Job Description

Summary InformationDepartment: GEF UNEP ILM Project in IndiaLocation(s): Bangalore, Karnataka, IndiaCommitment: As required to fulfill scope of workDesired start date and duration: ASAP, initial duration estimated at 100 daysUnder direction of: Senior Technical Associate-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.Background InformationRainforest Alliance India is looking for a motivated and result-oriented consultant to provide technical support in implementation of 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 coordinate activities directly with Rainforest Alliance and its project implementation team in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.The Consultant will report to Rainforest Alliance Staff, Senior Technical Associate, Karnataka. The consultant will be the key interface between Coffee producers in the western and eastern ghats of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and different Key stakeholders including supply chains that carry their products to market, for ensuring fair share to farmers and their organizations in the value-chain.The consultant will closely work with Rainforest Alliance\xe2\x80\x99s team in India augment strategic implementation of GEF Project in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The circa initial 100 days assignment will cover different activities, including but not limited to supporting the development of Rainforest Alliance\xe2\x80\x99s approach to working with smallholder coffee growers; strengthening the value proposition for Rainforest Alliance\xe2\x80\x99s Coffee Industry Platform, particularly for smallholder farmers and group processes; and creating a framework for measurable impact.Consultancy Objectives and Activities01. Desk Research and Knowledge Management:Conduct desk research to identify and collate existing data on Coffee value chain covering production to markets, highlight any major fluctuations in price index, analyse the facts, project the possible business trends to support Farmer groups/FPOs in their planning process.Situation analysis of various existing public-private schemes, develop strategies to access suitable schemes so as to promote sustainable coffee production and post-production activities.Identify knowledge gaps in Pre-Production, Production and Post Harvest in line with regenerative agriculture and RA-SAS (Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard 2020)Identify challenges faced by growers in accessing timely and appropriate information during production and post-harvest, scope for digital advisory.Collate information on geography specific \xe2\x80\x9cPackage of Practices\xe2\x80\x9d with the support of academic and research Institutions and develop training modules (including FFS) based on project requirement.Identify successful farmers, entrepreneurs, models and best practices in Coffee value chain from different sources and geographies and encourage them for knowledge exchange and adaptation.Identify business accelerator platforms, entrepreneur\'s\xe2\x80\x99 incubation centres and similar institutions where progressive Coffee farmers can leverage their business ideas.02. Trainings and Capacity Building:Develop RA-SAS training module in Kannada in consultation with RA Trainings Vertical.The Consultant shall be a master trainer on Production and Certification and build capacities of Project implementation Team, Associate Trainers (ATN), Lead/Master Farmers, FPOs, etc on RA-SAS, IPM, Regenerative cum sustainable agriculture practices based on project requirements from time to time.Facilitate and organise trainings for Farmers, Farmer Groups through external technical, academic, research institutions, etc as per project requirements from time to time.03. Partnerships & Convergence:Support in establishing potential partnerships, linkages and collaborations with key stakeholders in the coffee domain.Network with supply chain partners in the landscape, coordinate with their agronomy, certification and procurement teams to design and organise customised training programs from market perspective to support farmers/farmer groups/FPOs in the landscape.Bring together diverse coffee value chain actors at State and District Levels, organize regular consultations and support implementation team in mapping opportunities of collaboration from time to time.Technical support and Program Quality:Technical Support to MSLMBs (Multi Stake Holder Land Management Bodies) in developing and implementing participatory SLMPs that include land and water management, restoring degraded land, conserving biodiversity, protecting HCVF, and a system to track and evaluate progress in their implementation.Support Implementation team in building capacities of MSLMBs in participatory planning and decision-making, ensuring inclusion of all social groups.Support project implementation team in Identification of specific opportunities for women and youth to be involved in coffee value chain, marketing, business promotion and increase youth entrepreneurship.05. Take up all other tasks as assigned as per project requirements.General terms and conditions for Request for proposalHaving a master\'s degree or equivalent in agricultural sciences/horticulture, or related fields in coffee. Having an MBA in Marketing/Business Management/Operations will be an advantage.At least 10 years of experience in Coffee Sector and should be familiar with the coffee value chain, processing, marketing and relevant policy frameworks in India.Previous work experience/similar assignments in Karnataka or other States.Should have excellent English and Kannada communication skills, both verbal and written including ability to write reports.Should be able to work on site and off site and be well-versed in basic computer office management and presentation skills.Should have strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret data, and identify trends and patterns.Should be able to work collaboratively with others, including stakeholders and team members from RA and field implementation partners.Should have impeccable communication skills, negotiation, leadership coaching and mentoring capacities.Having Development Sector experience will be an added advantage.Ability to travel extensively as per project requirements.Selection CriteriaThe applicant should possess the academic qualifications and experience necessary to successfully execute the assignment. In addition, applicant should have:proven in-depth understanding of landscape initiatives, especially coffee production landscapes.proven extensive knowledge of the coffee sector and supply chainsproven understanding of smallholder farming and communitiesexcellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact culturally, linguistically, and diplomatically with diverse internal and external stakeholders.strategic and analytical thinker and experience in strategy developmentproficiency verbally as well as in writing in Kannda and EnglishThe 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 to Mr.S.Rajan at Rainforest Alliance, using the mail id srajan@ra.org by 10th June 2024.2. All expressions of interest should include:A Cover LetterProfile of the applicant and curriculum vitaeExpected payment rate.At least three references3. 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