Development and publication of four position papers: To Certification and Beyond: “Market access for sustainable coffee, horticulture and tea from Tz

1. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Solidaridad is a global network civil society organization with expertise in developing sustainable market-oriented supply chains, farmer training, certification and credit linkages related to coffee, cocoa, cotton and 10 other commodities. The organization has experience in managing international programmes working with grass root organizations, producers, civil society and local government, and core and support role private sector actors. Solidaridad has a strong presence in Africa and Asia, as well as North, Central and South America (www.solidaridadnetwork.org).

Solidaridad is currently implementing the project titled To Certification and Beyond: “Market access for sustainable coffee, horticulture and tea from Tanzania. The project is implemented in Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba), Mbeya, Njombe, Ruvuma and Songwe with the aim of supporting the voluntary certification process of the coffee, tea and horticulture producer groups in Tanzania.

The overall objective for this project is to address issues surrounding effective use of certification schemes and use of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) to improve and drive market opportunities for Tanzanian “branded” sustainable tea, coffee and horticulture products. The Specific objectives will include: i) improving domestic, regional and international market access for Tanzanian “branded” sustainable tea, coffee and horticulture products; and ii) supporting the adoption of identified voluntary sustainability standards.

As part of the interventions towards creating positive impact to farmers in certification and market access, the project is aiming at developing and publishing four position papers that will address and influence positive changes in the agricultural sector. In this regard, Solidaridad is recruiting a consultant to support the development, writing and publishing the papers.

2.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall objective of this assignment is to develop and publish the one position paper on:

1. Avocado production and marketing in Tanzania.

2. Coffee Production and Marketing in Tanzania

3. Tea production and marketing in Tanzania

4. Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) and Certification process (impact of VSS and private certification) in for smallholder farmers in Tanzania.

3.0 DELIVERABLES

1. One position paper topic for each theme: avocado, coffee, tea and VSS (to be agreed with the project team)

2. One position paper developed and published for each topic/theme

4.0 QUALIFICATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education

• University degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Environmental Sciences or related and relevant field (master degree and above preferred).
• Relevant professional training and experience in paper writing and publication

Experience

• At least 5 years’ working experience in horticulture (for avocado), agriculture sector in Tanzania.
• Experience in voluntary sustainability standards and certification schemes required (for VSS and certification position paper)
• At least five years’ experience in conducting and leading writeshop and publication of position papers

5.0 CONSULTANCY PERIOD

Details will be worked out jointly with the consultant team and project staff. However, the work is expected to commence in December 12th for an estimated 30 days’ period. This time duration does not include the writeshop, which will be organized and coordinated by Solidaridad.