Local Consultant for Desk Review of Agricultural Value Chain Assessments

Background

During the inception phase of the Climate Change Adaptation through Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices project, Oxfam in Timor-Leste will engage a consultant to conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing literature related to agricultural value chains. This initiative aims to strengthen the project's evidence base and ensure that all interventions are aligned with the latest market dynamics and development trends within the agriculture sector.

The desk review will support Oxfam's PQ/MEAL team in refining strategic planning, ensuring that project activities respond to current realities, particularly the opportunities and constraints faced by youth farmers in Ermera. The review will also help identify gaps in past and ongoing value chain interventions, providing a foundation for designing high‑impact, market‑oriented activities.

Objective of the Assessment

The main purpose of this assessment is to conduct a thorough desk review of the most recent and relevant value chain assessments, market studies, and agriculture sector reports related to farm products in Timor-Leste, with a focus on Ermera municipality.

Specific Objectives:

• Identify trends, challenges, and opportunities across key agricultural value chains relevant to Ermera
• Review and synthesize information on market access, pricing mechanisms, sustainability practices, and the participation of youth and people with disability groups
• Assess the effectiveness and gaps in past and current development interventions
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to inform project design, especially capacity‑building activities for youth farmers
• Guide the integration of youth farmers into profitable and sustainable value chains

Scope of Work

The local consultant will conduct the following tasks:

1. Systematic Literature Collection

• Gather all available value chain assessments, market analysis reports, agricultural sector studies and relevant research from government agencies, development partners, NGOs

2. Document Review and Analysis

• Critically review the documents to extract information on:
  • Structure and performance of agricultural value chains
  • Market access and pricing systems
  • Post-harvest handling, processing, and storage
  • Input supply and service delivery mechanisms
  • Roles and constraints of youth, women, and persons with disabilities
  • Environmental and climate‑related factors affecting production and markets

3. Assessment of Past Interventions

• Evaluate the outcomes of previously implemented value chain projects
• Identify gaps in support services, infrastructure, technical assistance, and institutional arrangements

4. Identification of Gaps and Opportunities

• Highlight leverage points where youth farmers can be integrated into profitable segments of the value chain
• Identify opportunities for capacity-building, market linkages, entrepreneurship, and product diversification

5. Synthesis and Report Writing

• Compile findings into a clear and well‑structured report that includes:
  • Key trends and challenges
  • Comparative analysis of value chain dynamics
  • Strengths and weaknesses of current market systems
  • Practical recommendations for implementation

Expected Deliverables

• Brief Inception: Workplan and detailed methodology for the desk review
• Annotated List of Literature Reviewed: A structured compilation of all documents included in the desk review
• Draft Desk Review Report: Comprehensive synthesis of findings with preliminary recommendations
• Final Desk Review Report: Refined version incorporating feedback from Oxfam's PQ/MEAL and project teams, including actionable and prioritized recommendations for training modules, business and marketing strategies, value chain integration opportunities, and market linkage strategies

Duration of Assignment

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

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Rural Development, or related discipline
• At least 2–3 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 local consultant will report to the Oxfam project team, which will provide technical oversight. Coordination with local authorities and youth groups will be facilitated by Oxfam's Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator.

Logistics and Support

The local consultant is responsible for providing personal equipment (laptop, mobile device/tablet) and public or private transportation. Oxfam will facilitate introduction of youth farmer groups and support access to key stakeholders.

Budget

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

• Daily professional fees
• Travel and transportation costs
• Accommodation and per diem
• 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 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.