Business Development & Value Chains Associate - TRILINK, SAMS, Andhra Pradesh
1. POSITION VACANT: Business Development & Value Chains Associate - TRILINK, Andhra Pradesh, SAMS
2. ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Our Client, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development - from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment and resilience. With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to support the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.
UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on the prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:
• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability
For more information about UNDP India, please visit https://www.undp.org/india
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Andhra Pradesh is home to one of the largest tribal populations in India, with Scheduled Tribes (STs) constituting 5.53% of the state's population (Census 2011), representing over 2.7 million people. The state is home to 26 notified Scheduled Tribes, primarily residing in the tribal regions of Alluri Sitharama Raju, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Eluru, and other districts. Tribal communities largely depend on agriculture, horticulture, Minor Forest Produce (MFP), livestock, and traditional crafts for their livelihoods. Recognizing the need for inclusive tribal development, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has implemented several flagship programmes and welfare initiatives through the Tribal Welfare Department, Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs), and Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) to improve livelihoods, enhance access to markets, strengthen community institutions, and promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities.
Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) is the nodal institution responsible for promoting the economic development of tribal communities by supporting procurement of Minor Forest Produce, marketing of tribal products, supply of essential commodities, value addition, and enterprise development. Over the years, GCC has played a significant role in improving market access, creating livelihood opportunities, and enhancing income generation for tribal producers. As GCC continues to expand its operations and diversify its services, there is a growing need to strengthen its institutional systems and operational capacities to effectively respond to evolving market opportunities and emerging development priorities. GCC works closely with the Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs), tribal producer groups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and community-based institutions across the tribal districts of Andhra Pradesh to strengthen procurement systems, promote value addition, facilitate market access, and support enterprise development. Through its extensive field network and partnerships, GCC plays a pivotal role in connecting tribal producers with sustainable livelihood opportunities while ensuring better price realization and economic empowerment.
As GCC continues to expand its role in promoting tribal livelihoods and enterprise development, there is a significant opportunity to further strengthen its institutional systems and operational capabilities to meet emerging market demands and leverage advances in digital technologies. Modernizing business processes, enhancing digital integration, strengthening financial and procurement systems, and adopting data-driven decision-making will enable GCC to improve operational efficiency, enhance service delivery, and respond more effectively to evolving market opportunities. Further investments in business intelligence, branding, retail marketing, and market linkages will strengthen the competitiveness of tribal products, expand market access, and create a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem for tribal livelihoods and enterprise development.
UNDP has been partnering with the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, under a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the period 2024–2027 to provide technical assistance for strengthening the implementation of tribal development programmes across the state. The partnership focuses on enhancing institutional capacities, improving programme planning and monitoring, strengthening convergence, and supporting evidence-based implementation of key state and centrally sponsored initiatives. Building on the progress and strong collaboration established under the ongoing partnership, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has identified the need for dedicated technical support to further strengthen the institutional and business functions of Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC).
Accordingly, TRILINK – Tribal Livelihoods & Market Linkages Initiative is proposed as a focused technical assistance initiative under the broader UNDP–Tribal Welfare Dep, Government of Andhra Pradesh partnership. Through the establishment of a dedicated Technical Support Cell within GCC, the initiative will provide specialized expertise to strengthen digital transformation, financial management, procurement systems, business analytics, market intelligence, branding, and retail marketing. The initiative will also support improved planning, monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and institutional capacity, enabling GCC to operate more efficiently, enhance the competitiveness of tribal products, strengthen market linkages, and create an enabling ecosystem that contributes to sustainable livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment of tribal communities across Andhra Pradesh.
3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):
It is proposed to engage a Business Development & Value Chains Associate to support the Technical Support Cell under TRILINK – Tribal Livelihoods & Market Linkages Initiative at the Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC), Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Associate will provide technical support to strengthen GCC's business development functions by enhancing value chains, promoting value addition, identifying market opportunities, supporting enterprise development, and improving the commercial viability of tribal products and livelihood initiatives. The Associate will also support business planning, value chain assessments, business intelligence, enterprise development, and convergence with government schemes, private sector partners, financial institutions, and producer organizations to strengthen sustainable tribal enterprises and market competitiveness.
The Business Development & Value Chains Associate will be part of the Technical Support Cell and will report directly to the Team Lead – Technical Support Cell. S/He will work closely with GCC officials, ITDAs, producer groups, private sector partners, and other stakeholders to support business planning, market assessments, value chain strengthening, enterprise development, and strategic partnerships, contributing to sustainable livelihood enhancement and market integration for tribal communities under the TRILINK initiative. S/He will ensure the engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Development & Value Chains Associate will be responsible for the following:
(1) Support the identification, assessment, and strengthening of tribal livelihood value chains, with a focus on improving productivity, value addition, and market competitiveness.
(2) Conduct market research, demand assessments, business analysis, and feasibility studies to identify emerging business opportunities and support strategic decision-making.
(3) Conduct value chain assessments, market studies, business feasibility analyses, and business performance reviews to support evidence-based planning and investment decisions.
(4) Support the development of business intelligence tools, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), management dashboards, and analytical reports for monitoring priority value chains and enterprise performance.
(5) Assist in the preparation of business plans, enterprise development strategies, investment proposals, and product diversification plans for GCC and tribal producer groups.
(6) Support the development of value addition initiatives, including processing, quality improvement, packaging, product standardization, and certification, wherever applicable.
(7) Facilitate convergence with Government schemes, private sector organizations, financial institutions, producer organizations, institutional buyers, and development partners to strengthen market-driven livelihood interventions.
(8) Undertake regular field visits to tribal habitations, producer organizations, processing units, procurement centres, and enterprise clusters to assess value chain performance and provide implementation support.
(9) Analyse market trends, pricing, consumer preferences, and value chain performance, and provide recommendations to enhance business growth and sustainability.
(10) Support the development and implementation of innovative business models, cluster development initiatives, and livelihood promotion strategies for tribal communities.
(11) Organize capacity-building programmes, exposure visits, business development workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives for GCC officials, producer groups, and tribal entrepreneurs.
(12) Promote gender-responsive and inclusive business development by supporting increased participation of tribal women entrepreneurs, SHGs, producer collectives, and vulnerable tribal communities in enterprise development and market opportunities.
(13) Perform any other business development and value chain-related responsibilities assigned by the Team Lead to support the successful implementation of the TRILINK initiative.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
Secondary education is required.
Or
A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in Business Administration, Rural Management, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Economics, Commerce, Rural Development, Development Studies, Marketing, or a related field or related field will be given due consideration.
Experience:
Minimum 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) or 7 years (with Secondary education) of work experience in business development, value chain development, enterprise promotion, market linkages, agribusiness, rural livelihoods, economic development, or related fields is required.
Required Skills:
(1) Prior experience in business development, value chain analysis, enterprise development, market assessments, and livelihood promotion.
(2) Experience in preparing business plans, feasibility studies, market intelligence reports, and investment proposals.
(3) Experience in conducting value chain studies, business feasibility analyses, market assessments, and business intelligence is desirable.
(4) Experience working with Government departments, public sector organizations, development agencies, private sector organizations, or international organizations is desirable.
(5) Good understanding of value chain development, agribusiness, producer organizations, market systems, and enterprise promotion.
(6) Knowledge of Government livelihood programmes, producer collectives, market systems, and enterprise promotion models will be an advantage.
(7) Strong analytical, problem-solving, report writing, and business communication skills.
(8) Experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and coordination with private sector, producer groups, and financial institutions.
(9) Ability to use information and communication technology, Microsoft Office applications, and data analysis tools to support business planning and market analysis.
(10) Knowledge of and experience in promoting gender-responsive enterprise development and inclusive market systems is desirable.
Knowledge of Telugu and familiarity with the socio-economic context of Andhra Pradesh will be an added advantage.
Skills & Competencies:
(1) Business Analytics and Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyse value chains, markets, enterprise performance, and business opportunities to support evidence-based planning and strategic decision-making.
(2) Planning and Results Orientation: Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize work, and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.
(3) Communication and Partnership Building: Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective partnerships with government, private sector, producer organizations, and development partners.
(4) Innovation and Problem Solving: Demonstrates initiative in identifying innovative business models, improving market systems, and addressing implementation challenges.
(5) Teamwork and Inclusion: Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams while promoting gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion.
5. LANGUAGES:
(1) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.
(2) A good working knowledge of local language (Telugu) of the duty station will be needed.
6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: Twelve months (Renewable based on performance and other factors)
7. CONSULTANCY FEE:
The monthly consultancy fee for the position shall be commensurate with the Government norms, as applicable for the position. The professional fee will be subject to withholding taxes, as applicable.
8. NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:
The selected candidate shall be engaged as a Consultant on the rolls of SAMS, a third-party payrolling agency, for a full-time consultancy engagement for a period of one year. It is explicitly clarified that this consultancy engagement does not constitute a promise or guarantee of future employment, with SAMS, or our client, or any other organization associated with the project.
09. LOCATION: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
10. REFERENCE: BDVCA-AP
11. CONTACT INFORMATION:
Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612
www.sams.co.in
12. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications by or before August 12, 2026.
Link: https://www.samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/business-development-value-chains-associate-trilink-andhra-pradesh-sams-strategic-alliance-management-services-private-limited-visakhapatnam/678