Coffee Value Chain Expert

RTI International seeks a Coffee Value Chain Expert in Kigali, Rwanda, to conduct a landscape analysis of the coffee industry. This role aims to identify opportunities for growth and employment within the sector, focusing on enhancing skills and fostering inclusive economic growth. The analysis will cover cultivation practices, market linkages, challenges faced by farmers, and successful models from other countries to improve Rwanda's coffee sector.
JOB DETAILS:
1. Context:
• RTI International is implementing the Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi to address the problem of insufficient employment opportunities and limited entrepreneurial success for Rwandans which negatively impacts the Rwandan economy and the country's development goals. The HA Activity will facilitate capacity development of Rwandans – in particular women, youth, and persons with disabilities – in key technical and soft skills required to participate in a modern workforce (focusing on opportunities surrounding the agricultural economy) and will catalyze new entry and growth of inclusive enterprises. Over the life of the Activity, Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi interventions will support a minimum of 23,000 job seekers to access new or improved employment, while the Activity’s support to agribusinesses will result in the creation of at least 19,000 jobs at partner firms.
• The coffee sector in Rwanda continues to play a pivotal role in the country's economy and employment landscape. Rwanda's reputation for producing high-quality coffee has earned international recognition, opening lucrative opportunities in the global market. The government's proactive approach, through various initiatives and policies, has led to significant growth and development in the coffee value chain.
• Employment in the coffee sector remains a key focus, as it has the potential to create substantial job opportunities, particularly for rural communities. With the expansion of coffee plantations and increased production, demand for skilled labor across various stages of the coffee value chain has risen substantially. This presents an opportunity for empowering youth, women, and marginalized groups, fostering inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction.
• However, challenges persist, including the need for skilled workers and professionals to drive innovation and enhance productivity. To fully leverage the potential of the coffee sector, targeted strategies focusing on professional training, modern farming practices, and value addition are essential. By promoting sustainable employment and empowering coffee farmers and workers, Rwanda can continue to strengthen its position as a leading player in the global coffee market while driving positive socio-economic impact at the grassroots level.

2. Purpose:
• The purpose of conducting a landscape analysis of coffee industry in Rwanda is to gather information and insights about the current state of the sector in the country, with an eye toward opportunities to promote remunerative employment. This information can be used to identify opportunities for further growth and development of the coffee sector in Rwanda. The analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the existing cultivation and harvesting practices, market linkages throughout the sector, the actors involved in the industry, the challenges faced by farmers, and the policies and regulations governing the coffee sector in Rwanda. Additionally, the analysis will identify best practices and successful models currently being applied in other countries, which can be adapted and implemented in Rwanda to improve the industry.
• In general, the landscape analysis will help Hanga Akazi and other stakeholders in the coffee industry, including the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and farmers themselves, to make informed decisions about investments, policies, and interventions to support the sustainable development of export-driven value chains in Rwanda.

Specific tasks will include:
The consultant will employ a mixed-methods approach, including desk research and field assessments. The following tasks will be undertaken:
1. Desk Research: Gather data from existing reports, studies, and relevant literature to gain insights into the coffee industry in Rwanda, its challenges, and opportunities.
2. Stakeholder Mapping: Identify and engage with key stakeholders involved in the coffee value chain, including government agencies, private sector entities, cooperatives, and coffee farmers' associations.
3. Data Collection: Conduct interviews and surveys with coffee farmers, processors, traders, exporters, and other stakeholders to gather primary data on production practices, challenges, and potential for job creation.
4. Market Analysis: Analyze the coffee market in Rwanda, including domestic and export markets, to understand demand, competition, and potential opportunities.
5. Feasibility Assessment: Evaluate the feasibility of various interventions to promote job creation and enhance the coffee sector's sustainability.
6. Best Practices: Identify successful models and best practices from other countries that can be adapted and implemented in Rwanda to improve the coffee value chain.

Qualifications:
• Having a degree (at least A0 or equivalent) in agricultural sciences, horticulture, or related fields, especially those related to coffee.
• At least 8 years of experience in horticulture-related fields, with a strong background in landscape analysis. Previous work experience/assignment in Rwanda or other African countries is considered a plus.
• A consultant should be familiarity with the coffee sector and associated value chains, coffee processing and marketing, and relevant policy frameworks in Rwanda.
• The consultant should have excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written. The ability to speak French or Kinyarwanda would be an added advantage, as well as the ability to write reports.
• The consultant should have strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyze and interpret data, and identify trends and patterns.
• The consultant should be able to work collaboratively with others, including clients, stakeholders, and team members.

6. Selection Criteria
• Technical Approach (40%): Clear and comprehensive methodology and work plan to conduct landscape analysis.
• Expertise (35%): Relevance experience with adequate proof related to conducting similar assignments in the past.
• Cost (25%): Reasonableness of the proposed cost of consultancy for the period of performance

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 96

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree