Expert in Black Soldier Fly

Result of Service EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND TIMELINES Comprehensive report highlighting the current state of the company and its BSF breeding practices, as well as on the delivered training and provided recommendations (by 30 December 2023)

Work Location Home-Based (from anywhere) with a possible travel to Senegal

Expected duration 16.11.2023 - 30.12.2023

Duties and Responsibilities Established in 1964, the International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint technical cooperation agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in charge of the sustainable promotion of trade and in particular of exports from developing countries and economies in transition. The goal of the ITC is to make businesses in developing countries more competitive in global markets, accelerate economic development and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, the organization contributes to the creation of jobs at the level of segments of agricultural value chains and promising services, especially for young people and women.

OBJECTIVE: The United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) by maximizing the benefits of UK and EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The UKTP Programme works in partnership with government agencies, private sector organisations, public sector institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and other local stakeholders.

The UKTP Programme is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the UK's Trade Centre of Expertise. EPA and DCTS countries participating in the UKTP Programme are provided with high quality trade-related technical assistance through sector initiatives. UKTP Programme aims to promote exports through facilitating access to markets, providing advisory to SMEs to improve their products and business operations, and strengthening business support organizations.

In Senegal, the UKTP programme launched in April 2023 aims is supporting companies from different industries to improve their trade value to the UK in quantity and in value. As part of this programme, one of the supported companies is focused on the reproduction of black soldier fly for animal feed and plant growth. The project is thus looking for an expert in this field, well knowledgeable of South Korean practices, as recognised as the most advanced in the domain. The expert support will be useful to further advance the company’s operations and establish a competitive edge in comparison to the European market. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The International Trade Centre is looking for a/an: - TITLE: Expert in Black Soldier Fly - CONTRACT TYPE: Delivery - Division /Section: Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions, Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness Section (DECI/SEC) - Duration of assignment: 16.11.2023 - 30.12.2023 (12 days of work) - Duty Station: Home-Based - Travel to Senegal is possible -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Consultant will work closely with the Associate Programme Officer in Geneva and will be under the direct supervision of UKTP Senegal Project Manager. This is a remote position, most duties can be conducted from anywhere, except for the tasks that require travel to Senegal and will have to be conducted from there. The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Familiarise himself/herself with the company selected under the UKTP Senegal project (its mission, objective and outlook).
• Share best practices, innovative techniques, and strategies for BSF reproduction and breeding, drawing upon South Korean expertise.
• Provide training and technical guidance to the company under UKTP project to improve BSF breeding efficiency and yield.
• Develop a comprehensive set of recommendations for optimizing BSF reproduction and breeding practices tailored to the West African context.

The Consultant is obliged to provide full access to ITC external and internal auditors to documents and information. In addition, the contractor shall comply with any audit undertaken in line with the financial regulations and rules of the United Nations.

Copyright Clause: The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required.

ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other) in Engineering, Biology, Geology or related field. Extensive relevant experience may also be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least 7 years of practical experience in the industry with proofs on specific knowledge on South Korean practices is required. Extensive expertise in Black Soldier Fly reproduction and breeding, with specific experience in South Korean practices. Demonstrated ability to assess and improve BSF breeding processes. Strong training and capacity-building skills. Familiarity with the West African context is advantageous. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A strong foundation in entomology, with a focus on black soldier flies' taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, and life cycle, is desired. In-depth knowledge of the biology and physiology of black soldier flies, including their growth stages, reproduction, and nutrient requirements, is desired. Experience in breeding and cultivating black soldier flies at various scales, from small-scale home setups to large commercial farms, is desired. Expertise in optimizing environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and substrate for larval growth, is desired. Familiarity with local and international regulations related to the use of black soldier flies in animal feed and human food production is desired. Involvement in research projects related to black soldier fly farming, including innovation in farming techniques, nutritional analysis, and product development, is desired. Knowledge of the business aspects of black soldier fly farming, including market trends, pricing, and business development, is desired. Experience in marketing black soldier fly products to potential buyers or partners is desired.

Languages Proficiency in French or English is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.