Short Term Consultancy - Value Chain Specialist

The Value Chain Specialist will undertake the following activities throughout the duration of the consultancy: Interview and identify local entrepreneur(s) / community representative(s) who could build capacity, explore future opportunities on the potential use of halophytes and champion the innovative food and feed potential of Salicornia and Arthrocaulon. Undertake market analysis and engage with key stakeholders (building on ICBA previous initiatives that involved chefs and other stakeholders), including regulatory context (to identify legal barriers for the use of land and harvest from the coastal vegetation).Develop a commercial business case / High-Level Business Plan based on the market research and integrating learnings from technical pilot to include investment needs and costs throughout the lifecycle of future NbS projects.Prepare a pitch deck and a project concept note to gather interest and facilitate partnership development.Identify stakeholders and key partners across value chain, including private sector partners that can take over commercial projects and investors (or grants) in the UAE.Desktop review of farmers’ cooperatives in the Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi of the UAE: Understanding the current status and exploring approaches on how to cooperate and commercialize the project outputs and upscale the impact. Qualifications and ExperienceMSc or PhD degree to related fields (Business studies / Agricultural Economics / Economics or other related fields)Minimum 10 years of proven experience in Value Chain development for food and feed products / Marketing / Business / Rural developmentProven record of implementing projects on agribusiness, agro-based livelihoods, and value chain development for food and feed products.Good teamwork and communication skills Proven management efficiency A working knowledge of English is essential Working knowledge of Arabic could be an advantage for the candidate. *The consultant should be based in UAE and have a valid residency.