Worldwide Fund for Nature Zambia (WWF Zambia) is part of WWF International, the world’s leading independent conservation organization with a global network in over 100 countries. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of both people and nature. The organization has been working in Zambia since 1962; focusing on wildlife, forests, freshwater as well as People and livelihoods

World Wide Fund for Nature Zambia (WWF Zambia) is seeking a competent Training Provider to train communities in drying vegetables. The project is looking for an expert who will be tasked with developing the dried vegetables value chain in the WWF focal landscapes.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
The Climate Change Adaptation in Forest and Agricultural Mosaic Landscape project is being implemented by WWF Zambia in collaboration with FAO and Ministry of Green Economy and Environment through the Forestry Department. The main objective of this project is to increase the resilience of productive landscapes and rural communities through organizational innovations and technology transfer for climate change adaptation. The project has four main components that provide pathways to change, thus; Component 1. Strengthening the management capacity at national level and within productive landscapes for climate resilience including water management; Component 2: Promoting innovations and technologies in agriculture and forestry value chains. Component 3: Enhancing diversified farm-based livelihood strategies for climate resilience and Component 4: Project monitoring, evaluation, and dissemination of results. The project is being implemented in Nyimba, Lusangazi and Petauke in Eastern Province and Sioma, Mwandi and Sesheke in Western Province.

Specific terms of reference that the training provider will address are as follows:

1) Preservation of fruits and vegetables
2) Drying and Dehydration
3) Methods of Drying and types of Dryers
4) Pre-drying Treatments
5) Post-dehydration Treatments
6) Osmotic Dehydration
7) Reconstitution of Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables
8) Packing for dehydrated fruits and vegetables
9) Manufacturing of Dried Vegetables

10) Manufacturing Dried Fruit
11) Food Safety and Standards Regulations
12) Food additives and preservatives
13) Schedule for drying of fruits
14) Schedule for drying of vegetables
15) Good Manufacturing Practices
16) Recommended storage conditions for vegetables and fruits before drying

1. DELIVERABLES

a) An Inception Report: This should be drafted within 7 days of signing the contract outlining the envisaged methodology, tools, timelines and modalities of how the assignment shall be undertaken within the duration specified, clearly stating how the anticipated deliverables will be achieved
b) Training report on the climate smart agriculture practice outlining the climate smart agriculture practices recommended and trained to communities
c) Training Materials

2. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The duration of the assignment will be 15 days of training and 10 days of report preparation, total (25) days.

1. Lusangazi – Njazi CFMG (3 Days)
2. Lusangazi – Tunganyama CFMG (3 Days)
3. Petauke – Titukuke CFMG (3 Days)
4. Nyimba – Msima CFMG (3 Days)
5. Nyimba – Nkhasako CFMG (3 Days)

3A) QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• A University Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Management, Natural Resources Management and any other related field.
• A master’s degree in Climate Smart Agriculture Natural Resources is an added
  advantage.
• Five years demonstrated experience working with similar assignments, particularly community level development initiatives.
• Vast experience in the implementation of climate smart solutions in development.
• Experience in developing training materials
• Experience in participatory capacity building of local communities
• Ability to collaborate with government structures at district level
• Technical proficiency in the field of agriculture, natural resource economics, forestry, agriculture, wildlife, and social development studies.
• Ability to understand and speak local languages used in Eastern Province is desirable.
• Good communication skills.
• Strong technical writing skills.

3B) QUALIFICATIONS FOR INSTITUTIONAL APPLICANTS

Interested corporate entities in providing the consultancy services must meet or provide the following requirements;

• Company profile with company registration certificates and any relevant certifications
• Proposal demonstrating understanding of the assignment and similar institutional experience
• Copies of relevant Qualifications as above for key staff to spearhead the activities.
• Six months’ bank statements for the business
• Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
• High regard for quality and tangible impact
• Trade References in similar work
• Proof of registration with all relevant regulatory bodies such as NAPSA, ZRA and Workers Compensation Fund
• Five years demonstrated experience working with similar assignments, particularly community level development interventions.
• Vast experience in the legal framework with regard to climate change and climate smart agriculture
• Experience in developing training materials
• Experience in participatory capacity building of local communities
• Ability to collaborate with government structures at district level
• Technical proficiency in the field of agriculture, natural resource economics, forestry, agriculture, wildlife, and social development studies.
• Facilitators must have the ability to understand and speak local languages used in Eastern Province is desirable.
• Good communication skills.
• Strong technical writing skills.

4. REPORTING
The consultant reports to the Project Manager of the GEF7 /FAO Project. The consultant will also be required to work closely other project staff spearheading various activities for project components.

5. DUTY LOCATION
Lusaka, Zambia

6. APPLICATION PROCESS

WWF Zambia will be considering Both Technical and Financial Proposals for TRAINING SERVICES IN DRYING OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS. All proposals must be received by email address stated below no later than:

• Date and time: 15th  November  2024 at 5 pm
• Email address: zcoprocurement@wwfzam.org
• Subject: GEF FAO – CONSULTANCY – DRYING OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS FAO/ GEF VII PROJECT.