IUCN Request for a Proposal for Market Study on Biodiversity Resources

Request for a Proposal for Market Study on Biodiversity Resources

 The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was founded in 1948 to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.  

Within the framework of global conventions IUCN has helped over 75 countries to prepare and implement national conservation and biodiversity strategies. IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) have several thematic programmes (including Drylands) with projects spreading across twenty three countries in the Horn of Africa, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. One such project under the dryland portfolio is titled “Improving Natural Resource Governance for Rural Poverty Reduction”, an initiative that aims to support better environmental governance, including fair and equitable access to natural resources, a better distribution of benefits, and more participatory and transparent decision-making processes in Garba Tulla. The overall goal is to understand how governance is influencing and impacting on biodiversity and livelihood values, and how improved governance can help conserve natural resources and enhance livelihoods.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) seeks a consultant or consulting agency to investigate market chains for selected natural resource products from Garba Tulla District. The consultant will be responsible for providing an in-depth analysis of natural resource products and their market opportunities for communities. The study report will guide future interventions that enhance the local livelihoods and which contribute to the conservation of the natural resource base. The study will focus on; identifying the sustainable market potential for selected natural resource products, determining strategic entry points into the identified markets and highlighting the capacity needs of local communities in entrepreneurship and business management.

The assignment

The study will build upon previous Total Economic Valuation work conducted in the project area and work with communities to select priority resources and further study their market potential.  The scope of the study includes analyzing the opportunities for commercialization of the selected products, determining the commercial viability of the selected products in to the market including supply chain and value addition, identifying challenges that hinder sustainable utilization of the resources and recommend strategic entry points for the communities in order to fully utilize the opportunities available in the markets for their products. This consultancy is expected to last for 25 days.
Profile of a suitable candidate:A bio-enterprise expert with at least a master’s degree in the relevant field with over 10 years progressive working experience with proven skills in conducting elaborate market studies and business planning.Knowledge on development issues, gender, cultures and the drylands of Kenya,Demonstrate high level of professionalism and ability to work independently in high pressure situations under tight deadlines,Posses strong communication and writing skillsApplications should be sent to: The Programme Officer, Drylands Programme,Email: hassan.boru@iucn.org not later than 24th August 2012. Only successful candidates will be contacted.