Technical Expert Product Development & Marketing

1. Project Background

We are implementing a project titled “Provide Carpet Weaving and Food Processing Skills Training to Women in the Merged Districts” to enhance skills development in carpet weaving and food processing among local women in the MAs, with the primary goal of creating a pathway to expanded economic opportunities and entrepreneurship for 2,728 women within the region. The Women Skills Development project aims to achieve the following outcomes:

1. 2,728 Women in the Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, and Mohmand Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will acquire enhanced skills in carpet weaving and food processing.
2. Women in the targeted districts will have increased access to economic opportunities and will be equipped to seek employment in relevant industries or engage in income-generating activities independently, leading to improved financial stability and economic well-being.
3. Fostered entrepreneurial mindset among women by providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources to establish and manage their own carpet weaving or food processing businesses. 

2. Scope of Work

It has been observed that there is an active market demand for skills and businesses in the following sectors: Food Processing & Carpet Weaving.  Thus, under this project, through technical expert the organization wants to establish a value chain for food processing which involves identify supply side as well as understand the market demands, trends, and potential buyers. This information will be shared with the 126 trained master trainers and 1,260 community women groups and, providing them with valuable insights and guiding them in aligning their products with market requirements. Additionally, networking opportunities will be facilitated, such as identify relevant customers, where the community women and master trainers can link their products.

Furthermore, support will be provided in terms of product development, marketing strategies and branding, helping the trained individuals develop effective promotional materials and communication channels to reach their target markets.

 3. Expected outputs/Deliverables:

• Support the field team in the right selection of products in food processing sector.
• Will assess the current skill level of the trainees and devise trainings as per the needs of the 126 beneficiaries.
• Guide instructors to develop and conduct training programs for beneficiaries on modern food processing techniques and product quality improvement.
• Facilitate instructors in identification of consumables and tool kits for specific products.
• Check and verify the received tools kit and consumables, to authenticate that the received materials is as per the standard.
• Maintain close follow-up with the instructors through planned and random visits to ensure that the quality of product development. Offer on-site guidance and support to instructors, addressing their queries and concerns related to product development.
• Make sure that the instructors are moving in right way in the product development as trained and as per the standard.
• Maintain close coordination with project manager to make the product development initiative a major success.
• Collaborate and register women beneficiaries with Organik Plus to ensure sustainability.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports detailing activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

The following outputs should be delivered within the given timeframe (251 days a total):

 4. Methodology

The consultancy should accomplish the tasks in close coordination. Following the project plan given by team that includes trainings of instructors, follow-up visits, monitoring, market linkages etc.

The technical expert should help in identifying the businesses and value chains that are most able to absorb the project beneficiaries in the country. 

It should specifically aim to collect sufficient information to enable the  project team to:

a)       Make an informed decision about the value chains in which to train the beneficiaries.

b)      Better develop skills training for the beneficiaries toward existing market demand as well as opportunities for self-employment and businesses.

c)       Identify the underlying constraints in the market to help beneficiaries cope with the issues in future and help the trainer develop the learning sessions accordingly.

5. Time Frame:  

The assignment will be implemented over a time span from May 01, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The staff must be available as needed during the period earmarked for the consultancy.

6.      Key Qualifications of Consultant

• Minimum 5-7 years’ working experience in the product development and market linkages.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willing to travel to project areas and understand the culture and Norms of KP.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in conducting trainings on product development.
• Proven experience in food processing, and market linkages.
• Familiarity with the food processing practices in NMDs.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

7.      Reporting Requirements: Reporting to the Project Manager.  

Terms of Payment: The technical expert payment will be comprised of: i. Fee: Payment to cover for the services provided to carry out this assignment as per the TOR. Payment will be made in instalments as follows: 20% will be released on the signing of contract, 30% after the completion of thirty percent work, next 30% mid of assignment and 20% after the successful completion of assignment.