External Consultant to Conduct Thematic Survey on “Promotion of Sustainable, Short and Fair Agri-produts Value Chains”

The IDEAS Project is looking for an external consultant in the rural and livelihood development sector who will conduct a thematic survey on the promotion of sustainable, short, and fair agri-products value-chains. Interested applicants can submit a full application sending a cover letter and up-to-date CV, in English, including contact details of minimum two professional referees by email to IDEAS project coordinator, Mr. Cong Huy Le, at clehuy@agrisud.org (086 208 3068). Please also include your previous work relevant to this topic. Applications must be complete and marked "Application External consultant – thematic survey on the promotion of sustainable, short and fair agri-products value-chains - IDEAS Project - Vietnam" as the subject of the e-mail. Only full applications will be reviewed. Closing date for applications: January 31st, 2021. Only shortlisted candidates for interviews will be contacted. Timetable for interviews and selection: The interviews will be organised from the 3rd of February 2021 (options of interview will be discussed with shortlisted candidates). Final selected candidates will be informed shortly after. Start of the contract: As soon as possible.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

IDEAS (1) PROJECT (PHASE 1) – THEMATIC SURVEY

FOCUS ON “PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE, SHORT AND FAIR AGRI-PRODUCTS VALUE-CHAINS”

(1): Income Development for Ethnic minorities based on Agriculture Sustainability

1. BACKGROUND

Hoang Lien National Park, in the north of Vietnam, is composed of five communes populated mainly by Hmong, Giay, Tay and Dao ethnic minorities living from agriculture, forestry, and traditional handicrafts. To date, these farming families face many difficulties in terms of agriculture, and poverty rates remain high (53.3% on average), the main causes of poverty being: the lack of agricultural land due to the increase in population and the classification of the territory as a protected natural park (since 2002) leading to the prohibition of opening new fields for cultivation; the vulnerability of crops and livestock to climatic risks; the low diversification of income-generating activities and the heavy dependence on cardamom cultivation. In this context, the IDEAS project intended to provide support to farming families from ethnic minorities living in the park and its periphery, with the objectives, on the one hand, of improving and diversifying agricultural activities for food security and sustainable income generation, and, on the other hand, of reducing poverty to reduce the pressure on natural resources and help preserve the local biodiversity of the HLNP. The IDEAS project, which started its 2nd phase in January 2021, currently works in 8 villages in 2 communes: Ta Van commune and Hoang Lien commune with 3 specific objectives: - Improving and securing existing agricultural systems. - Introducing new sustainable productions for marketing. - Establishing producer organizations around a specific label. To achieve these objectives, the project mainly oriented its actions towards the implementation and the experimentation of new value-chains with social, economic, and environmental potential. Those are honey, fruit tree cultivation, orchid, porcupine, and jiaogulan tea. Besides, producers received support to organize themselves around a specific brand, as well as in producer groups to better access the market. 7 groups have been created, including a registered cooperative of 14 farmers under the name of ‘Hoang Lien cooperative” with an office/shop. The latter aspires to become an exchange platform on the topics of sustainable agriculture, short food circuits, and agro-tourism. In a second phase of the IDEAS project (2021-2023), Agrisud expects to strengthen its actions and to continue working towards a sustainable value-chain oriented development by implementing territorial solutions and strengthening local actors.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

2.1. Global objective

To provide an analysis, the lessons learnt during the first phase of the project and the prospects of it, focusing on the second and third objectives of the phase I, in particular through the lense of the “promotion of sustainable, short and fair agri-products value chains”.

2.2. Specific objectives

The objectives of this survey are to contribute to the evaluation work of the IDEAS project (phase 1 / 2018-2020) with a specific focus on:

i) The project's achievements and performance regarding - the implementation of new territorial value chains, - the social dynamics created by producer groups, particularly the Hoang Lien cooperative
ii) The lessons learned and recommendations to improve these aspects for the second phase of the project (2021-2023),

iii) The specific recommendations for the future, in terms of agro-organizations, economic inclusion and territorial development, including the potential of new agri-products, and the development of an agro-tourism activity, related to the above achievements. The survey is carried out within the framework of the AFD financing and the report will therefore be shared with the AFD.

2.3. Requested services

Project’s survey regarding the implementation of new agri-products value chains and implementation of producers groups.

In consultation with the project team, to finalize the methodology to be used to carry out the survey (detailed evaluative questions related to the project's actions), • To carry out the survey in the field by involving all stakeholders, • To submit a draft report and organize one meeting with the project team to discuss the findings of the survey. • Based on the above meeting, deliver the final report.

2.4. Required outputs

A briefing/workshop of key findings with the project staff/senior management and partners (RNA, HLNP) • A report about the promotion of sustainable, short, and fair agri-products value chains in the IDEAS project.

3. EXPERT PROFILE

Minimum required qualifications and skills - PhD or Master Degree in Socio-economic development, rural development or related matter, or equivalent. - Minimum of 6 years relevant professional experience of which at least 3 years should have been spent overseas, preferably in South East Asia. - Demonstrable experience in data collection and analysis. - Demonstrable experience in conducting and reporting on field based surveys. - Strong analytical and synthesis skills. - Excellent communication skills. - Ability to express, both verbally and in writing, clear and understandable messages. - Excellent English (speaking and writing) and computer skills are required. - Good understanding of the Vietnamese context. - Knowledge of the North Vietnam and the context of ethnic minorities and their problematic would be a plus. - Knowledge of the Vietnamese and/or Hmong language will be considered an advantage. Please refer to the attached file for more details.

Job Details

Organisation Name:

Agrisud

Application Deadline:

Sun, 2021-01-31