WFP: Programme Policy Officer ( Private Sector Assessment Consultant) – Maputo

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The WFP’s Country Strategy Plan (CSP) 2022-2026 has been defined to support the Government of Mozambique on its fight towards poverty and hunger eradication. This four-year plan, which is aligned with national and UN priorities (e.g., SDG2), aims to revert the current trends on deteriorating food security caused by a complex set of environmental (including climate), social, economic, and political factors, by applying appropriate and risk-informed resilience approaches.

Within the WFP Mozambique CSP (2022-2026), Strategic Outcome 3 “Vulnerable and shock-affected communities, households, women and young people in targeted areas have more equitable, resilient, sustainable and climate-smart livelihoods through enhanced adaptive and productive capacities that enable them to meet their food and nutrition needs by 2030” is expected to be achieved through an integrated package of climate risk management, livelihood support, adaptive agriculture and smallholder agricultural market support interventions that strengthen the resilience of households, communities and food systems to climate shocks and stressors and ensure sustainable access to income opportunities and adequate and nutritious food for poor and marginalized people and communities. This support is also extended to conflict affected communities in Cabo-Delgado province, where WFP has been providing humanitarian assistance. This assistance is complemented by gradual recovery initiatives, a more systematic and strategic approach is required to build long-term resilience. In addition, WFP has developed a strategy for “Transition from Emergency Support to Resilience Building in Cabo Delgado Province” which aims to establish a comprehensive framework to assist crisis-affected populations in meeting their food and nutrition needs, while strengthening their resilience through climate-adaptive livelihoods.

The overarching goal will be achieved through four key areas of intervention:

Capacity Building: Empowering government and communities to adopt scientific, participatory approaches for designing climate change-adaptive socio-economic plans at the local level. Inclusive Socio-Economic Development: Assisting government and communities in designing and implementing socially inclusive and climate-adaptive socio-economic plans. Agriculture and Non-Agriculture Development: Enhancing the environment for sustainable growth in both agriculture and non-agriculture sectors. Private Sector Investment: Facilitating private sector investments to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, women, and smallholder farmers through Public-Private-Producer Partnerships (PPPP).

Within this framework, WFP is implementing multiple projects in Cabo Delgado, particularly in the districts of Mocímboa da Praia, Palma, Macomia and Ancuabe. These initiatives focus on strengthening agricultural production, enhancing food security, and improving social and economic inclusion, with a particular emphasis on women, youth, and vulnerable populations.

To support these efforts, WFP is contracting three assessments:

1. Conflict-sensitive analysis (by WFP).

2. Ecosystem services analysis (By WFP)

3. Private sector assessment (focus of this ToR).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

To identify entry points and develop models for Public-Private-Producer Partnerships (PPPPs) that create sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, women, and smallholder farmers in Cabo Delgado, particularly in Palma and Mocímboa da Praia. This will contribute to WFP’s broader goal of building resilient, climate-adaptive food systems.

For this assessment, the private sector includes both for-profit enterprises and business associations/coalitions, defined as “either for-profit, commercial enterprises or businesses; or business associations and coalitions.”

Geographic Focus

Cabo Delgado Province, with emphasis on Palma and Mocímboa da Praia districts.

Key Tasks

1. Develop Assessment Methodology

In consultation with WFP, define methodology and tools for data collection.

Include two components:
a) Initial landscape assessment to refine focus and prioritize sectors/entities.
b) In-depth research to identify concrete opportunities and provide actionable recommendations.

2. Coordinate with Conflict Sensitivity (CS) Analysis

Align with the CS analysis timeline and findings (preliminary results expected end of June).

Consider outcomes of CS field-level participatory workshops in the private sector assessment.

Conduct a desk review and submit an inception report.

3. Data Collection and Analysis

Conduct fieldwork and analyze findings to inform recommendations.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitate a validation workshop or meeting to present preliminary findings and gather feedback.

5. Reporting

Submit a draft report for WFP review.

Deliver two final versions:
a) A public version for external sharing.
b) An internal version for WFP use, including sensitive recommendations.

Report Deliverables – Coverage

The final report should address the following areas:

Overview of the regulatory and governance framework relevant to private sector investment in Cabo Delgado.

Mapping of main private sector activities (e.g., agriculture, input supply, manufacturing, hospitality, extractives).

List of key private sector entities and existing partnerships with government and development actors, categorized by size (small, medium, large).

Overview of workforce demand in strategic sectors and key enterprises.

Summary of opportunities and bottlenecks for private investment.

Identification of potential PPPP models for value chain upgrades.

Recommendations on interventions, capacities, and resources needed to unlock opportunities for youth, women, and smallholders (including fisherfolk).

Clarification of roles for collaborating stakeholders, including WFP, in implementation.

The final product should be in the format of the final report: incorporating final recommendations which should cover:

i) A detailed landscape of the private sector in Cabo Delgado, with an emphasis on opportunities for youth and women, with a focus on the districts of Palma and Mocímboa da Praia.

ii) A set of concrete recommendations for PPPPs that can drive sustainable economic growth.

iii) An actionable plan outlining roles, interventions, and resources needed to implement these recommendations.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

EXPERIENCE: At least 7-10 years of practical experience, demonstrating good understanding of the agriculture sector, value chains analysis and development as well as private sector development.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Advanced University degree in development, agriculture economics, business administration or related, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience: At least five (5) years of postgraduate professional experience.

Language: Fluency in English. Working knowledge of Portuguese is an asset.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Strong writing and analytical skills, ability to research and transform information into useful knowledge, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work inclusively and collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment. Strong research and assessment skills are essential

Previous work experience in Cabo Delgado or at least knowledge of the area, is an advantage.

Willing to work in multi-cultural settings and travel to different field locations and including challenging operating environments.

Collaborative spirit able to liaise with a wide range of people at all levels and across different cultures.

Behavioral competencies: Action Management, innovation, partnering and teamwork.

Applies Strategic Thinking: Communicates and fulfils WFP’s vision, embraces curiosity and new ways of doing things, analyses and evaluates data, considers the impact of decisions.

Leads by Example with Integrity: Upholds WFP values, principles, and standards, respects others and values diversity, stays focused and calm under pressure, demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements