Call for Consultant: Food Environment Analysis & SME Support – Grow Together Programme (Ethiopia)

Rikolto in East Africa seeks a consultant (individual or firm) to conduct a food environment context analysis, map commodity sector platforms, and provide technical support to food SMEs and sector platforms in Addis Ababa and Jimma, Ethiopia, under the Norad-funded Grow Together programme. The consultant will analyze urban food environments, food distribution models, and food flows; assess platforms in key commodities (maize, sunflower, cocoa, coffee, soya); and coach SMEs on improving food business models, market access, and platform governance. Qualifications: Extensive experience in food systems and urban food environments in Africa (preferably Ethiopia); strong analytical and facilitation skills; proven track record supporting SMEs and multi-stakeholder platforms. 📧 Apply by July 14th, 2025 by submitting a technical and financial proposal, CVs, references, and relevant work samples to: eastafrica.recruitment@rikolto.org (Subject: Food Environment Consultancy – Grow Together Ethiopia)

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Deadline:

July 14, 2025

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Consultancy: Food Environment Context Analysis, Mapping of Commodity Sector Platforms, and Technical Support to SMEs and Sector Platforms in Ethiopia

Deadline: July 14, 2025
Location: Ethiopia (Addis Ababa and Jimma)
Duration: Context Analysis – 30 days | Technical Support – 6 months

About Rikolto

Rikolto is an international NGO with over 50 years of experience in building bridges between smallholder farmers and food chain stakeholders across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Through our three global programmes — Rice, Cocoa & Coffee, and Good Food for Cities — we strive to make nutritious, affordable food accessible to everyone, while ensuring sustainable incomes for farmers.

Our global mission is driven by the question: “What will we eat tomorrow?” We work towards structural changes in food systems and scaling successful practices that unleash the potential of smallholder farmers. By testing interventions, learning, and building evidence, we influence policies and promote trust and trade among actors across the food value chain.

Background of the Assignment

Rikolto in East Africa is implementing a five-year (2024–2028) programme funded by Norad through IDH: Grow Together: Leveraging Markets and Data for Food Security and Thriving Communities in Tanzania and Ethiopia. The programme aims to transform local food markets by improving incomes for small-scale food producers and scaling SMEs into reliable food companies in Africa, with a focus on Ethiopia and Tanzania.

As part of this initiative, Rikolto seeks a consultant to conduct a Food Environment Context Analysis, mapping of sector platforms, and provide technical support to SMEs and platforms in Ethiopia. The outcomes will inform effective intervention design under the Grow Together programme.

Scope of Work

A) Food Environment Context Analysis (18 days)

The food environment refers to the physical, economic, political, and socio-cultural conditions that shape access to healthy, sustainable food. In Ethiopia, urbanization, policy, agriculture, and infrastructure all impact food availability and quality.

The consultant will:

  1. Review existing literature on Ethiopia’s urban and rural food chains (Addis Ababa and Jimma).
  2. Assess food availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability.
  3. Compare conditions with other cities linked to the target areas.
  4. Map and profile key food businesses and partners including SMEs, large food companies, and MSMEs.
  5. Analyze business models for food distribution and innovation.
  6. Map food flows from production to distribution.
  7. Review and analyze relevant policies affecting food system transformation.
  8. Present a draft report with actionable recommendations.
  9. Submit a final, approved report.

B) Mapping and Analysis of Commodity Sector Platforms (12 days)

To enhance sector governance and influence, we aim to support and strengthen existing commodity platforms.

The consultant will:

  1. Identify existing platforms related to maize, sunflower, cocoa, coffee, and soybeans.
  2. Profile and assess these platforms using the Rikolto MSP Toolbox.
  3. Conduct stakeholder mapping using Rikolto’s tools.
  4. Recommend ways to strengthen platform functionality and influence.

C) Technical Support to SMEs and Sector Platforms (60 days)

Using insights from the above analyses, the consultant will support selected SMEs and platforms to improve food distribution models, competitiveness, and coordination.

Specific tasks include:

  1. Coaching SMEs and MSMEs to improve product diversification and urban food distribution.
  2. Convening MSP stakeholder meetings and developing action plans.
  3. Supporting platforms to promote nutritious, affordable food in urban markets.
  4. Training on market access and innovative food distribution strategies.
  5. Coaching sector platforms on governance and influence.
  6. Facilitating partnerships with retailers and urban markets.
  7. Supporting the development of shared visions for addressing food system challenges.
  8. Organizing quarterly and semi-annual platform meetings.
  9. Supporting B2B and B2C meetings between SMEs, MSMEs, farmer organizations, and consumers.
  10. Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues to inform and influence change.
  11. Conducting a validation workshop to present food environment findings to wider stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

We are looking for a consultant (individual or firm) with:

How to Apply

Qualified consultants are invited to submit:

Deadline: July 14th, 2025
Submit your application to: eastafrica.recruitment@rikolto.org

Subject:Food Environment Consultancy – Grow Together Programme (Ethiopia)