Republic of Moldova

CONSULTANT FOR VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT

Vacancy Number: 008 /Pr-2010

Background:

The active involvement of private sector to poverty reduction is by many, including UNDP, recognized as crucial. UNDP works with private sector in many ways and its general approach is based on the premise that the value of engaging the private sector is maximized where it is grounded in market-based incentives and the sustainable social impact is greatest when there is a convergence on commercial and development interest.

One of the UNDP Moldova projects performing this kind of approach to private sector is project called “Fostering Multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve MDGs in Western CIS and Caucasus in the framework of UN Global Compact” (www.undp.md/projects/GC.shtml). The overall goal of this particular project is to accelerate sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction through the active participation of Moldovan businesses. Beside the activities aiming the promotion of the concept of corporate social responsibility and creation/consolidation of Moldovan Global Compact Network (www.globalcompact.md/index.php?l=ro) project aims to launch several multi-stakeholder partnerships projects. Such partnership projects are expected to help develop communities, create new jobs, strengthen local small enterprises by integrating them into value chains (regional and global) and facilitate development of new products or services for the vulnerable and socially excluded populations. This approach promotes engagement of the private sector through its core business, competencies and resources.

One of the newly developed multi-stakeholder partnership projects is a project called “Natur Bravo JSC – Integrated Outgrower System” that aims to create some 50 new jobs in the rural areas of northern part of Moldova (Edinet, Ocnita and Briceni Raions) through creating a stable supply chain for farmers growing cucumbers.

The stable supply chain in the food processing (vegetable canning) industry is, both by food processors as well as by farmers, reported to be one of the biggest challenges that are faced in Republic of Moldova of these days. On one hand, the food processors are complaining about the lack of the raw vegetable that is up to required standards; on the other hand, paradoxically enough, among the biggest problem of the local farmers is a lack of the market and access to the food processing industry.

“Natur Bravo JSC – Integrated Outgrower System” project aspires to address these challenges through facilitating activities that will identify farmers with a capacity to be involved as a vegetable supplier, to support their capacities by helping them to strengthen their position on the market (topics as marketing, growing technologies, access to finance etc) and mainly will build a value chain that is addressing not only commercial, but also social purposes of the food processing industry. The food processing industry is in this particular project represented by Natur Bravo, JSC.

In order to fulfill the objectives of “Natur Bravo JSC – Integrated Outgrower System” project, UNDP Moldova is recruiting a consultant who will conduct an evidence-based survey on “Grower-Processor Relationships in the Moldovan Canning Industry” based on which will deliver a feasibility study that will be used for a purpose of the project.

Selection Criteria:

Candidates will be assessed against the following:

• extent of experience in food processing industry and supply chain related topics;
• depth of knowledge related to situation of small farmers/vegetable producers in Moldova on one hand and situation of food processing industry (canning industry) in Moldova on the other hand;
• extend of knowledge of and experience in the provision of technical assistance to small farmers from underprivileged regions of Moldova, including issues as their access to food processing industry supply chain;
• extend of experience in preparing technical reports and feasibility studies; in conducting need assessments and in designing training courses for small farmers.

Eligible candidate should meet the following:

• advanced university degree in economics, agricultural production or related fields;
• at least five years of relevant work experience in areas relevant to this assignment ;
• excellent analytical, research and writing skills;
• excellent knowledge of Romanian language and working knowledge of English;
• previous working experience with international organization supporting the private sector is an asset.

Both, INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS (or group of consultants) same as REGISTERED LEGAL ENTITIES (NGOs; business sector entities) are invited to apply for this assignment.

Interested persons should submit their application and duly completed Personal History Form (P11) with the mark: “Consultant:Value Chain Development)” by 4 February, 2010, 17:30 (local time) to the following address: UNDP Office, 131, 31 August 1989 Street, MD-2012, Chisinau, Moldova, alternatively by email to vacancies-moldova@undp.org.

Only those short listed will be contacted. Failure of candidates to submit a duly completed P11 form, as well as false representations on this form, shall constitute sufficient grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of the application. All information provided in the P11 form will be treated as strictly confidential.

Terms of Reference

Personal History Form (P11)