VCA4D launches a new call for three international experts for a value chain analysis on the sesame value chain in Somalia.
Deadline for submitting your candidature: 18/07/2025. Candidatures to be sent to: vca4d@agrinatura-eu.eu and laura.felisatti@agrinatura-eu.eu with the indication of the profile you are applying for.
Location for international experts: Nairobi (Kenya) and home-based.
Duration: The period for the study is September 2025- February 2026
Number of working days per international expert: 30 days
ToR: HERE
Background:
The EU Delegation to Somalia, together with the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, is asking for a specific and comprehensive value chain study on the sesame value chain to have an evidence-based reference for promoting targeted initiatives in its support. The findings of the VCA4D study on sesame could be presented at the Second International Conference on Investment in Agri-Value Chains in Somalia, foreseen in October 2026.
In this context, the three parties are also interested in strengthening the capacities of Somali value chain technicians. This initiative aims to equip local stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the VCA4D methodology effectively.
Activities:
- Inception phase: preliminary desk analysis of available data and documentation; definition of the work plan and use of budget; briefing with the VCA4D Project Management Unit (PMU) and the EU: first meeting of team members, familiarisation with the methodological framework, overview of the tools, preparation of contacts with national institutions and stakeholders, exchanges with EUD and INTPA.
- Kick off meeting in Nairobi with the EUD, the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation: the 3 international experts and the 3 Somali experts will participate in the kick-off meeting.
- Training/twinning phase: the 3 international experts and the 3 Somali experts will spend two weeks in Nairobi. The focus of these 2 weeks will be on structuring the study, including: an introduction to the VCA4D methodology, the functional analysis, review of the literature, structure of the brief note, mission planning, data collection, identification of information gaps, survey preparation, data interpretation, and plan for final reporting. The Somali experts will be trained, as needed, on the VCA4D methodology and its application.
- Field missions for data collection: the field phase in Somalia will be undertaken by the 3 Somali experts under the guidance of the international team and with the continuous online support of the 3 international experts. The MOAI will facilitate the data collection process. At the end of first mission and based on the field experience, the international team, in collaboration with the Somali team, will submit a brief note to the PMU, national counterparts and the EU, to exchange on the first findings, refine the scope of the study and validate the proposed typology for analysis. If necessary, a second mission will be organised after the data analysis step.
- Data analysis: one week in Nairobi for the international and Somali team
- Reporting: the 3 international experts will be in charge of the draft of the final report in collaboration and with active participation of the Somali team.
- Final phase: submission of the draft final report to the PMU, eventual work on PMU comments after quality check, presentation of the results in an online debriefing with INTPA/EUD/PMU and national counterpart,s and integration of comments into the final report.
The findings of the VCA4D study on sesame could be presented at the Second International Conference on Investment in Agri-Value Chains in Somalia, foreseen in October 2026, and the Second Somalia International Investment Conference due to take place in November 2026 (these presentations are out of the scope of the present ToR).
The profiles are detailed below:
- International Agricultural Economist
S/he is a senior expert with deep knowledge and experience in value chain analysis from an economic point of view. S/he will elaborate on financial and economic accounts of the VC (and its sub-systems) as a whole and of its actors. He/she will analyse the VC from the different actors’ perspectives, as well as its contribution to the main economic indicators (GDP, balance of trade, public finance, etc.). He/she will be at ease with the concepts of income distribution, job creation, growth, and distributive effects, viability of the VC in the international economy, etc. S/he will undertake a full functional analysis with the support of his/her colleagues.
Qualifications and skills
- The expert should hold a degree and/or an advanced degree (certified Master’s or equivalent) in Economics or Agricultural economics.
- Excellent communication skills, both in written and spoken English.
- Fully computer literate.
General professional experience
- At least 10 years of professional experience in the development field and/or in agricultural economics.
- At least 10 years’ experience in value chain analysis or value chain development
- At least 3 years of work experience in conflict context
Specific professional experience
- At least 10 years of previous experience in carrying out assignments in the field of Policy and Strategic Technical Assistance on Agriculture Development;
- Experience in economic analysis in the value chain is required.
- Previous experience in at least one VCA4D study is compulsory.
- Proven professional experience as an international expert and in partner countries. Professional experience in Somalia/region is an asset.
- Experience in the oilseed crops, in particular the sesame value chain, is highly appreciated.
- Experience in stakeholders’ management (including relations with high-level officials and the private sector) and analysis of public policies is a plus.
- Experience in training and capacity strengthening is an asset
The economist will coordinate and consolidate the functional analysis, compiling the contributions from all experts. S/he will provide support on the Functional and Economic Analysis that will be included in the final report.
S/he will (i) define the typology of actors that will be adopted throughout the study; (ii) formulate an executive summary and conclusions that combine the results of the different analyses in order to answer the framing questions and to finalise the report (reading, formatting of the report…). If relevant, the expert will collaborate and integrate the analysis on market trends provided by COLEAD.
- International Social Expert
S/he is a senior expert with deep knowledge of and experience in social issues related to agricultural value chains in developing countries, particularly on the inclusiveness of the most vulnerable groups.
The expert has experience in at least two of the social domains covered by VCA4D (working conditions, land and water rights, gender equality, food and nutrition security, social capital, living conditions) and is able to handle and inform on the other ones.
Qualifications and skills
- The expert should hold a degree and/or an advanced degree (certified Master’s or equivalent) in sociology, anthropology, or any equivalent degree.
- Excellent communication skills, both in written and spoken English.
- Fully computer literate.
General professional experience
- At least 10 years’ experience in the analysis of social aspects in rural contexts in partner countries
- At least 3 years of work experience in conflict context
Specific professional experience
- Experience in social analysis of the agricultural sector is required, and specific experience on social issues in developing/transition countries is strongly appreciated.
- Previous experience in at least one VCA4D study is compulsory.
- Experience in social aspects of oilseed crops, in particular the sesame value chain, is an asset.
- Professional experience in Somalia/region is compulsory.
- Experience in stakeholders’ management (including relations with high-level officials and the private sector) and analysis of public policies is a plus.
- Training experience is an asset.
The social expert will provide a social analysis to be included in the report, on the basis of the VCA4D Social Profile. An introduction on how to complete the Social Profile will be made prior to the first mission.
The Social Expert will also support the economists for the analysis on inclusiveness, and the environmental expert to deal with the Biodiversity Analysis.
S/he will help the team leader to: (i) define the typology of actors that will be adopted throughout the study; (ii) formulate an executive summary and conclusions that combine the results of the different analyses in order to answer the framing questions and to finalise the report (reading, formatting of the report…).
- International Environmental Expert
S/he is a senior expert with deep knowledge of environmental aspects linked to agri-based value chains.
Qualifications and skills
- The expert should hold a degree and/or an advanced degree (certified Master’s or equivalent) in environmental studies.
- Excellent communication skills, both in written and spoken English.
- Fully computer literate.
General professional experience
- At least 10 years’ experience in environmental analysis linked to agricultural development in partner countries
Specific professional experience
- Experience in environmental analysis of the agricultural sector is required, and specific experience on environmental issues in developing/transition countries is strongly appreciated.
- Previous experience in at least one VCA4D study is compulsory.
- Experience in oilseed crops, in particular sesame VC, is an asset.
- Professional experience in Somalia/region will be appreciated
- Experience in stakeholders’ management (including relations with high-level officials and the private sector) and analysis of public policies is a plus.
- Training experience is an asset.
- Experience and knowledge of the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is an asset.
S/he will provide the part of the report on the Environmental Analysis that will be included in the final report. His/her analysis will focus on the analysis of damages on resources, ecosystems, and human health, as well as on the impacts on climate change. The expert will also integrate and complement (with the support of the social expert) an analysis of biodiversity.
S/he will help the team leader to: (i) define the typology of actors that will be adopted throughout the study, (ii) formulate an executive summary and conclusions that combine the results of the different analyses in order to answer the framing questions and to finalise the report (reading, formatting of the report…).
