Job Description

Summary InformationDepartment: GEF UNEP ILM Project IndiaLocation(s): Guntur(AP) or Bangalore (Karnataka), IndiaCommitment: As required to fulfil scope of workDesired start date and duration: ASAP, duration estimated at 12 monthsUnder direction of: Senior Technical Associate-AP/KAConsultancy SummaryAbout the Rainforest AllianceRainforest Alliance, a New York-based 501(c)3, and UTZ, an Amsterdam-based foundation, merged in 2018. Together, the new Rainforest Alliance is now a $70 million per year organization with offices in 17 countries (and growing) and over 5000 staff. The merged organization has two main offices\xe2\x80\x94one in Amsterdam and one in New York City.The Rainforest Alliance is creating a more sustainable world by using social and market forces to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and forest communities.We work towards making responsible business the new normal through our certification program, tailored supply chain services, landscape and community work and advocacy.With the number of Rainforest Alliance projects at landscape level in Asia growing and an increasing momentum to tackle deforestation assisted by value chain traceability, this consultancy will support the Rainforest Alliance in advancing its holistic offering to the multiple commodity value chains in AP and Karnataka.The consultant will be placed in the Rainforest Alliance\xe2\x80\x99s team in India to move forward the strategic market development and to liaise with the India team to strengthen the connections between the global and regional value propositions. The 12-months assignment will cover different activities, including but not limited to supporting the development of Rainforest Alliance\xe2\x80\x99s approach to working with smallholders; strengthening the value proposition for Rainforest Alliance\xe2\x80\x99s Platform; and creating a framework for measuring impact.Background InformationRainforest Alliance India is looking for a motivated and result-oriented Market Development consultant to implement its project \xe2\x80\x9cTransforming Agricultural Systems and Strengthening Local Economies in high biodiversity areas of India through Sustainable Landscape Management and public-private finance\xe2\x80\x9d. The consultant will be integral part RA team and has to connect with relevant team members in RA and facilitate the dialogue to meet the objective of market linkages of the project.The consultant will report to Rainforest Alliance\xe2\x80\x99s staff, Senior Technical Officer, Andhra Pradesh or Karnataka . The consultant will be the key interface between producers in AP & KA and the supply chains that carry their products to market, for fair share to farmers and their organizations in the value-chain.The scope of this consultancy tentatively covers commodities such as Coffee, Cocoa, Cashew, Mango, Black Pepper, Turmeric, Ginger, Red Chilli, Tamarind, Jackfruit, Pineapple and any other specific commodities that may be considered in consultation with implementation partners.Consultancy Objectives and ActivitiesDesk review of different schemes related to commodities in scope and develop plans to access the same by FPOs, Farmer Enterprises, etc.Conduct SWOT analysis of current market prospects in the project, trends in production and financial projections and assess the demand and supply.Identify opportunities of market likages (national, international) for the project and engage with key stakeholders in the assigned commodities, including supply chain companies, brands, agri business startups and industry associations,etc to build strategic partnerships/collaborations/linkages and expand market reach.Identify new and potential business opportunities including alternate market channels on continuous basis for the assigned commoditiesDevelop a comprehensive marketing strategy including both backward and forward linkages for the assigned commodities.Plan and organise Buyer-Seller Consultations and facilitate business conventions, information on trade fairs, interactions with supply chain companies, exporters and major value chain players, etcNetwork with supply chain companies within and outside the landscapes, coordinate with their certification and procurement teams and support FPOs/Farmer groups in line with the gaps and opportunities.Support in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for procurement of assigned commodities.Explore opportunities of contract farming, direct marketing by Farmer groups / FPOs to the supply chain companies to ensure long term market contracts and better price realisationDevelop local, short and long term based value-chains across various agricultural commodities, NTFP, integrated farming produce such as livestock, poultry, dairy, fish, meat, etc produced in the project landscape.Coordinate with RA Comms and Marketing verticals as and when requiredSupport in developing business plans for FPOs and provide technical advisory on business development including new products, new markets and alignment with consumer preferences.Take up all other tasks as assigned from time-to-time.General terms and conditions for Request for proposalMBA and or Post graduation in Agricultural MarketingKnowledge of agri value chains and business development10 years of experience in agriculture commodity market and supply chain management.Working with development sector will be added advantageAbility to travel extensivelySufficient expertise in computer skills (MS Office)Strong communication and negotiation skillsRequires entrepreneurial and good interpersonal skills.Good communication skills in English, Telugu and Kannada.Selection CriteriaThe applicant should possess the academic qualification and experience necessary to successfully execute the assignment. In addition, applicant should have:Proven in-depth understanding of landscape initiativesProven extensive knowledge of supply chainsProven understanding of smallholder farming and forest communitiesExcellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact culturally, linguistically, and diplomatically with diverse internal and external individuals;Strategic and analytical thinker and experience in strategy developmentThe applicant should cite past performance in doing similar assignments.Proposal Process and Format1. Interested applicants are invited to submit an electronic copy of the proposal or any enquiries to Mr.Rajan at Rainforest Alliance using the email address: and rpandey@ra.org by 16th June,2024 (IST 18.00pm).2. Proposals should not exceed 5 pages, font size 12, line spacing 1.5, including budget. All annexes must be separate to the proposal.3. All expressions of interest should include:a. A cover letter.b. Curriculum vitaec. At least three recent references4. Any questions and clarifications related to the assessment should be sent to the email mentioned above.Thank you for your interest in working with The Rainforest Alliance

Rainforest Alliance