Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.
Sesame Consultant, Development of Competitive Global Value Chain (GVC), Bangladesh
ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Sesame Consultant for the USAID Feed the Future Bangladesh Rice and Diversified Crops Activity (RDC). The Activity aims to increase incomes and improve food security and nutrition in the Feed the Future zone through systemic market changes that promote a diversified farm management approach oriented to intensified rice production and higher-value, nutrient-rich crops. RDC will reach its goals through facilitative interventions (targeted technical assistance) that create scalable market system impacts, ultimately benefiting rural households with the added value of expanding opportunities for women and youth.
The anticipated timeframe for this assignment is October to November 2020 with up to 45 days of effort. The assignment will be conducted virtually.
Responsibilities
RDC has identified Sesame as a focus crop. Through RDC partnerships with 5 sesame firms and from internal and external assessments, it is clear that sesame is a highly profitable crop with low investment and high returns for farmers. Similar profit-making opportunities exist for other stakeholders in the sesame value chain- seed and input companies, processors, and exporters. Bangladesh sesame exports are less than 1 % of the global trade.
The objective of this assignment will be to identify opportunities for: 1) sesame exports from Bangladesh to the end markets, 2) collaboration in seed imports, trials, and commercialization of selected varieties, 3) value added sesame exports (particularly sesame oil -refined- and hulled sesame), and 4) plant upgrades.
DELIVERABLES
- Desk Research – Describe studies and secondary information consulted
- Final Work Plan/Schedule
- Review/Finalization of Interview Guides
- Presentation to Companies – Prepare a PowerPoint debrief to share results, receive feedback, and document information that can be useful to companies in devising their strategies.
- Final Report – Submit on or before November 30, 2020
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in international development, finance, business, or relevant field
- At least 5 years’ experience working in target end markets
- At least 5 years’ experience working with oilseeds sector, preferably sesame
- Connects in end markets with Industry, Government, and Researchers
- Proven experience in similar assignments
- Superior English writing and communication skills
How to apply
Interested consultants should apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs by October 9, 2020. Please include the following items:
- CV specifically responding to required qualifications.
- Duration and Cost proposal – to include professional fees and other anticipated costs.
For questions, or to request the detailed terms of reference (TOR), please email Ayo Egunyomi at [email protected]. It is highly recommended to request the TOR before submitting proposal applications. Applications will be accepted until October 9, 2020. No phone calls please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.
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