Market Demand Preliminary Analysis Consultant

BACKGROUND ON CESVI:

CESVI is an Italian NGO working for global solidarity. CESVI operates worldwide to support the most vulnerable populations in promoting human rights and achieving their ambitions, for sustainable development. CESVI has been working in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq since 2018, focusing on the sectors of livelihoods, cash assistance, agriculture and food security, protection and gender-based violence (GBV) and climate change.

PROJECT CONTEXT:

Under the project “Support to sustainable agriculture and climate-smart for vulnerable families in Iraq” CESVI is seeking a consultant to conduct a preliminary analysis for the identification ofmarket demand in the project areas (Semel, Zakho and Bardarash).  The project aims to improve the availability of and access to food for Syrian refugee families and vulnerable IDPs who are unable to meet their basic needs through the creation/strengthening of agricultural and livestock income generating activities (AGRs), distribution of agricultural inputs and training in the production of high-nutrient crops and/or livestock, drought-adapted farming practices and food preservation techniques.

The project activities will support the integration of food-secure households into local agricultural value chains, increasing their access to markets and services and enabling them to engage in income-generating productive activities in order to achieve self-sufficiency to meet food needs. The project will also support farmers who own small agricultural businesses that have recently lost or reduced their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic, climate change and competition with foreign products.

Particular attention will be paid to small businesses with a higher potential for employing women and persons with disabilities and to the difficulties encountered by the most vulnerable groups in accessing the labour market in the agricultural sector.

KEY FUNCTIONS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE CONSULTANT AND MARKET ANALYSIS:

• Identify the main gaps in market supply in the agricultural, food and livestock sectors.
• Identify for the same sectors, the main activities that have recently suffered income losses, especially as a consequence of climate change.
• Identify local niche products and supply chains, with the aim of encouraging diversification and specialization of the production activities supported, helping to avoid competition with neighboring countries.
• Provide recommendations to the CESVI and the project team on the type of support to be provided for the start-up or re-establishment of small agricultural, agrifood and livestock businesses.
• Particular attention will be paid to small businesses with a higher potential for employing women and persons with disabilities and to the difficulties encountered by the most vulnerable groups in accessing the labour market in the agricultural sector.

DISSIMENATION OF THE RESULTS:

The results of the market analysis conducted will be disseminated at an official event involving the Chamber of Commerce, the Duhok Department of Agriculture and the University of Agriculture. Before this occasion, further recommendations and data will be collected and shared with the project team.

Economic and financial sustainability:

• Income support activities by means of start-up capital and asset replacement (in-kind support for small agricultural businesses) take into consideration the present economic needs, thus the particular demands of the local market, as well as the on-site skills, highlighted in the preliminary market analysis.

OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES:

• Overall work plan – within 5 days from the beginning of the consultancy;
• Final report with recommendations – within 2 months
• Disseminate the results of the market analysis at an official event: 5 days from the final report
• Provide support to CESVI and implementing partner Women Empowerment Organization if and when required.

CONSULTANCY TIME FRAME:

The consultant is required to suggest their timeline with the application and the timeline (maximum 2 months)

DUTY STATION AND CONSULTANT REQUIREMENTS:

The consultant should be prepared to work remotely, however, s/he should have contextual knowledge

of the humanitarian response in Iraq. Furthermore, we expect expressions of interest from consultants

with the following skills/qualifications:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

Strong understanding of development small agricultural, agrifood and livestock businesses principles and strategies.

Knowledge of business concepts, including startup capital, business planning, market analysis, market demand and funding mechanisms.

Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities related to starting and scaling businesses, particularly in the KRI Duhok region.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

• Knowledge of the local agriculture market, job trends, and employment opportunities in the KRI Duhok region.
• Understanding of the factors influencing job creation and economic growth.
• Familiarity with the challenges faced by job seekers and strategies to enhance employment prospects.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS:

• Proficient in conducting qualitative research, including interviews, surveys, and data collection.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret and analyze complex data and information.
• Ability to apply appropriate research methodologies and tools for market analysis and market demand assessments.
• Competence in data synthesis, report writing, and presentation of research findings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, agriculture engineering science, economics, entrepreneurship, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred but not mandatory.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in agriculture business development, research studies and surveys, entrepreneurship, vocational training, and/or employment promotion.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting market analysis, market demand, value chain assessments, or similar studies.
• Prior work experience in the KRI Duhok region or similar contexts would be an advantage.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Excellent written and spoken English proficiency. Proficiency in Kurdish and/or Arabic languages would be beneficial.
• Proficiency in Kurdish and/or Arabic languages would be beneficial.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Proficient in using research tools, data analysis software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis software is desirable.
• Ability to conduct remote work and virtual meetings using appropriate online platforms.

 INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines and deliver quality outputs.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

1. Cover Letter: A cover letter introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the consultancy position. Include your contact information and availability for an interview.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide a detailed CV outlining your educational background, professional experience, relevant skills, and language proficiency. Ensure that the CV does not exceed 3 pages.
3. Proposal: Prepare a proposal outlining your methodology, team structure (if applicable), and roles for conducting the market analysis and market demand study. The proposal should include a timeline for completing the project within a maximum of 4-8 weeks. The proposal should not exceed 10 pages, including the methodology, team structure, timeline, and past qualifications.

If you can meet the above requirements and are interested in providing your service to us before , please email us at [email protected].

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 30/06/2024 

For further information about CESVI, please consult our website https://www.cesvi.eu/

Following the first screening of CVs, eligible candidates will be contacted for an interview and a written test