DSP (USAID) - Horticulture hain Expert

Title of Position:

Horticulture Supply Chain Expert

Duration:

Short-term, commencing immediately

Location:

Timor Leste

Background:

The East Timor Private Sector Development Project (DSP) is a USAID
funded program focused on stimulating private sector growth through
strengthening the enabling environment, the financial and commercial
services, and identifying potential for growth in sub-sectors of the
economy, particularly agribusiness. Developing agribusiness in Timor
Leste will be dependent on identifying viable products that are in
demand in internal or external markets, and ensuring that trading
networks are in place to link producers with buyers. Local supply of
fresh products is poor in quality due to poor techniques in handlings
and infrastructure. This constrains supply to consumers, including the
general population and high-end institutional buyers. Grading of product
is almost absent, which makes it difficult for high end buyers to obtain
quality products without wastage. With the current situation,
institutional buyers will continue to import core fresh products until a
reliable and steady local supply is available. Much of the work also
rests with the post harvesting techniques and marketing of the product.
Restaurants demand high quality of fresh produce on continuous basis,
and so mostly purchase the imported product. Supermarkets are sometimes
stocking local fresh products, however it is poorly presented and
subsequently turnover is not high. Other vendors sell on the road sides
from tables, or walk around selling fresh product tied to a stick.
Product generally not pre-packed to slow deterioration, and there is
sometimes the perception that pre-pack deteriorates the product.
Generally, the roadside product is variable in quality, subject to sun
and flies, and vendors will continue to sell when product has
deteriorated. There is no reliable supply of presentable, quality fresh
product

DSP's aim is to strengthen existing supply chains for fresh produce. The
assignment will involve field work to guide and assist farmers group to
produce more types of vegetables to supply high end market in Dili.
Assisting producers by providing them with new production techniques,
especially focus on producing vegetables product on continuity basis.

Terms of Reference:

1. Prepare guideline on the nursery management, especially on seed
inventory/order, sowing and seedling production planning for indoor and
outdoor production activities
2. Prepare guideline on general green house management
3. Prepare guideline on group and community management approach in
Lequitura, including community fund
4. Prepare greenhouse operation and profit analysis
5. Advise Zero Star on inventory management and cold storage
systems, and prepare basic protocols for quality control systems
6. Provide advice to DSP staff and Zero Star on priorities for
production planning for outdoor growing activities
7. Review and verify demand information available, provide advice
on client demand and management approaches, and advise on strategies for
labeling and packaging

The consultant will be responsible to the DSP Chief of Party for
deliverables. The consultant will work under the technical supervision
of the DSP Agribusiness Advisor.

Indonesian nationals are desirable.

Please submit a comprehensive resume, current & expected salary to:
dian.elvirarosa@ cardno-jakarta. com