Technical Expert – Organic Certification

Project Description:

The USAID Supporting the Policy Enabling Environment for Development (SPEED) activity is a five-year (March 22, 2021 to August 7, 2025) project designed to improve Mozambique’s business enabling environment and enhance the role of the private sector in agriculture, trade facilitation, energy, biodiversity conservation, and health; it will also strengthen economic governance and public financial management, while enhancing the role of civil society, thereby improving the country’s ability to plan, manage, and finance its own development.

Background:

In 2021, the Government of Mozambique (GRM) recognized the potential competitive advantage of organic production, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER) began developing a regulation for the production and certification of organic agricultural products; however, it has not yet been approved.

The USAID African Trade & Investment (ATI) Southern Africa Activity is working on promoting trade between Southern Africa countries and the United States of America (US) under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA enhances market access to the US for qualifying Sub-Saharan African countries, of which Mozambique is a beneficiary. ATI in Mozambique is also promoting food safety and organic certification, commerce, and private investment. To support its agricultural portfolio, SPEED will work in collaboration with USAID ATI to explore pathways to facilitate organic certification through a technical expert in organic certification. The consultant is expected to provide technical assistance to: i) conduct a needs assessment and constraints analysis for organic certification (from regulations to value chains); and ii) develop a roadmap/ national program for accreditation and certification.

Assignment Tasks:

• Conduct an analysis of the needs and constraints for organic production and certification in Mozambique
• Organize a national workshop for the development of a roadmap for accreditation and certification
• Prepare consolidated reports on the above that uses simple language for non-experts that is easily understandable by citizens and government officials

Illustrative Deliverables

• A detailed activity plan/timeline, tasks and methodology
• A 20-page report on the analysis of the needs and constraints for organic production and certification
• A 30-page final report with a clear road-map for accreditation and certification
• A presentation that summarizes the report
• An Exit report

Expected Period of Performance: February 15 – June 30, 2024

Expected Level of Effort: 15 days

Requirements:

• At least 10 years technical experience in agriculture with demonstrated experience in successful organic production and/or certification in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Previous experience conducting analyses and roadmaps that identify needs, constraints, and solutions related to organic production/certification.
• Relevant educational degree (agriculture, food systems, business, etc.) at equivalent of Bachelor’s or above. Master’s or higher preferred.
• Strong communication skills in English – both written and oral – required. Ability to speak Portuguese ideal.
• Must have expereince working with internationally funded donor projects. Previous USAID experience preferred.