also working to establish robust market linkages, particularly with the EU.

JAA supports the Objective 2 of the project aimed to improve farmers' access to profitable markets. This is achieved through strengthening the market position of small and medium enterprise (SME) farmers, reducing logistics costs via digitalization and optimized strategies, and expanding business-to-business (B2B) connections through industry events, trade missions, and buyer visits. This comprehensive approach is designed to increase production, access to diverse markets, and profitability for Ukrainian farmers, contributing significantly to the region’s food security and economic resilience.

Job Description and Overall Responsibilities:

The B2B Event Specialist will be in charge of assuring B2B connection and partnerships for the project influence. They will identify trade shows, buyers' visits, agro fairs, and other events that can generate the necessary commercial relationships to be able to get the agricultural produce to market. The Specialist will be in charge of the logistics that goes into organizing visits of Ukrainian agricultural stakeholders to these events. The specialist will work in coordination with the component team to evaluate the need of local producers on these aspects. the B2B Event Specialist will be responsible for forging vital commercial relationships that are essential for introducing Ukrainian produce to expansive markets.

The specialist will coordinate the participation of Ukrainian agricultural representatives in trade events as per annual workplans, managing every facet of the logistical challenges involved. Some of the responsibilities will be arranging travel and coordinating itineraries. The B2B Event Specialist will ensure that each activity is executed effectively by facilitating interactions that have the potential of forging into profitable, long-term commercial contracts. S/he will work closely with Objective 2 lead and all the Harvest team members to understand and evaluate the precise needs of local producers, making sure that every event attended aligns perfectly with their objectives and the general goals of the project.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively engage with international businesses and stakeholders to organize commercial missions that will open doors for Ukrainian producers, creating pathways to new markets and collaborative opportunities.
• Work in tandem with the Harvest team to assess local producers' needs, ensuring that the events chosen offer substantial value and market access to Ukrainian producers.
• Take charge of organizing trips, including the detailed logistics of travel and attendance for Ukrainian agricultural stakeholders.
• Manage a calendar of events that aligns with the strategic goals of the project, considering the production cycles and business needs of Ukrainian agriculture.
• Lead promotional activities that enhance the visibility and interest in Ukrainian agricultural products among international buyers and investors.
• Develop post-event reports and analysis to measure the effectiveness of each event and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as directed by the COP or supervisor.

Job Qualifications:

• At least bachelors (masters is preferred) degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Agribusiness, or related fields, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in B2B event planning, trade show organization, or related areas, ideally with a focus on agriculture.
• Strong understanding of agricultural value chains and how events can enhance market access.
• Experience engaging with farmers' associations, extension services, and intermediaries to promote agricultural products.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills
• Prior experience working with donor organizations is a plus.

How toApply:

Interested individual consultants are encouraged to send their CVs and Cover Letter not later than 05,15,2024 Ukraine local time to: [відгукнутися].