Result of Service

The Consultant will submit a monthly report on the progress and completion of Outputs for the coffee value chain and institutions for validation, as follows: Output 1: Farmer Follow-Up and Farm Performance Monitoring by 30 September

Conduct follow-up visits to supported farmers and demonstration sites to assess the condition of coffee farms and the adoption of recommended farming practices.
Update the farmer registry and document farm maintenance activities, plant health, challenges encountered, and areas requiring additional technical support.
Document observations from field visits and provide recommendations for follow-up actions to support improved coffee production.
Submit a brief field monitoring report summarizing farmer outreach, key findings, challenges, and recommended actions. Output 2: Good Agricultural Practices Training and Farmer Coaching by 31 October 2026
Conduct and support practical training and coaching sessions for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including pruning, shade management, weed control, soil fertility, pest and disease management, and general farm maintenance.
Use demonstration sites, where appropriate, to facilitate practical learning and application of recommended practices.
Document training sessions, farmer participation, key lessons, and observations on the adoption of recommended practices.
Update and maintain the farmer registry and document outreach activities conducted in the project communities.
Submit a training and farmer coaching report summarizing activities, participation, key results, challenges, and recommendations. Output 3: Coffee Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management Preparation by 30 November 2026
Provide practical training and field support to farmers on appropriate coffee harvesting, sorting, handling, drying, storage, and quality management practices.
Assess the readiness of supported farmers for the harvesting period and document potential challenges that could affect coffee quality or increase post-harvest losses.
Provide practical recommendations to farmers and cooperatives on measures to improve coffee quality and marketability.
Submit a brief report on harvesting preparedness, training and coaching provided, key observations, and recommendations. Output 4: Coffee Harvest and Production Data Collection by 31 December 2026
Collect and verify information on coffee harvested and sold by supported farmers, including quantities harvested, quantities sold, selling prices, buyers, and other relevant production and marketing information.
Update and maintain the farmer production and sales database based on verified information collected from farmers and cooperatives.
Document key production and marketing challenges identified during the data-collection process.
Submit a consolidated production and sales data report highlighting key findings and observations on farmer performance Output 5: Market Linkages and Farmer Performance Assessment by 31 January 2027
Assess the production and marketing performance of supported farmers and cooperatives based on information collected during the harvest period.
Support, as requested by the project team, interactions and linkages between farmers, cooperatives, coffee buyers, processors, and other relevant market actors.
Document relevant market opportunities, buyer information, farmer experiences, and challenges affecting access to markets and improved prices.
Document observations and lessons from farmer and cooperative experiences and provide recommendations for strengthening market access.
Submit a market linkages and farmer performance assessment report. Output 6: Consolidated Performance and Sustainability Report by 28 February 2027
Prepare and submit a comprehensive report covering activities and results achieved from September 2026 to February 2027.
Consolidate information on farmer outreach, training and coaching, adoption of Good Agricultural Practices, farm and plant health, coffee production and harvesting, sales, and market linkages.
Document key challenges, lessons learned, farmer experiences, and results observed during the contract period.
Provide recommendations and practical actions for sustaining and building on project results beyond the reporting period.
Submit a consolidated digital record of relevant farmer monitoring information, training records, production and sales data, and other supporting documentation generated during the contract period.

Work Location

home-based in Liberia ((Montserrado, Bomi, Bong and Nimba Counties)

Expected duration

ASAP to 28.02.27

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (OLAC), as a geographical section of the Division of Country Programmes (DCP), is responsible for defining the ITC strategy in the region, either for individual countries or at the sub-regional and regional levels. OLAC is also responsible for coordinating all ITC interventions, including the work of ITC technical sections in the region. The Inclusive Agribusiness Systems Unit, which is under the Division of Enterprises and Institutions (DEI) is overseeing the technical coordination of the project using the Alliances for Action approach. The European Union funded project “Support to Business Friendly and Inclusive National and Regional Policies and Strengthening Productive Capabilities and Value Chains” Programme aims to complement the European Union support for private sector development in ACP countries, under the context of the joint ACP-EU Programme for ACP Private Sector Development Support, adopted by ACP-EU Council of Ministers in Nairobi in 2014, and is financed from the 11th European Development Fund. The focus of the project is designed to achieve two key outcomes: (1) adopting and implementing business-friendly, inclusive and responsible national policies and legal frameworks, and (2) strengthening productive, processing, promoting and marketing capabilities and value chains. ITC is collaborating with UNIDO and the World Bank in the implementation of the program. ITC is leading the implementation of the micro pillar level of the Programme, which focuses on two core themes: 1) Promoting inclusive productive and commercial Alliances and investment to strengthen VC governance and MSME competitiveness; and 2) Increase small farmers and processors value addition, productivity and competitiveness. Interventions at the micro-level aim to enhance value chain operators’ individual and collective competitiveness with specific attention to family farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and rural and urban MSMEs and processors. Notably, the action employs the Alliances for Action methodology, which is a market led approach that supports associations, improved productivity, and ecological intensification– cost efficient technologies, connections to markets, financial inclusion, diversification and value addition. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the ACP Business-Friendly Programme Manager – Inclusive Agribusiness, the consultant shall perform the following tasks: 1. Support community-level engagement activities by interacting with coffee-farming communities and farmers in accordance with the guidance provided by the project team. Maintain an up-to-date register of farmers engaged in project activities and support the dissemination of information on project activities and objectives. 2. Provide technical support to coffee farmers, in coordination with the FUNL Extension/M&E Officer and in line with the technical guidance provided by the project team, including advice on good agricultural practices, pest and disease management, crop management, and sustainable coffee production. 3. Support and facilitate farmer training activities on improved farming techniques, crop management, harvesting, post-harvest handling and processing, and other relevant agricultural practices, as agreed with the project team. 4. Monitor and document the progress of farming practices and project activities within the assigned communities, identify challenges and emerging needs, and provide observations and feedback to the project team. 5. Prepare and submit regular field reports documenting community engagement activities, farmer participation, training activities, progress achieved, challenges encountered, and recommendations for consideration by the project team. 6. Support the distribution and monitoring of project inputs and materials, including tools, seedlings, fertilizers, and other agricultural resources, in accordance with the instructions, beneficiary lists, and procedures established by the project team. 7. Collect feedback from farmers and community stakeholders regarding project activities and communicate relevant observations and feedback to the project team to support the improvement of project interventions. 8. Support engagement with local community leaders, government representatives, farmer organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, as requested and guided by the project team, to facilitate the implementation of project activities at the community level. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure to have obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

University degree in agronomy, extension services, agricultural engineering, agribusiness, business administration, development studies or related field.

Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in project management and coordination, smallholder farmer development, and agricultural and rural development, including knowledge of agribusiness, stakeholder engagement, and participatory approaches.
Good knowledge of the institutional context in Liberia is an added advantage. Other Experience
Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmer unions, rural communities, and private and public sector institutions, is desirable.
Experience working with international/donor organizations or national development agencies.
Experience in data collection and survey administration is desirable.
Proficiency in computer applications, particularly Microsoft Office. Skills: General Competencies
Good organizational and planning skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate, and follow up on field activities.
High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively under agreed timelines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
Good interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, particularly when working with rural communities and farmers.
Good writing, reporting, synthesis, and analytical skills.
Ability to collect, organize, and present field information and data accurately.
Basic video and photographic documentation skills for recording field activities and farmer engagement. Technical Skills
Agronomic expertise, particularly in coffee production and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Demonstration plot management, including farm maintenance, monitoring, and practical application of recommended farming practices.
Farmer training and coaching skills, with the ability to communicate technical information in a practical and accessible manner.
Farmer and community engagement skills, including the ability to establish constructive working relationships with farmers and community stakeholders.
Data collection and field monitoring skills, including maintaining farmer registries and documenting production, harvesting, and sales information.
Knowledge of coffee harvesting and post-harvest management, including sorting, drying, storage, and quality management.
Experience in planning and supporting activities with rural communities, including farmer training, field demonstrations, and community-level engagements.
Basic understanding of coffee market linkages and value-chain development would be an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Knowledge of the local language is considered an advantage

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

National Consultant (Field Extension Support Officer) – EU OACPS Business Friendly Project in Liberia