Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is in search of a service provider to execute and provide technical support for value chain development and marketing of agricultural and non-timber forest products in three districts of Zimbabwe under the Locally-led Indigenous Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in Zimbabwe (LINCZ) project. The service provider will collaborate closely with MCC and local partners in each district, reporting to MCC as the lead organization. The contract also involves accountability to implementing partners.
B. Background
The LINCZ project, implemented by MCC in collaboration with local partners, aims to enhance climate change adaptation in three districts of Zimbabwe—Gwanda, Mwenezi, and Binga. The project focuses on improving the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, promoting biodiversity, and addressing climate change impacts. The contracted service provider will contribute to raising awareness, developing nature-based solutions, and implementing sustainable value chains.
C. Scope and Focus of Services Required The service provider will assist MCC and implementing partners in achieving the LINCZ project's Intermediate Outcome 1200, focusing on nature-positive, conflict-sensitive, and climate-resilient livelihoods. This involves creating value-added products, facilitating market access, and enhancing business development capacity, particularly for women. The service provider will collaborate with implementing partners in establishing and implementing coordinated value chains based on the sustainable use of non-timber forest products and small-grains/heritage crops.
Duties and Responsibilities
Details on Anticipated Value Chain Activities
Honey Production -Support 700 farmer households with beekeeping management and honey production. -Provide technical support, training, and market assessment. -Establish market linkages and deliver honey promotional messaging. -Mopane Worms
Support 8,961 farmer households with harvesting, processing, and value addition. Provide training, market assessment, and establish market linkages. Heritage Crops (Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Cowpeas, Groundnuts)
Support 17,300 households with value chain activities. Provide training, market assessment, and establish market linkages.
E. Deliverables The service provider is expected to deliver a work plan and budget, monthly updates, and quarterly reports detailing activities, output and activity data, and financial reporting.
F. Timeframe and Duration March 2024: Technical support with sourcing and procuring value chain machinery. March–April 2024: Mopane worm value chain activities. July–September 2024: Small grains processing and value addition.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualified organizations and individuals are invited to apply by March 15, 2024, providing expressions of interest, technical and financial proposals, and relevant experience. MCC values diversity and will evaluate candidates based on experience, skills, alignment with project needs, and proposed costs.
How to Apply
Applications should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line "Value Chain Sub-Contractor.
