MARKUP Consultant - Rwanda Avocado Value-Added Products: Feasibility Study & Business Training Programme

Consultant Programme & Policy

Overview

Deliver feasibility study and business training programme for Rwanda's avocado sector.

You have:

• Advanced degree in agribusiness, food technology, agricultural economics, or related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in agro-processing, value chain development, or agribusiness feasibility analysis.
• Experience delivering business training or enterprise development programmes is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in African agricultural value chains, preferably in East Africa.
• Demonstrated skills in food processing technologies.
• Demonstrated skills in agro-industrial investment analysis.
• Demonstrated skills in international food safety and certification systems.
• Demonstrated skills in export market access.
• Demonstrated skills in product innovation and agribusiness entrepreneurship.
• Good level of English.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

Output 1: Feasibility study inception report and methodology Output 2: Feasibility study report Output 3: • Business case summaries and investment profiles • Market entry guide • Training curriculum and materials Output 4: • Delivery of business training programme • Support for product development and testing • Final consultancy report

Work Location

Home-based, no travel

Expected duration

June-July 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities Background The Market Access Upgrade Programme Phase II (MARKUP II) is a regional initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre to improve export competitiveness, value addition, and market access for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the East African Community (EAC). Rwanda’s avocado sector has grown significantly in recent years, driven primarily by exports of fresh fruit and avocado oil. However, a substantial share of the crop remains underutilised due to post-harvest losses, price volatility, and limited processing diversification. Globally, avocado processing has expanded into a wide range of value-added food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products, presenting opportunities for Rwanda to increase value addition, strengthen export diversification, and develop new agribusiness ventures. Despite these opportunities, Rwandan enterprises lack consolidated feasibility information and practical business guidance to enter these value-added product markets. To address this gap, MARKUP II, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), seeks to engage a qualified consultant (or consortium) to conduct a feasibility study and deliver a business-oriented training programme supporting avocado value-added product development. Preference will be given to consultants with experience in East Africa or the African region, while qualified European Union-based experts are also encouraged to apply. Objective of the Assignment The overall objective of this consultancy is to: 1. Assess the commercial, technical, and financial feasibility of selected avocado-based value-added products for Rwanda. 2. Identify priority product opportunities for local and export markets. 3. Develop business cases and market entry guidance for entrepreneurs and investors. 4. Design and deliver a targeted training programme to support Rwandan enterprises in developing viable avocado value-added businesses. 5. Support selected enterprises in early-stage product development, testing, and potential market launch. Scope of Work The assignment will be implemented in two main components however deliverables and contracting will be sequential and depending on overall performance and delivery. The initial terms of reference will be further elaborated upon discussion with the successful applicant. 1. Feasibility Study Assess the commercial, technical, and financial viability of selected avocado value-added products in Rwanda, including: • Processed food products (e.g. guacamole, dips, spreads) • Dried and powdered products (e.g. avocado powder, flour) • Cosmetic and personal care ingredients • Nutraceutical and functional ingredients The study will analyse market demand, processing technologies, raw material supply, regulatory requirements, financial viability, and competitiveness in local, regional, and international markets. 2. Business Training and Product Development Support Based on the feasibility findings, the consultant will: • Design and deliver a business-oriented training programme for Rwandan agribusinesses and institutions. • Support selected enterprises in product development, testing, and early market entry, ensuring compliance with relevant standards. Deliverables: • Feasibility study inception report and methodology – • Feasibility study report • Business case summaries and investment profiles • Market entry guide • Training curriculum and materials • Delivery of business training programme • Support for product development and testing • Final consultancy report Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform 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 the prior written permission from ITC. 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. 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

• Advanced degree in agribusiness, food technology, agricultural economics, or related field. • Experience delivering business training or enterprise development programmes is desirable. At least 8 years of experience in agro-processing, value chain development, or agribusiness feasibility analysis. Demonstrated experience in African agricultural value chains, preferably in East Africa. Demonstrated skills in: • Food processing technologies • Agro-industrial investment analysis • International food safety and certification systems • Export market access • Product innovation and agribusiness entrepreneurship

Languages

Good level of English

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.

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Added 2 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: careers.un.org