EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Summary

As part of the strengthening of its Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Program, Cordaid Ethiopia is recruiting a Consultant with expertise in Value Chain Analysis (VCA) and Market Systems Development (MSD), whose role will be to carry out an analysis of two pre-identified agri-food systems in two selected locations in Ethiopia, namely Medda Wolabu district of East Borana zone, Oromia regional State and Argobba special district of South Wollo Zone, Amhara regional state.

The assignment will preferably start in June,2025 with field visits.

Background

Our programming is further guided by just climate action, principles of diversity and inclusivity, and recognition of the need for a Humanitarian, Development and Peace (HDP) approach to address root causes of vulnerability.

The current assignment is placed within the thematic department of food systems that aims to work on inclusive economic empowerment, climate resilient agri-food systems and improved access to financial services. The programming includes a broad range of projects related to the development of sustainable agri-food systems, including improved access to economic opportunities for youth, women and vulnerable households.

Cordaid intends to apply a Market Systems Development (MSD) and Value Chain Development (VCD) approach towards agri-food systems strengthening to create systemic, sustainable and large-scale change.

General objective

The general objective of this analysis is to identify opportunities for project development and intervention design in two pre-identified Value Chains to increase the income of small-scale farmers and Agro pastoralists, especially taking into account the different interests and needs of youth, women and vulnerable households.

Objectives

In short, the specific objectives of this consultancy are:

1. Present an overview and in-depth Value Chain Analysis (VCA) of the functioning of the two pre-identified Value Chains within the selected agri-food systems in the two locations. Cordaid will also provide a set of specific guiding questions for each pre-identified VC and selected agri-food system in its location.
2. Provide an overview of the identified potential project opportunities to improve the functioning of the Value Chain and present a proposal with three project fiches with realistic intervention lines for each Value Chain to improve the economic opportunities for youth, women and vulnerable households.

Description of the study

The overview and in-depth analysis should be carried out in accordance with Value Chain Development (VCD) and/or MSD methodologies and include key data of the pre-identified agri-food systems and the mapping of the main actors and their actions. Access to supporting services and markets need to be presented, as well as level of processing and added value. The analysis should identify the key constraints and root causes of problems as well as opportunities in the sector, together with existing (innovative) strategies of supporting actors. This could also include potential (innovative) pilots and their scaling-up strategies.

The proposal will include recommendations for project development and three project fiches of potential intervention lines to address the constraints in the value chain development and take advantage of the existing opportunities. The Consultant should propose a support approach capable of generating large-scale systemic change, notably in terms of at least local capacity building, market access, inclusive finance and farming system resilience.

At the end of the field visit to the selected locations, the Consultant will co-organise together with Cordaid a validation workshop with relevant stakeholders, in which he or she will present the results of the preliminary data analysis and facilitate discussion sessions.

Methodology

The study will be conducted in Addis Abeba and in the two selected locations in East Borana and Amhara.

The consultancy will be carried out in different phases, using an inclusive and participatory methodology involving the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data. In addition, a validation workshop will be co-organised in each location in which multiple stakeholders from the selected agri-food system will be brought together to give feedback on preliminary results and discuss a potential joint vision, goal and intervention lines for project opportunities.

The consultant will employ both primary and secondary data collection tools such as Key Informant Interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations and secondary data reviews as seemed required.

1. Phase 1: Preparation. After consultations with the Cordaid team, the Consultant will propose a work plan including data collection and analysis tools, the setting of an agenda with concrete dates for activities, a list of stakeholders to be consulted and preparations made for travels, etc. Online interviews with Partner Organisations in the selected locations will be made to get insightful information before organising the final scope and details of the field work.
2. Phase 2: Literature review. The Consultant will carry out a review of the relevant literature regarding the selected agri-food systems, value chains and geographical locations.
3. Phase 3: Data collection.
4. • In Addis Abeba, interviews will be held with relevant Key Informants. These could include interviews with relevant governmental offices, market actors, national NGOs, international development organizations, knowledge institutes, universities, etc.
   • In the selected field locations, Key Informants Interviews, focus groups discussions, direct observations and other activities will be conducted to document the agri-food systems and pre-identified Value Chain.
5. Phase 4: The Consultant will support the co-organisation of a validation workshop with relevant stakeholders in each of the selected locations to present and discuss preliminary results and assess whether it is possible to develop a joint vision and objectives of intervention lines, based on joint interests between stakeholders.
6. Phase 5: Restitution and reporting. This phase includes the syntheses of collected data and information; after which a report is drafted in which the agri-food systems are described, the results of the Value Chain Analysis are presented as well as the proposals and recommendations for future project interventions. The report will be in line with the workshop observations and comments.

Deliverables

The main expected deliverables are:

1. Workplan, agenda & data collection and analysis tools
2. Inception report
3. Workshop reports of the validation meetings with stakeholders
4. Draft report
5. Final report

Duration of the assignment

• Inception activities, Draft Inception Report and Finalizing the Inception Report by incorporating comments from Cordaid June 20, 2025
• Analysis and submission of first draft report of the study 10th July 2025
• Review of the Draft Report by Cordaid 12nd –15th July 2025
• Preparation, Review and Finalization and submission of Research Manuscript 30th July 2025

The requested profile of the Consultant is as follows:

• The Consultant will put together a dedicated team with a minimum of two researchers with relevant education qualifications, expertise and experience.
• At least 5 and above years of demonstrated experience in Value Chain Analysis (VCA) and projects related to Value Chain Development (VCD) in agriculture in Ethiopia. Experience with Market Systems Development (MSD) is considered a plus.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience with international development projects related to agricultural development, agri-business and natural resource management in rural areas of Ethiopia.
• Knowledge of gender issues in the socio-economic and cultural contexts of East Borana and Amhara will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the specific constraints that youth is experiencing in these contexts will also be considered a plus.
• Immediate availability to start the assignment is definitely a plus as well as the ability to travel and to deploy rapidly in the field to carry out the field studies.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of local languages is considered a plus.
• Good research and analytical skills
• Organisational ability to work effectively and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good command of computer tools such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and Web browsers and database applications.

Selection criteria