Tea Value Chain Expert at RTI International: (Deadline 14 August 2023)

Tea Value Chain Expert at RTI International: (Deadline 14 August 2023)

RWANDA HANGA AKAZI ACTIVITY

SCOPE OF WORK TO CONDUCT A LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS OF THE TEA AND RELATED PRODUCTS VALUE CHAINS IN RWANDA 

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 tea sector in Rwanda has been experiencing notable growth and development, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and agricultural sector. Rwanda is known for producing high-quality tea, which has gained recognition in the international market. The government of Rwanda has been actively promoting and supporting the tea industry through various initiatives and policies, aimed at increasing production, improving quality, and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder tea farmers.

The tea sector holds tremendous potential for job creation, playing a pivotal role in stimulating employment opportunities and contributing to the country’s economic growth. With its expanding tea plantations and increasing production, the industry offers a promising avenue for job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs.

As Rwanda continues to attract investments in the tea sector, numerous job openings are emerging across various stages of tea production. From cultivation and harvesting on the plantations to processing, packaging, and transportation, there is a demand for a diverse workforce with different skill sets. Smallholder tea farmers benefit from increased job prospects as the sector’s expansion generates a need for labor-intensive activities, fostering rural development and reducing unemployment rates.  Nevertheless, there is an identified weakness related to experienced laborers in the tea sector leaving the labor force and not being replaced, as tea cultivation is often seen as “employment of last resort” and not a desirable career path.  Strategies for professionalization and technology-intensive approaches may promote more growth in the future by attracting more youth into the sector.

2. PURPOSE:

The purpose of conducting a landscape analysis of tea 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 in the tea industry. This information can be used to identify opportunities for further growth and development of the tea industry 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 tea 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 tea 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 scope of work for a consultant to analyze the tea landscape in Rwanda would typically include the following:

1. Researching the tea industry: The consultant would research the tea industry and associated value chains to gain an understanding of the current state of the industry, their challenges, and opportunities.
2. Identifying key stakeholders/ actors: The consultant would identify the key stakeholders and actors in the tea landscape, including producers, processors, and distributors in Rwanda.
3. Analyzing the tea investment landscape: The consultant would analyze the tea production and processing landscape to identify the current trends, challenges, and opportunities for the industry. This analysis would include an assessment of the current and potential demand for tea and related products, as well as an evaluation of the competition in Rwandan market.
4. Assessing the feasibility and opportunities of tea and associated value chains for job creation: The consultant will assess the feasibility and opportunities for job creation in the particularly for youth, women and persons with disabilities.
5. Evaluate the potential for expanding the tea industry in Rwanda, including the identification of new market opportunities, such as the export market, and the potential for diversification into other by products.
6. Developing recommendations: Based on the analysis and assessment, the consultant would develop recommendations for tea interventions that will promote job creation at different level of the values chain practices, the best practices for tea, and the most effective marketing and distribution strategies in Rwandan market.
7. Providing a report: The consultant would provide a comprehensive report summarizing the analysis, assessment, and recommendations. The report would include a detailed description of the tea production landscape, the potential new cultivation and processing sites identified, and the feasibility of job creation, as well as a detailed analysis of the current state of the tea cultivatoin industry and its prospects.

3. REPORTING:

The consultant will report to the Deputy Chief of Party 

4. TASKS/ LOE

5. QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Having a degree (at least A₀ or equivalent) in agricultural sciences, horticulture, or related fields, especially those related to tea.
• At least 8 years of experience in tea-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 tea sector and associated value chains, tea 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

7. APPLICATION INSTRUCTION

Submit the documents below to [email protected] by 14^th August 2023, COB.

1. A technical proposal on the assignment. This should begin with a cover letter and include a proposed budget. 15 pages’ max
2. A detailed CV highlighting previous experiences in undertaking similar projects, contacts for 3 references Not Mandatory: The CV can include self-declaration on sex, age and disability status – if desired. 10 pages’ max