Terms of Reference: Compendium of UK-based service providers for the horticulture sector
Consultancy, Research Jobs
- Horticultural Development Cou…
- Expires 20 Dec 2024
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Terms of Reference: Compendium of UK-based service providers for the horticulture sector
1. Background:
The Horticulture Development Council (HDC) is an industry-led, private voluntary organization established by Statutory Instrument 133 of 2020 under the Horticulture Recovery Programme. HDC has been mandated by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement (MLAFWRD) and is a member of the National Horticultural Working Group (NHWG). HDC plays a critical role in representing the interests of the diverse horticulture sector farmer organizations, while providing the much-needed coordinated interface with government and related public institutions to fulfill its mandate delivering on the transformation and growth of the agricultural sector through i) Development of smallholder and out-grower schemes, ii) Strengthening the horticulture production base, iii) Developed infrastructure and logistics, iv) Improved export access, v) Improved financing and investment, vi) Sustainability, and vii) Value addition.
Zimbabwe has significant untapped potential to reach the national $ 1 billion annual production target. This requires the inclusive participation of all farmers. Smallholder farmer inclusion is crucial, smallholders contribute significantly to food production but face many challenges in accessing markets, inputs, finance, and support. In order to address these challenges HDC, developed the Hub and Spoke Business Model which improves smallholders' access to markets and support services. Under the model, smallholder farmers get technical support to improve productivity and have access to buyers. In turn, processors are assured of a stable supply of raw materials from farmers. The Hub & Spoke model works just like a bicycle wheel. The hub can be a processor or any buyer of the crops. The spokes are made up of support services including government services and other value chain actors. The rim is the hardworking farmers who produce the crops.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) would like to enhance Member Services by increasing its Knowledge Products accessible to members as Member Services. There is a strong historical history between UK Service Providers and Zimbabwe Farmers that HDC would like to resuscitate as well as identify new service providers accessible to HDC Members. As such HDC is seeking the services of a consultant or consultancy firm to develop a compendium of UK-based service and technology providers for the horticulture sector. These include technology companies and services, manufacturers and processors able to offtake from Zimbabwean horticultural farmers and service providers who may include inter-alia food distributors and direct marketers, green technology companies, packaging and RFD sensors for boundaries.
Duties and Responsibilities
2. Objectives:
i. To identify and list qualified service providers to the horticulture sector across the Hub and Spoke Business Model spoke spectrum in areas of
o Compliance to Food Safety and Standards,
o Finance,
o Technology including plant protection products and applicators,
o Plant propagation material,
o IT software
o Extension and learning materials and equipment,
o Smallholder Company models and others
ii. To evaluate the capabilities and credentials of these service providers
iii. To analyze and identify appropriate services applicable to HDC members
3. Deliverables:
• A report on horticulture service sector in the UK with a focus on access and relevance to Zimbabwe
• A detailed categorized report on the identified service providers including summary sheets.
• A database or directory of service providers with contact information and service descriptions.
• Final report of technology and horticulture service providers based in the UK who can work with Zimbabwean horticulture farmers.
4. Duration and Timeline:
The consultancy will conclude by 15 January 2025. The timeline for specific activities is 30 working days.
Qualifications and Experience
5. Qualifications and Expertise:
The consultant or consultancy firm should possess the following qualifications and expertise:
• Demonstrated experience working in the UK /EU within the food sector
• Knowledge of food production, storage, processing, logistics, and infrastructure
• Firsthand experience with Quality Management Systems
• A reputable food sector qualification including project management experience
6. Budget:
Interested consultants/consultancy firms are invited to submit their proposed budget, including fees, expenses, and any other relevant costs.
7. Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Relevance and clarity of the proposed approach and methodology.
• Qualifications and experience of the consultant/consultancy firm and its team members.
• Cost-effectiveness of the proposed budget.
• Ability to meet the project timeline and deliverables.
How to Apply
8. Submission of Proposals:
Interested consultants/consultancy firms are requested to submit their proposals, including a detailed work plan, CVs of team members, proposed budget, and any other relevant supporting documents, to Nqobizitha Dube at busdev2@hdczim.com and CC busdev1@hdczim.com and research@hdczim.com. The closing date for submission of the Expression Of Interest is COB on 20 December 2024
Email communication is the only form of formal communication.
9. Contact Information:
For inquiries or further information, please contact Nqobizitha Dube on busdev2@hdczim.com and CC busdev1@hdczim.com and research@hdczim.com
HDC looks forward to receiving your proposals and collaborating with a qualified consultant or consultancy firm to empower horticultural farmers through an effective member services offering.
