REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

“CONSULTANCY SERVICES”

SECTOR: Research
CONSULTANCY SERVICES: Seed Certification Protocol Consultant
FINANCING AGREEMENT REFERENCE: IFAD GRANT NUMBER – 2000002865
PROJECT ID No. PJ- 002860

This request for expression of interest follows the general procurement procedures for this project issued under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) as part of her contributions to Agricultural transformation in Nigerian federal states and Togolese regions towards achieving Zero Hunger.

Background

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under the Agricultural Transformation in Nigeria’s Federal States and Togolese Regions towards achieving Zero Hunger Project funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Rural Development (MAEDR) in Togo is embarking on a crucial initiative to establish a seed certification protocol for cassava, yam, and sweet potato. This project aims to enhance the quality control and certification processes, ultimately contributing to improved agricultural practices and Zero Hunger in Togo.

Objective and Scope of Work

The broad objective of the consultancy is to produce seed certification protocol for Cassava, yam, and sweet potato for Togo, training of certification and Extension Officers, and Backstop the setup of seed demonstration farms for cassava in Plateau and Maritime regions of Togo.

The Consultancy will involve three principal activities:

· Development of Seed certification protocol for Cassava, yam, and sweet potato: January – February, 2024

· Training of certification and Extension Officers and Launch of Cassava Seed Certification seed protocol for Togo: February – April, 2024

· Backstop the setup of seed demonstration farm for cassava in Plateau and Maritime regions: May-June- 2024

Roles of Consultant

The task will be undertaken by a consultant with skills for the following:

Development of Seed Certification Protocol (January – February):

a. Prepare separate seed certification protocol for Cassava, yam, and sweet potato for Togo in collaboration with the Zero hunger project Cassava focal point from the Institut togolais de recherche agronomique (ITRA), Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Eueal Development, (MAEDR), representative of seed certification body in Togo and Nigeria. This will start remotely and another physical engagement with the team in Togo to produce the first draft

b. Send the first draft of the seed certification protocol for the 3 crops- 22 days after starting.

c. Present the draft of the 3 crops- 25 days after starting to IITA selected staff and selected stakeholders in Togo for inputs.

d. Produce final copies of the manual for the 3 crops and translate them to French for final review 30 days after starting.

Training and Launch of Cassava Seed Certification (February – April)

· Conduct training sessions for certification and extension officers in Togo.

· Facilitate the launch of the Seed Certification protocol for the 3 crops in Togo.

Backstopping the Setup of Seed Demonstration Farm (May – June):

· Provide support for the establishment of a seed demonstration farm for cassava in the Plateau and Maritime regions.

Please check the link below for further details on the requirements and mode of applications:

https://t.ly/P-FJD

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Expertise

Education:

• At least PhD degree or equivalent in one or more of the following disciplines: agriculture science; agronomy, crop protection, agricultural economics, or other related fields with proven and demonstrated experience in similar consultancy.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum 8 years of plant breeding (especially for cassava, yam, and sweet potatoes) and seed certification process engagement for developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience in formulating social policies, and designing and implementing training manuals.
• Proven ability to write policy briefs, research papers, articles, technical reports and documents
• Track record of successful delivery of high-level expert advice to governments and international organizations;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and have the initiative to work independently to meet deadlines.

Competencies:

• Good communication skills
• Excellent Analytical skills
• Ability to work with a multi-cultural environment and team

Benefits

Budget and Payment Schedule:

Kindly indicate your budget in the application. Travels and Accommodation authorized by the project lead for this task outside Nigeria will be paid for by the project.