CESVI

CODE 15/2010 FMC PAK POSITION Fruit Marketing Consultant LOCATION Skardu (PAKISTAN) and ITALY CLOSING DATE 24/03/2010 DURATION The consultancy will be implemented in different periods according to the activities plan. The contract will specify the number of paid days as well as the number of periods. REQUIRED COMPETENCES - At least 10 years experience in agri-based value-chain activities (fruit, dry fruit, dairy products...), including processing and/or marketing, and with hands-on program implementation experience involving small-scale producers - Excellent organizational, planning and managerial skills as well as report writing - Communication skills with sensitivity in dealing with government authorities on critical issues - Willingness to travel and spend time at project sites - Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken DESIRABLE COMPETENCES - Post-university studies in value chain development and marketing - Previous experience in Himalaya/Karakoram region will be an asset - Italian language will be an asset WORK CONTEXT CESVI is an international NGO, with headquarters in Italy, operating in Pakistan. CESVI has received a grant from the European Commission for the implementation of a humanitarian aid operation under the facility for rapid response to soaring food prices in developing countries. CESVI is seeking a FRUIT MARKETING CONSULTANT for the Project "Strengthening Community Responses to Food Insecurity in the Northern Areas and Chitral (NAC)". The project aims at enhancing the food and livelihood security of the most vulnerable communities living in the remote mountain regions of Northern Areas and Chitral, Pakistan. The diverse agro-ecology of GBC allows the production of many temperate fruits. Apricot is a major fruit grown in this area and is widely spread over the different agro-ecological zones of GBC. It is the top most perennial crop in the area with an annual production estimated to be in excess of 140,000 tons. However, over 50-60% of this crop is wasted annually due to the absence of knowledge and skills, processing facilities and reliable marketing channels. As a result less than 5% of this fruit is eventually properly dried and marketed. Previous work done by AKRSP, government and several other NGOs in apricot drying has brought significant increase in demand for dried apricots from domestic as well as international markets. To facilitate growers, AKRSP has supported the establishment of small processing and marketing enterprises which currently play an important role in marketing dry apricots. The most interesting dimension of this activity is the fact that apricot drying has traditionally been a women's activity and the development of this sector has significantly improved the financial status of women with positive effects on families and society as a whole. AKRSP's efforts to link the dry apricot sub sector with export markets during the past decade through consistent support to the entrepreneurs in meeting the export requirements has started producing some results. The project therefore, intends to take the current experiment to a larger scale by supporting village based core women producers groups. These groups once operational will work as role models for other women to follow on the same path. Cesvi one of the partners in this project will assist in exploring dry apricot market in Europe and in particular in Italy with the help of a Fruit Marketing Consultant who will explore the local, national and European market for dry apricots and nuts. Cesvi will design a training program that would prepare the women groups in delivering a product that meets the European/Italian market standards. JOB DESCRIPTION The collaboration will start as soon as possible. Objective of the consultancy: - To explore and collect information on apricot production and practices in the Northern Areas and Chitral - To collect information and assess the existing drying apricot facilities and enterprises in the Northern Areas and Chitral - To collect information on value chain and local dried apricot traders and vendors (local and non-local) - To explore the dry apricot and nuts market in Europe and Italy Main activities: - Filed visit of the project target area to overview the apricot production and practice under different agro ecological zones - Visit of dry fruit/apricot processors/enterprises to assess the apricot processing facilities in the local context - Consultation sessions with women apricot producers, extension workers and local dried apricot traders/vendors with stakeholders - Assist in dry apricot test market in to EU/Italy market - Lead and plan market exploration group in Italy - Writ up of findings EVERY APPLICATION FOR THE ASSIGNMENT MUST INCLUDE A QUOTATION INCLUDING ALL CONSULTANCY COSTS. ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE WRITTEN IN ENGLISH. TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE: http://www.cesvi.org/hr.cesvi.org/details.htm?id=182 CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS SUBMISSION: Sara Masper TELEPHON: 0039 - 0352058058 WEBSITE URL: www.cesvi.org