Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.
The Improving Market Systems in Rwanda for Agriculture (IMSAR) is an initiative funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), which aims to stimulate growth and reduce poverty in Rwanda. IMSAR has an additional 3 years from May 2019 to finalise its implementation. IMSAR is using the market systems development approach to improve the functioning of agricultural markets, ensuring that small-scale farmers benefit in the process. Following this approach, IMSAR supports the testing and adoption of new agricultural business and financing models, technologies and improved agronomic practices. The implementation of IMSAR is being managed by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact. Palladium is a global impact firm, working to link social progress and commercial growth. For the past 50 years, Palladium has been helping clients to see the world as interconnected – by formulating strategies, building partnerships, and implementing programs that have a lasting social and financial impact.
The fresh product market in UK remains largely untapped by Rwanda fresh fruit and vegetable exporters; currently exporters target wholesale markets in the UK, other than the grocery market, due to stringent requirements in terms of quality assurance and consistent supplies. There are also opportunities for more direct links with flower buyers in the UK. We estimate that 10 companies have a potential to export to the UK retail market but before making the linkages, IMSAR needs to get accurate data on production capacity, quality and other varieties that can be grown that can be shared with key buyers in the UK. Further to this, IMSAR would like to understand gaps and additional work needed to et these companies up to the standards needed for export into the UK market. In that regard, MSAR seeks to hire a consultant that will assist in assessing the potential supply by Rwandan horticulture and floriculture exporters and provide ongoing technical assistance to get these companies ready for the UK market.
1 Present the current and potential production capacity for companies identified as potential exporters to the UK retails market. This includes volumes, varieties and quality.
* Visit potential exporters and assess their current and potential production capacity, quality, varieties, potential to grow additional varieties, numbers of staff, potential to grow outgrower capacity, etc.
* Identify the production cycle per each product and per each producer
* Identify varieties produced
* Ability to grow outgrower strategy
* Current certifications and plan for additional ones
* Provide recommendations to IMSAR on how to move forward in building the partnership between UK retail suppliers and Rwandan exporters. This will include recommendations on which exporters should work with the UK buyers IMSAR has developed relationships with, as well as identifying the key gaps in production capacity (including quality, product range, etc) and identify the way forward for the targeted companies
* Provide ongoing technical assistance as defined by IMSAR to get the companies up to the standards needed to export into the UK market
DELIVERABLEDEADLINEINDICATIVE LOE
Report on assessment of export companies:
current and projected production capacity, quality assessment, and gapsMid August 201910
1 page briefs (I per company), on the number of companies IMSAR has identified. This will include company details, size of land cultivated, varieties grown, seasonal calendar, production capacity, current certifications, and potential to increase production as well as to grow additional varieties.Mid August 201910
Technical assistance on a call down basis to help companies meet identified gapsAugust – December 201910
The assignment will be undertaken between the middle of July and end of December 2019.
The Consultant will be given a maximum of 30 days to complete the assignment. The Consultant will work closely with the IMSAR Senior Market Managers, and the Markets Lead and will report to the IMSAR Team Leader.
1 Advanced degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop production, or a closely related field
2 Significant relevant experience in horticulture crop production in Rwanda or in the East African region
3 Experience exporting horticulture products into the UK or European markets and meeting trade standards
4 Experience working with horticulture companies, including quality assurance
5 Proven experience in carrying out similar assignments.
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