Consultancy Service for Market Linkages Digital Marketing (Jordanian Firm)

Market Linkages Consultant Scope of Work

Background:

Mercy Corps Jordan (MCJ) has introduced LEAD: Livelihoods and Environmental Actions for Development project, an initiative to be implemented in Zubaireya, Shobak to support the local Community Based Organizations (CBOs), smallholder farmers, food producers, and youth to better manage natural resources, particularly scarce irrigation water, to strengthen rural livelihoods and allow expanded and diversified crops for consumption. Within the first phase, MCJ will pilot the project and collaborate with Al Zubaireya local community, and particularly Al Furat CBO, Shobak Women’s Charitable Association and Al Zubaireya Charitable Association, to improve water infrastructure, water, and agriculture practices, while also facilitating increased access by targeted smallholder farmers, food producers, women, and youth to more profitable and reliable markets. The project will also target people in Zubaireya who do water- dependent jobs (smallholder farmers and food producers), to ensure they have increased technical capacity and resources to access business opportunities, financial markets, and digital marketing services. The project will utilize the aggregation model to help smallholder farmers and food producers to scale up their production and secure additional income.

The LEAD project has been designed to be scalable within other vulnerable regions of Jordan through the application of mechanisms and systems that can be readily adapted and replicated.

Purpose:

MCJ is hiring market linkages consultant to work with selected Co-ops in the South (Al Zubaireya Village, Shobak). The Consultant will be working under the supervision of Mercy Corp’s LEAD Project Manager and in close collaboration and guidance with MCJ’s Director of Inclusive Economy and Climate Change. The Market Linkages and digital marketing consultant will work closely with partners and stakeholders in the implementation of market system related activities in order to enhance dialogue and linkages between market aggregators (represented by local CBOs) and potential buyers in the market. The aggregators will be collecting certain products and goods from local food producers and smallholder farmers. These goods might include apple vinegar, pickles, jams, apples and olives.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Draft an agreement form between the individual participants (smallholder farmers and food producers) and the aggregators (local CBOs)
• Support smallholder farmers and food producers in Al Zubaireya Village, Shobak in identifying highly demanded and unique products that they can produce.
• Support aggregators (local CBO) in the development of market linkages.
• Conduct a market survey and map potential customers in Jordan’s governate centers with special focus on SME, restaurants, catering service providers, hotels and big retailers. The Map should include the name of company, contact Person, address, Phone number, e-mail, and reason for being considered a potential customer.
• Organize meetings with the potential customers.
• Close one business deal or more with different buyers, wherein such deal(s) is/are sufficient to sustain the livelihood of at least 50 food producers and 50 smallholder farmers.
• Coordinate agreements, purchases, and contracts between business buyers and the aggregating CBOs in Zubaireya, for the period of the contract.
• Support aggregators in accessing digital marketing platforms.
• Conduct at least one awareness session on the importance of digital marketing and how to do online advertising.

Deliverables:

An inception report, no later than 14 calendar days after the commencement of the consultancy, that presents:

• A draft agreement between individuals and aggregators
• Methodology for identification of potential customers
• First drafts of Potential Customer Map
• Proposed Schedule of the Meeting to be organized between Shobak Women Charitable Association (aggregator) potential customers in the aim to create market linkage between the different actors

A final report, no later than 45 calendar days after the commencement of the consultancy, subject to approval by the Project management, setting out:

• Methodology used for potential customer identification
• Final Map of Potential customers containing all the needed information
• Minutes of Meeting of the meetings organized for cooperatives with potential customers
• Copy of accomplished deals with potential customers.
• Pre and post knowledge assessment of CBOs staff measuring the improvement of their digital marketing knowledge

Proven Experience:

The Market Linkage Consultant should have a good track record of conducting similar market research in Jordan. The consultant portfolio must include 3 references. At least 4 – 6 years of experience as market consultant, preferably in agriculture and food production value chain or other livelihood projects. The market consultant should have the following:

• Knowledge of the local communications landscape
• Experience in the humanitarian field
• Experience in the agriculture SME sector
• Demonstrable experience in engaging with private sector and micro enterprise

Evaluation Method:

The consultant shall be a registered entity with a valid registration in Jordan to be eligible to apply for the consultancy. Consultants offer will evaluated as follows:

60% on the technical offer: includes a company portfolio that shows relevant previous experience and C.Vs of key staff

40% on the financial offer

Period of performance

The market linkage consultant will be working between different governates across Jordan and shall complete all the required tasks and submit all the required reports within 45 calendar days from signing the contract.