Consultant for Agricultural Inputs Needs Assessment for Youth Farmer Groups

Background

Oxfam in Timor-Leste, with support from Oxfam Hong Kong, is implementing a one-year project on Climate Change Adaptation through Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices in Fatuquero suco, Railaco Administrative Post, Ermera Municipality an area increasingly affected by climate variability, reduced soil fertility, and limited access to appropriate agricultural inputs and technologies.

The project aims to enhance and diversify livelihoods for youth farmers by promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices that strengthen productivity, resilience, and sustainability.

To ensure interventions are responsive and evidence-based, Oxfam will conduct a Comprehensive Agricultural Inputs Needs Assessment during the project's inception phase. This assessment will apply a mixed-methods approach including structured household surveys, participatory consultations, KIIs, and FGDs to gather detailed information on types, quantities, and timing of required agricultural inputs; access barriers, affordability constraints, and supply reliability; existing farming practices and input utilization behavior; land access, soil quality, water availability, and infrastructure needs; and training and knowledge gaps in CSA, organic agriculture, and seed preservation.

Objectives of the Assessment

Overall Objective: To conduct a comprehensive agricultural input needs assessment for youth farmer groups in Fatuquero Suco to identify gaps and opportunities that will guide climate‑smart agriculture interventions.

Specific Objectives:

• Identify key agricultural input gaps, constraints, and seasonal needs among youth farmer groups
• Assess barriers to access, affordability, and utilization of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, tools, irrigation systems, and pest control materials
• Examine broader enabling factors including land access, water availability, soil fertility, and environmental risks
• Identify knowledge and training needs related to CSA, organic farming, seed preservation, and sustainable land management
• Provide actionable recommendations to inform procurement, capacity-building, market linkages, and overall project design

Scope of Work

Development of Assessment Tools:

• Design structured survey questionnaires, KII guides, and FGD checklists
• Ensure tools are gender-sensitive, disability-inclusive, culturally appropriate, and aligned with project learning objectives
• Integrate questions on climate risks, youth leadership, and social inclusion

Field Data Collection:

• Conduct fieldwork with 20 youth farmer groups in Fatuquero Suco
• Facilitate inclusive sessions with youth, women, persons with disabilities, and local leaders
• Use digital tools (Kobo Toolbox) for efficient data collection and real-time quality checks

Key Data Collection Themes:

• Current input use and sourcing patterns
• Priority input needs (type, quantity, timing)
• Constraints on access, affordability, and supply reliability
• CSA-related knowledge and training gaps
• Water access, land preparation challenges, soil fertility
• Infrastructure and equipment needs
• Market linkages and supplier availability

Data Analysis:

• Perform quantitative analysis (descriptive statistics) using Kobo or similar tools
• Conduct qualitative analysis of FGDs and KIIs to identify thematic patterns
• Synthesize findings across gender, age, and disability dimensions

Reporting:

• Present clear, evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations
• Provide input lists (type, quantity, specifications) where possible
• Highlight risks, constraints, and opportunities for climate-smart interventions

Deliverables

• Inception Report – methodology, tools, work plan, and schedule
• Field Data Collection Summary – summary of activities, emerging observations, and data quality notes
• Draft Agricultural Inputs Needs Assessment Report analysis, findings, and preliminary recommendations
• Final Assessment Report – refined report incorporating feedback with actionable recommendations for procurement, training, and market linkages

Duration of Assignment

The assessment will be completed over 10 days (13–22 of April 2026) covering preparation, tool development, fieldwork, data analysis, and report writing.

Location: Fatuquero Suco, Railaco Administrative Post, Ermera Municipality

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Rural Development, or related discipline
• At least 3–5 years' experience in conducting agricultural assessments or rural livelihood studies
• Experience working with youth groups and rural communities
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills
• Familiarity with CSA practices and climate resilience strategies in Timor-Leste
• Experience using digital data-collection tools (Kobo Toolbox preferred)
• Ability to work inclusively with women and persons with disabilities

Management and Coordination

The consultant will report to the Oxfam project team, which will provide technical oversight. Oxfam's Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator will facilitate coordination with local authorities and youth farmer groups.

Budget

The total budget is $1,250. Consultant shall submit a detailed financial proposal including:

• Daily professional fees
• Travel and transportation costs
• Accommodation and perdiem
• Data collection costs
• Any other relevant expenses

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to Benigna Vicente Martins through email [email protected], deadline on 7 of April 2026:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Finance Assessment proposal

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct; and is committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. Oxfam is a child-safe organization, and successful applicants will be required to sign the Oxfam International Employee Code of Conduct and submit a Criminal register certificate from their home country or Bom Comportamentu from the Ministry of Justice for Timorese before signing the employment contract with Oxfam.