Tender Advertisement #1236565

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS (Open Tender)

LOCAL CONSULTANT TO PREPARE VALUE CHAIN STUDY FOR BREADFRUIT AS PART OF THE PQI VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS IN TUVALU

Background

The Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) project aims to strengthen a demand-oriented Quality Infrastructure (QI) and access to QI services that enhance trade competitiveness in the Pacific region. It is achieving this by identifying quality challenges in selected value chains (VC) in key export sectors which shall be addressed through targeted project measures at national and regional level. The aim is to generate change towards higher quality products and processes making products safer and more competitive on domestic and international markets. The analyses also help to create local networks of VC actors as well as awareness about the significance of product quality and the role of QI.

Purpose

The objective of the consultancy is to prepare a value chain (VC) study for breadfruit in Tuvalu by using the Calidena VC tool. The aim is to

(a) get an overview of the status and economic potential of the VC and the use of QI services as well as to
(b) identify specific quality challenges that can be addressed by the PQI project or other development partners.

The VC tool Calidena is a participatory and demand-driven methodology which has been developed by PTB, the German Metrology Institute. It stimulates quality in VCs and supports the improvement of QI services in a systematic and sustainable way with the aim to increase economic competitiveness of products and services.

The VC study shall

o collate economic data of the VC including agricultural production, growth potential, export potential, and market trends
o map the VC showing VC actors and supporters, their functions, and interrelations
o identify and examine constraints and opportunities within the selected value chain and recommend interventions to overcome shortcomings
o identify underlying relevant national quality related policies
o identify challenges related to QI institutions and services that affect the competitiveness of the VC and propose project interventions

Scope of Work

The consultant will carry out the tasks as per specifications set out under the Terms of Reference (TOR) document which can be downloaded from www.tenders.net/forumsec.

1. Participate in a 2-day Calidena introductory training provided by the PQI project
2. Conduct a literature review and use qualitative and quantitative information and data
3. Apply participatory tools, techniques, and methodologies for interviews and group discussions
4. The consultants will
o develop and submit a work plan that details the activities that will be carried out for the elaboration of the VC study
o collect quantitative and qualitative information/data
o write the VC study report
o present the results of the VC study by using PowerPoint
o regularly coordinate with the Regional QI Coordinator of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the PQI VC expert
5. Submit VC study report

Academic Qualifications

• Reasonable knowledge and working experience with VC concepts
• Basic understanding of QI
• Experience in conducting VC studies and preparing analytical reports
• Experience in interviewing and moderation techniques
• Ability to communicate with private and public-sector representatives
• Good analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent command of English in speaking and writing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Experience

The consultant should be familiar with local conditions and with conducting VC studies in the agricultural sector. Experience with the breadfruit VC and its value-added products would be an advantage.

HOW TO APPLY

Submissions should be entitled:

LOCAL CONSULTANT TO PREPARE VALUE CHAIN STUDY FOR BREADFRUIT AS PART OF THE PQI VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS IN TUVALU

Method of Submissions:

Submissions must be forwarded in PDF format following the instructions at www.tenders.net/forumsec

Note: Tenders must be submitted with clear labelling of the technical offer and the financial offer. The Technical Offer documents must be saved and submitted clearly labelled “A. Technical Offer”. Financial Offer documents must be saved and submitted clearly labelled “B. Financial Offer”.

The electronically submitted documents should be converted to the PDF format.

Deadline for Submissions:

Submissions need to reach the Secretariat by 4pm, Wednesday, 6 October 2021.

Late or incomplete tenders will not be considered.

Questions and Answers

All queries or request for information must be submitted via the Question and Answer Forum at www.tenders.net/forumsec . Tenderers may submit questions in writing to the mentioned Question and Answer Forum before the stated “deadline for requesting clarifications” 4 October 2021. The Secretariat has no obligation to provide clarification after this date.

Note: The Secretariat will not be responsible for non-receipt/non-delivery of the Bid documents due to any reason whatsoever.

Any complaints regarding the Secretariat’s tender must be directed to the following email: Tender.Complaints@forumsec.org. This email address will forward your complaint to a person that is independent and removed from the tender process. Complaints must be well founded and should not be used as a mechanism for notifying displeasure with the outcome of a tender award. Further information on making a complaint can be found on the Policies & Information page at http://tenders.forumsec.org.

In the event that further information is required by the Secretariat in relation to the tender for consultancy, the Secretariat reserves the right to seek the required information without the need for calling for resubmission of proposals.