UNDP Jobs - 13611- Consultant: Preparation of a Study in the Field o

Consultant: Preparation of a Study in the Field of Marketing, Distribution and Commercialization of Local Produce in the Maldives

Location :

Male', MALDIVES

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

19-Nov-2009

Application Deadline :

04-Dec-09 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

60 days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

mid January 2010

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The UNDP Maldives Poverty Reduction Programme supports livelihood development in the areas of farming, pearl culture and women entrepreneurship with the aim of improving capacities of vulnerable groups and institutions to achieve economic equity.

The livelihood environment in the Maldives poses formidable challenges for the entrepreneur. Aside from Male’, the capital, there are limited population centres. Local markets are also difficult to reach given the exceptionally wide dispersion of people. Marketing becomes a challenge further due to lack of organised production, lack of quality and consistency in production among other factors. High costs of transportation, infrastructure, energy and water, complete dependence on imported technology, and unavailability of a wide range of skills are further constraints on attaining a competitive business environment. Imported raw materials add to the cost of production and lack of competitiveness of local produce against imports. There is therefore a need to identify the missing linkages and information in the value chain of most livelihood activities.

The challenge for the Maldives is also to put in place the necessary framework to enable it to take full advantage of its comparative advantage in the tourism and fisheries sectors and strong potential in other sectors such as agriculture, handicraft, aquaculture by enhancing access to local, regional and national markets.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main objective of the assignment is to explore markets, value chain and supply chain linkages of local produce including commercialisation in agriculture, fisheries, handicrafts and pearl culture as viable SMEs or businesses for local communities, the tourism and private sector in the Maldives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Poverty Programme Manager, the incumbent shall:

Prepare the methodology for the study and implementation plan
Review all existing literature and documents on agriculture, fisheries, pearl culture and handicrafts in the Maldives.
Identify appropriate sectors for value chain analysis
Consult the community groups and stakeholders where programme activities are implemented
Design and implement surveys to conduct a comprehensive market analysis on the selected sectors
Consult potential tourist resorts, distribution companies and other private sector groups to identify options for access to market
Consult government support services and institutions relating to the sectors and availability of supporting infrastructure such as transport
Undertake an institutional mapping and review of key institutions that comprise the value chain including public and private sector. Assess the capacity of these institutions.
Facilitate a workshop on these areas targeting the government, business associations and producers to identify challenges and corrective actions

Expected Outputs

A full report showing the value chain, the companies and institutions comprising the chain and the significant / strategic gaps within it.
An action matrix of strategic interventions and clear recommendations at local and national level to address the challenges to complete the value chain in the selected sectors.
Organise a workshop to consult key stakeholders
Organise a workshop to disseminate findings and recommendations.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery
Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
Good ICT skills, knowledge of Atlas
Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

At least 10 - 15 years of professional experience in a field related to the assignment, including research, work and consultancy.
Familiarity with the goals and procedures of the UNDP and/or other international agencies.
Excellent written and oral English-language communications skills.
Fully e-literate in terms of software and e-networking.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.