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MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT

SOMALILAND FOOD SYSTEMS RESILIENCE PROJECT (SL-FSRP)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Individual Selection of Consultant

Country: Government of Somaliland

Project ID No: P177816

Name of Project: Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa (Phase 3) FSRP

Consulting Service: Market and Agribusiness Development Specialist

Individual/firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa

Deadline: 22nd May 2025

Ref Number: SO-MOAD-SL-474505-CS-INDV

1.       BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

Somaliland Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa (Phase 3) FSRP  is part of a regional initiative by the World Bank to provide a comprehensive framework for intervention at both the national and regional levels. This Multi-phase Programmatic Approach (MPA) aims to tackle the underlying structural challenges of food insecurity and reduce beneficiaries’ vulnerability to unpredictable climate, crisis, and conflict events

The Project Development Objective (PDO) of the project is ‘to increase the resilience of food systems and the Somaliland’s preparedness for food insecurity in project target areas. The project has six components namely: Component 1: (Re-)Building Resilient Agricultural Production Capacity; Component 2: Supporting the Sustainable Development of Natural Resources for Resilient Agricultural Landscapes; Component 3: Getting to Market; Component 4: Promoting a Greater Focus on Food Systems Resilience in National and Regional Policymaking; Component 5: Contingent Emergency Response Component; Component 6: Project Coordination and Management. 

The Somaliland FSRP will directly benefit an estimated 65,000 of small farmers, agro-pastoralists, and nomadic pastoralists, at least 30 percent of which will be women. In addition, the project will support value chain stakeholders including women-owned agribusiness enterprises, financial services providers, disruptive Agriculture Technology start-ups, agricultural research and extension institutions. Within the public sector, the project will also build the capacity of Ministry of Agriculture Development, Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and other institutions to implement resilience- focused policies. Therefore, the Ministry of Agricultural

The Market and Agribusiness Development Specialist (MADS) is responsible for coordinating market and agribusiness development activities within the project. This includes (i) coordinating the development and implementation of market linkages strategies and agribusiness development plans in alignment with project objectives; (ii) providing technical guidance on improving the market access for smallholder farmers, enhancing value chain integration, and supporting the development of agribusinesses; (iii) preparing annual work plans and budgets for market and agribusiness activities; (iv) providing technical assistance in the development of market systems and agribusinesses within the project scope; (v) contributing to progress reports, including monitoring and evaluation of market and agribusiness activities, and ensuring compliance with procurement, contract management, and environmental safeguards; (vi) collaborating with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to ensure smooth execution of activities; and (vii) working closely with key stakeholders, including private sector partners and local entities, to support the development of terms of reference and manage the selection and contracting processes for market and agribusiness services.

The MoAD seeks to recruit a qualified individual to serve as the Market and Agribusiness Development Specialist (MADS) for this project under the terms specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR).

2.       RESPONSIBILITIES: The Market and Agribusiness Development Specialist (MADS) will work closely with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), relevant government focal points, and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of market and agribusiness activities. Key responsibilities include:

·         Coordinating the development and implementation of the agribusiness development strategy for the project, ensuring alignment with national and regional priorities.

·         Supporting the creation of market linkages and value chains by identifying potential market opportunities for agricultural products.

·         Providing technical support to value chain stakeholders, particularly women-owned agribusiness enterprises and agricultural technology startups.

·         Assisting in the formulation and implementation of market development activities, including the identification of key business models and market entry strategies.

·         Overseeing the capacity building of key stakeholders involved in agribusiness, including training and providing advisory services.

·         Supporting the integration of inclusive approaches to market and agribusiness development, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized groups are included in project activities.

·         Coordinating the preparation of work plans and budgets related to market and agribusiness activities, ensuring effective resource allocation and management.

·         Contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of market and agribusiness activities, ensuring alignment with the project’s overall goals and objectives.

Skills and qualifications

1.       SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection will be based on the qualifications, experience, and skills of the candidate, followed by an interview. The criteria include:

·         Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Cooperative Development, Marketing, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or a related discipline.

·         Minimum 5 years of professional experience in market and agribusiness development, with a focus on agriculture or rural development.

·         Proven experience in facilitating value chain development, including analysis, business model identification, and capacity building for value chain actors.

·         Strong knowledge of agricultural value chains and market systems, particularly in relation to smallholder farmers and rural businesses.

·         Demonstrated experience in developing market development strategies, identifying business models, creating market linkages, and fostering productive alliances and business partnerships for agri-business opportunities.

·         Experience in working with a variety of stakeholders, including private sector actors, government agencies, development partners, and agribusinesses.

·         Demonstrated ability to provide technical support, training, and capacity building to agribusinesses, producer organizations, and other stakeholders.

·         Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, multicultural environment.

·         Proficiency in using relevant software for data management, analysis, and reporting.

·         Fluency in both written and spoken English, with strong report-writing skills.

2.       REPORTING

The Agricultural Research and Seed Systems Specialist will report directly to the Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Agricultural Development.

3.       DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The Consultant will be contracted for a period of eight (8) months, with the possibility of extension for up to two (2) additional years based on satisfactory performance, need for the role and availability of funding.

How to apply

The Ministry of Agricultural Development now invites eligible Individual Consultants to express their interest in providing the above-mentioned services. Interested candidates must submit the following documents: (i) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three reference contacts; (ii) copies of academic qualification certificates; and (iii) a cover letter demonstrating their suitability for the assignment.

Attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017, 2018, 2020, September 2023 and February 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. 

Interested applicants may obtain further information including the detailed Terms of Reference from the Ministry in person or by e-mail to the address given below during office hours from 8.00 a.m.– 3.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday. The ToR is also available on our website: https://sl-fsrp.org/vacancies-and-tender/.

 Submission deadline; Deadline; Expressions of Interest (EOI) and CV must be delivered to the address below by hand, mail, courier or email on or before 22nd May 2025 at 3:00 PM East Africa Time (EAT). The subject line of the email should clearly state: “Market and Agribusiness Development Specialist (MADS)– Expression of Interest.”

Project Coordination Unit (PCU)
Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD)
East of Assod Hotel, Sha’ab Area, Hargeisa, Somaliland

Attn: Mrs. Zamzam Ahmed, Procurement Specialist

Email: procurement@sl-fsrp.org