Job Description
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION (FAO)
PROC.REF. NO.: 019/FAO/PHL/01
Assignment Title: Post-Harvest Loss Statistician and Survey Expert
1. Background
The reduction of post-harvest losses and food loss is a high priority for the Government of Malawi, especially for the staple crops like cereals and pulses where food losses affect the food security of the country and farmers’ income. At the global level, Food Loss and Waste reduction is a priority area of action in the 2030 sustainable development agenda with a dedicated SDG target 12.3, which aims “by 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.” Against this context, the Ministry of Agriculture of Malawi requested FAO’s support in the analysis of data collected in a post-harvest loss sample survey in 2020/21 to form a basis that can be used for analyzing data in the subsequent years.
The Ministry is looking for a Post-Harvest Loss Statistician and Survey Expert to support them in carrying out this project in a consultancy position.
2. Scope of the Assignment
Under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture Malawi the consultant will:
1. Organize and offer a training workshop on the data cleaning and analysis of harvest and post-harvest losses to the Ministry of Agriculture and other key stakeholders, including the estimation of losses for each activity, total losses, and the proper interpretation of results and its link to the Food Loss Index. The expert will also produce the training material.
2. Transfer knowledge to the Ministry of Agriculture on how to carry out the data cleaning and data analysis exercise with special reference to agriculture statistics and postharvest loss surveys of cereals and pulses.
This exercise will involve support to:
a) Establish the cleaning plan and conduct the cleaning of the data on harvest and post-harvest losses
collected during the 2020/21 agricultural season. Generate the cleaned dataset for the two rounds of
data collection for analysis purposes. Carry out the quality control of the scripts and routines.
b) Produce a tabulation plan and generate the output tables with the relevant variables and indicators
identified for data analysis and decision-taking. Produce food loss estimates for the cereals and pulses
by activity and aggregated, as well as by other key variables and related aggregations. Advise on the
relevant indicators.
c) Conduct a detailed analysis of the harvest and post-harvest loss information, to better understand
the results and to identify key critical loss points and their causing factors (including, e.g., interpreting he results, comparing the results to other available loss data in Malawi and internationally, among others). Conduct a brief exercise to include the obtained results in the compilation and reporting of SDG 12.3.1. Food Loss Index.
d) Elaborate the final report to be published with the key results and recommendations on harvest and
post-harvest losses, as well as lessons learnt from the survey implementation.
It is envisaged that the consultancy services will be provided for a period of not more than 50 days
spread out over several months, effective from the date of contract signing and ending not later than 30th September 2024
3. Qualifications and Experience
Interested individuals should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Masters’ Degree qualification in Statistics from an acredited institution; with a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics or Computer Sciences.
- At least twenty (20) years of experience in designing and carrying out research. Evidence of such work should be provided with contact details from a minimum of three relevant organizations.
- Proven record of expertise (at least 12 years’ experience with the UN system) designing and carrying out agricultural sample surveys in at least four countries in Sub Saharan Africa.
- Proven record of expertise on postharvest loss surveys, postharvest losses, value chain analysis,
measurement methodologies in at least three countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, experience with Malawi is an added advantage. - Proven record of expertise on data analysis, statistical programming (using Excel and/or SPSS or SAS), technical report writing with special reference to postharvest loss data in at least three countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Proven record of providing technical assistance and capacity development to national statistics offices and ministries of agriculture in several settings and environments in Sub Saharan Africa.
- Proficiency and familiarity with the FAO SDG indicators framework, the Food Loss Index and its data requirements, the guidelines for the measurement of harvest and postharvest losses along the supply chain for the compilation of SDG indicator 12.3.1.a Food Loss Index.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Good coordination and facilitation skills
4. Eligibility
The Government of Malawi through the MoA now invites eligible and qualified individuals to indicate their interest to offer consultancy services in capacity development of the MoA and support in the analysis of post-harvest loss data.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant (INDV) selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Interested individuals must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services i.e. their profile, description of similar assignments and years of experience in similar conditions, and availability of appropriate skills.
Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours from 8:00Hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:30hrs to 16:30Hrs- Malawi local time.
5. Submission
Expressions of interest including updated detailed Curriculum Vitae and professional certificates must be submitted/delivered in a written form to the address below 2nd August, 2024 at 14:00hrs local time clearly marked “Expression of Interest for Consultancy Service to support MoA Malawi in capacity development and analysis of Post-Harvest loss data.
The Chairperson
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
Ministry of Agriculture
P.O. Box 30134
Capital City
Lilongwe 3, MALAWI
Tel: 265-1-789 033
Fax: 265-1-789 218
E-mail: sheriffziyabuadams@gmail.com chandedaniel88@gmail.com