Consultancy - Mapping And Market Assessment Of The Organic Agriculture Value Chain

Purpose / Project Description: Mercy Corps is preparing a series of quantitative and qualitative assessments to take place during the inception phase of the new FORSA program. The program aims at reducing inter-communal tensions between Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians by alleviating competition over livelihoods. The assessments will include a labor market assessment in the target locations, an organizational capacity assessment of selected TVET, a market assessment of the organic agriculture value chain and a gender assessment. Quantitative surveys will collect data disaggregated by sex and age, and will incorporate gender-sensitive questions in their design.   The Organic Agriculture Value Chain Mapping and Market Assessment will inform FORSA’s strategy for upgrading the organic agriculture value chain in order to boost sustainable employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth opportunities for individuals and relevant MSME.   The assessment should take approximately 20 days of effort. The Consultant should conduct a desk review of relevant research as well as key informant interviews with stakeholders in the target locations. The Consultant will be responsible for conducting the mapping and the assessment and for documenting assessment findings.   Consultant Tasks:   The Consultant will:   Review and summarize existing research on Organic Agriculture in Lebanon; Organize and conduct stakeholder consultations and analysis; Coordinate collection of data and interview notes; Carry out analysis of the Organic Agriculture Value Chain identifying the gaps and opportunities for investment; Provide recommendations on strategies to integrate assessment findings into program design; Write up findings from the Value Chain assessment report.   Key Deliverables:   Written summary of desk review; Key interview contacts list and interview notes; Mapping and Market Assessment of the Organic Agriculture Value Chain report – including Value Chain map, opportunities for program interventions including VC map, market opportunities, identified gaps and constraints, preliminary cost/benefit and economic analysis, and VC upgrading strategies.                   Timeframe / Schedule:  The Consultant will commit to an estimated total of 20 working days, starting in January 2017.     The Consultant will report to: Senior Technical Advisor Economics and Market Development; FORSA Program Manager.   The Consultant will work closely with: The selected consultant(s) will work closely with the Mercy Corps programme team and will be expected to provide regular feedback to the research throughout the research period. The consultant(s) will work very closely with Mercy Corps staff members of the assessment team.     Profile of the Consultant: BA/S or equivalent in economics, agronomy, or other relevant field. Minimum of five years of field experience, three years as a value chain technical specialist. Strong written and oral communication skills in English. Arabic skills an asset. Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.   Application Procedure and Requirements: Candidates interested in the position are expected to provide the following documentation: -       A technical proposal with detailed response to the ToRs, -       Initial work plan based on the methodology outlined; -       A financial proposal detailing the daily rate expected; -       CV including a minimum of 3 references.