Consultant –Technical Field Officer
– Mango Sector

CNFA-AMD Project

US-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development

SCOPE OF WORK

Project Description:

The U.S.-Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development (AMD) activity in Pakistan is a USAID funded activity implemented by CNFA with the goal of supporting the development of Pakistan’s commercial agriculture, particularly through improving the ability of Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors to meet both international and domestic demand and requirements in targeted product lines in citrus, mango, high value/off season vegetables and livestock. AMD envisions transforming the four targeted product lines into efficient, private sector-led value chains that deliver competitive products to domestic and export markets. AMD’s targeted training, matching grants, and technical assistance will leverage private sector investment and encourage innovation. Together, these approaches will support upgrading, streamline supply chains, optimize profit margins, increase participation of women entrepreneurs, and ultimately make Pakistani mango, citrus, meat and HV/OSV more profitable and more competitive.

Background Information:

The devised interventions in the mango product line focus on meeting international demands and requirements for fresh mango and value-added products. Through its AMD Project, USAID envisions a transformation of the mango sector into an efficient, private sector-led value chain that delivers quality fruit to export markets competitively. AMD’s targeted trainings, matching grants, and technical assistance leverages private sector investment and encourages innovation across the sector. Together, this approach will streamline the mango supply-chain, optimize profit margins, and ultimately make Pakistani mango more profitable and competitive in local and international markets, meanwhile encouraging increased participation of women entrepreneurs in the sector.

With an annual production of almost 2 million tons, Pakistan is the 5th largest mango producer in the world. Pakistan’s mango sector came into limelight during this decade as a highly promising area for economic growth, and with significant impact on net market prospects. However, continued constraints with penetrating new export markets and expanding existing markets continue to plague the industry. Constraints limiting the profitability of the mango sector in Pakistan include:

1. Manual handling, sorting, and packing of fruit;
2. Compliance issues with international and higher-end markets;
3. Access to relevant markets;
4. High airfreight costs and availability of space. 

To address these issues, and to strengthen the supply chains on a sustainable basis with high potential of replication, AMD is supporting critical trainings in the process to improve quality, extend shelf life, reduce export costs, increase market share, and function as a catalyst with attracting investments from other industry players.

Objective of the Technical Assistance

The objective of this assignment is to act as technical resource person for coordinating and mobilizing the farmers along with supervising the trainings in mango sector.

Timing of the Assignment

The consultants will commence working on this assignment on or about May 1^st 2018 and will continue till December 31^st 2018.

Specific scope and deliverables for the assignment are given in the proceeding sections.

Assignment Scope:

The consultant’s tasks will include but not be limited to:

1. Farmer mobilization for training events
2. Technically oversee the training programs in the project area.
3. Develop appropriate strategies to assist program beneficiaries in improved farm management practices.
4. Technically oversee AMD Training program for farmers in the project area.
5. Coordinate with AMD M&E team for data collection.
6. Assist in arranging different events related to integrated supply chain management. 
7. Any other tasks assigned by the COP or Chief Technical Advisor relating to design and development of Mango Sector interventions.

Deliverables:

The consultant’s tasks will include but not be limited to:

1. Ensure 100% farmer participation through effective mobilization for attending the trainings session
2. Provide report on each training session as per AMD template.
3. Collection of data as per M&E requirements.
4. Filed visit report of each technical visit to the farmers.
5. Final report after completion of trainings.

Qualifications:

The Associate consultant should have:

1. An advanced degree in the field of agriculture sciences.
2. Experience of having worked in good agriculture practices trainings and management projects.
3. Sound knowledge of Mango production technology
4. Prior experience of working of consulting assignments with USAID or donor funded projects in Pakistan with a focus on development of the agribusiness value chain using an integrated supply chain approach, will be an advantage
5. Excellent computer skills, particularly Word, Excel and Power Point
6. Demonstrated ability to work in a team
7. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills; and
8. Documented excellent writing skills in English
9. Knowledge of local languages will be an added advantage.
10. Local resident near to job location will be preferred.