CFPs: Leveraging AgriTech and AI for Sustainable Agricultural and Export Development (South Africa)

The assignment focuses on Output 3 of a broader AgriTech and AI-driven programme and will be implemented over 9 months, with a focus on leveraging partnerships with abroad stakeholders including Japanese traders and expanding access to markets across the region.

The selected consulting firm will be responsible for supporting the enhancement of trade and export readiness for 100 farmers including SMEs in South Africa. The scope includes conducting assessments, delivering technical training, supporting certification and traceability systems, and facilitating market linkages, with a focus on meeting international quality standards and export compliance, particularly for the Japanese market. The activities are grouped under three main components:

• Component 1 (Activity 3.1): Compliance Needs Assessment and Capacity Building on Quality Standards
• Component 2(Activity 3.2): Optimization of Production Practices, Certification Support, and Traceability Enhancement
• Component 3(Activity 3.3): Market Linkages and Export Partnership Development

Requirements

• Company (firm/institution) profile:
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in consulting and/or providing technical support related to agricultural value chains, food export compliance, market readiness, and market linkage development, particularly in South Africa.
  • Proven experience in supporting farmers, including SMEs, in certification processes (e.g., Global G.A.P., Organic) and facilitating market access.
  • Prior experience in facilitating participation in international trade expos or B2B forums for agribusinesses, particularly in Japan.
  • Demonstrated capacity to deliver training on quality standards, traceability systems, and export readiness.
  •  Knowledge of AgriTech solutions, including precision farming and digital traceability platforms.
  • Familiarity with South Africa’s agricultural sector and export landscape; knowledge of Japanese market requirements is an advantage.
  • Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of South African local languages and/or Japanese is an asset.
  • Presence and operational capacity in South Africa are preferred.
• Profile of the Team Leader:
  • Academic Qualifications:
    • Master’s degree or higher in international agricultural trade, agribusiness, development economics, or related fields.
  • Experience: 10 Years ranging from:
    • Proven track record of managing agricultural development export readiness projects.
    • Experience working with certification bodies or implementing quality assurance frameworks.
    • Knowledge of digital supply chain/traceability tools.
    • Experience coordinating farmer training and/or field extension services
  • Competencies:
    • Strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills in agricultural export readiness and development.
    • Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, especially with farmers and buyers.
    • Ability to manage complex projects with multidisciplinary teams and tight timelines.
    • Sensitivity to gender and social inclusion, with experience in women’s economic empowerment in rural settings.

For more information, visit UNDP.