Agriculture/Agro Processing Value Chain Consultant
ICBACKGROUND INFORMATION
UNHCR Sub Office Melkadida (SOMEL) is collaborating with the Agency for Refugees and Returnees Affairs (ARRA), the Somali Regional Government, the Dollo Ado and Bokolmanyo Woreda Authorities, and NGO implementing partners to enhance the self-reliance of refugees and host communities by supporting livelihoods and economic inclusion interventions. The self-reliance programme is supported by the IKEA Foundation and focusses on three key sectors: Agriculture, Livestock, and Financial Services (Microfinance). Refugee and host communities in the Dollo Ado and Bokolmanyo Woredas of the Somali Regional State predominantly rely on agriculture and livestock production for their livelihood. These two Woredas are regularly subjected to the risk of droughts and floods, impacting the food security and livelihoods of these populations. Refugees live in five camps namely; Buramino, Hilaweyn, Kobe, Melkadida, and Bokolmanyo.
Since 2012, UNHCR has invested substantial resources to develop large scale irrigation infrastructure (pump houses and canals) on nearly 1,000 ha of land; to establish and to strengthen the capacities of eight farmer cooperatives; and to ensure that the allocated irrigable land is under crop production. For the period 2019-2021, UNHCR’s strategy is to focus on ensuring sustainability of its existing investments by; conducting value chain analysis of priority crops in the region, improving productivity per unit area of different crops through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), optimising the use of existing irrigation infrastructure (as well as maintenance), exploring low cost irrigation technologies and how these can be adapted, post-harvest handling of crops (to reduce losses) and linking production to viable markets.
The purpose of this assignment is to conduct two interlinked value chain analyses on behalf of UNHCR. The first value chain analysis will focus on most profitable priority crops for agriculture production in the developed irrigation schemes. The second value chain analysis will focus on the agro-processing sub sector where crops with the highest potential for agro-processing can be analysed and promoted. As there is already anecdotal evidence that sesame oil processing has market in the area, the agro-processing value chain assessment will focus on this product as a priority.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will work under the supervision of SOMELs Livelihoods Officer and will be responsible for the following deliverables;
- Organize focus group discussions with farmers, NGOs, and retail shops in Dollo Ado and Bokolmanyo refugee camps to identify a set of crops with highest market value for agriculture production. Consider consumer preference, market demand, and plantation feasibility in determining the list of subsistence and cash crops.
- Undertake a value chain analysis for priority crops and commodities to identify gaps and opportunities for investments;
- Project the potential harvest volumes from priority crops planted on 1,000 ha of land under irrigation so that the information on supply volumes by season can be shared with prospective buyers;
- Organize focus group discussions with farmers, NGOs, and retail shops to identify a set of crops with highest market value for agro-processing in the area. Consider consumer preference, market demand, and supply volumes to determine the list crops suitable for agro-processing.
- Undertake a value chain analysis for products suitable for agro-processing, including sesame oil, in order to identify gaps and opportunities for investments;
- Provide recommendations for value addition and investment in the agro-processing sub sector;
- With support of the SOMEL Livelihoods Officer, organize a workshop to present the findings of the value chain analysis and validate them with stakeholders;
- Finalize and submit to SOMEL value chain reports by crop/commodity type.
The output of this assignment is a 30 - 40 page document which would include pictures, findings, analyses, and recommendations. The selection of the consultant will be determined on the basis of the strength of technical methodologies and proposals of how he/she will undertake the above activities and on the below minimum requirements.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
- Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Agriculture Economics, Rural Development or related areas.
- Specialized knowledge of value chain assessment and market systems development.
Minimum Experience and Skills:
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in providing expert consultancy research services for livestock development projects in Ethiopia
- Demonstrated experience in value chain analysis of agricultural and livestock products
- Demonstrated experience in the capacity building of farmer cooperatives on production and productivity
- Negotiation and presentation skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office IT tools
Desired Attributes:
- Experience working in refugee hosting environments is a plus
- Knowledge of the Somali Regional State and agro-pastoralist context
Language requirements:
- Fluency (written / oral) in English.
- Working knowledge of the Somali language is an advantage.
Submission of Applications
This vacancy is open for qualified Ethiopians only.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
IMPORTANT
Applicants who wish to be considered for this position should send a motivation letter the P11 Form and/or the most recent fact sheet through the online application system.
Candidates may be required to sit for a test.
Due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be invited for interview.