Background and Context
AGRA is a proudly African-led institution focused on scaling agricultural innovations that help smallholder farmers towards increased incomes, better livelihoods, and improved food security. We understand that African farmers need uniquely African solutions to their environmental and agricultural challenges, enabling them to boost production and access rapidly growing agricultural markets sustainably.
In short, AGRA’s mission is to transform smallholder farmers’ lives from a solitary struggle for survival to a business that thrives. Since 2006, we have worked with our partners, governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector businesses, and more to deliver proven solutions to smallholder farmers and indigenous African agricultural enterprises. We put smallholder farmers first on the agenda, recognizing that no country has moved from low-income to middle-income without agricultural transformation. For more information about AGRA, please visit our website at www.agra.org.
Objectives of the Consultancy
AGRA is seeking an individual consultant to support the Mali team in strengthening the competitiveness of the seed sector in Mali by developing a sustainable business model for EGS production and supply.
The overall objective of this assignment is to establish a sustainable early-generation seeds (EGS) supply mechanism through strengthened coordination among the seed production planning unit, the national directorate of agriculture, IER and the seed companies.
The expected outcomes based on SeedSAT recommendations are;
1. Sustainable EGS Business Model developed for Mali.
2. Strengthened modalities for the operations of the seed production planning unit (National Seed Service NSS), the National Directorate of Agriculture (DNA), IER and Seed Companies to properly articulate annual EGS and certified seed availability and demand and make the data available and easily accessible.
Scope of Work and Tasks
The consultant will be required to provide the following tasks:
a. Support IER to institutionalize efficient seed production planning by ensuring proper data collection tools are available to properly articulate annual EGS and make the data available and easily accessible;
i. Information on the lower classes of seed (G0, G1, G2) also needs to be properly documented and made available;
ii. Liaise with ASSEMA for information on certified seed demand by farmers to enhance seed production planning and demand forecasting.
b. Explore and recommend options for leveraging resources to build sufficient risk mitigation in the EGS system, including diversifying producers, cold rooms, and irrigation facilities.
c. Develop a comprehensive business model for sustainable EGS production and supply in Mali.
d. Develop modalities for self-regulation and a quality control mechanism for early-generation seed classes at IER based on approved standards.
e. Develop knowledge products that can serve as a blueprint and be replicated to solve EGS availability and supply issues in other countries as applicable.
Key Competencies and Qualifications
We seek to engage an individual consultant with a combination of these areas of expertise and qualifications;
a) Minimum eight years of experience in Seed Systems-related work and assessments on the African continent.
b) The consultant must have a sound reputation and in-depth knowledge of Africa’s public and private sector-led agriculture, particularly Mali.
c) Previous experience of conducting similar analyses of African agriculture
d) In-country presence in and deep knowledge of Mali
e) Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the policy landscape in Mali
f) Experience working with government agencies, the private sector, and development partners is an added advantage.
g) Good references for reliability, dedication, and an ability to work unsupervised.
h) Previous experience in providing technical support/conducting assessments to the AGRA target countries is an advantage.
i) The Consultant is expected to have enough crucial personnel to meet the specifications and timelines for this project.
Timeframe
The assignment is estimated to be completed in 24 months.
Location and Nature of Assignment
This assignment will be carried out in Mali and Bamako, with requisite travel to the Sikasso and Koulikoro Regions to engage with IER and DNA stakeholders at the regional level.
Guidelines for Preparations and Submission of Proposals
a. The proposals shall be prepared in English.
b. The proposals SHALL be submitted via the Oracle system by the deadline indicated in the system.
c. The technical proposal shall not exceed ten pages. CVs, certificates, and other supporting documents should be added under annexes.
d. The proposal and ALL Attachments submitted via the Oracle system SHALL NOT exceed 10MB.
e. VALIDITY of the proposal shall be 90 days from the bid closure date.
f. The detailed financial proposal (professional fees, reimbursements if applicable, and applicable taxes) for the entire assignment shall be uploaded under the lines section.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2024
