Consultant - Blue Economy Market Assessment

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Consultant for the GAC-funded FEGGE project to support the project team with findings on the blue economy and the role of the private sector/lead firm approach alongside mapping of the value chains, the study will be conducted in the Tanzania mainland particularly Lake Zone region.

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

Background

Feminist Entrepreneurs Growing Green Economies (FEGGE) project works on a feminist and women’s economic empowerment approach to the Lead Firm model, to improve economic prosperity of 300 female and male feminist SMEs, and 22,500 women entrepreneurs promoting gender equality and climate-smart business. The project will partner with enabling environment actors, including associations, hubs and incubators, to facilitate a business environment that is more inclusive and supportive of women in business.

Assignment:  Consultancy to conduct market assessment on blue economy market system to identify economic opportunities for Women and Youth

Location of Assignment: Tanzania mainland – Specifically Lake Zone Region

Proposed Level of Effort: Duration of assignment [from 1st November 2022 to 30st November 2022]

Anticipated Start Date: 1st November 2022

O****bjectives of the Assignment

The aim of the blue economy market assessment is to understand the market dynamics of the whole blue economy value chain(s), actors, laws, policy, bylaws, market dynamics, products etc. For informed decision-making, the project requires an accurate valuation of the Blue Economy ecosystems, resources, sectors and socio-economic contributions.

Task & Deliverables

With a view to performing the outlined assignment, the consultant will carry out the following tasks and activities:

• Develop methodology and tools for data collection

• Identify value chains in the blue economy market system with the greatest potential for women, youth and overall growth in the Tanzanian economy

• Conduct market system analysis including value chain analysis to gain a greater understanding of the operating context for SMEs and intelligence on the market players, their roles, and interrelationships within the blue economy ecosystem

• Identify constraints and opportunities – determine key issues hindering growth and competitiveness in the blue economy

• Conduct desktop research, interviews, and liaising with local officials and development partners providing context and input for the Blue Economy assessment.

• Compile information and economic, social and ecological data relevant in the blue economy of Tanzania.

• Develop outline/preliminary report, including preparing tables, charts and diagrams, and contributing to presentations.

• Develop a blue economy market assessment report, share with the team for review and incorporation of feedback in order to submit the final blue economy market assessment report

Skills and Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in economics, agriculture, demography, sustainable development studies, social sciences, statistics or a related field.
• At least 8-10 years of practical experience in conducting market assessments, stakeholder, and data analysis; stakeholder consultations, and program design in the development sector. Experience in marine economic intervention will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in one or more of the following areas: private sector development, finance, agriculture, agribusiness, agriculture SME finance and rural financial services.
• Be of Tanzanian nationality and based in Tanzania.
• Track record in developing and conducting various types of research studies.
• Familiarity with the concept of the Blue Economy.
• Experience working with the national institutions (statistics, economic development, environment, labor), would be an asset.
• Work experience in a multicultural environment or in an international organization is desirable.
• Experience in managing and coordinating evaluation/research exercises, delivering agreed outputs on time and on budget.
• Ability to respond to comments and questions in a timely, appropriate manner.
• Demonstrated experience working under tight deadlines and delivering high-quality outputs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, proactively and with little supervision.
• Language: fluency in English (oral and written) is required and working knowledge of Swahili is required.

Timeline

• The estimated start date is 1st November 20 The total duration of the task is 30 days and will be taken within the timeframe of up to 30th November 2022.

Appli****cation Procedures & Deadline

Submit Technical and financial proposal through this application portal before 21st October 2022 by 4:00 pm EDT

A proposal should include the following submitted in a maximum of 2 documents (use the cover letter and resume upload feature). Please direct questions to MEDA Tanzania at hrtz@meda.org

1. Detailed Company Profile with legal and contact name Or a CV if applying as individual.
2. Expression of interest outlining how the consultant(s) meets the selection criteria and their understanding of the assignment
3. A proposed activities schedule/work plan with timeframe.
4. A financial proposal detailing consultant(s) itemized fees, data collection and administrative costs (NB – Payment of consultancy fee is subject to 5% withholding tax)
5. Three names and contacts of your previous clients for reference check. The references must be within the past 3 year
6. State your availability over specified period of the assignment.

Note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.