REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Consultancy to Strengthen Biofortified Seed Value Chain Networks
FOCUS Project – Malawi
Lead Agency: GAIN
- Background
Malawi continues to face significant challenges with undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among children under five and women of reproductive age, leading to poor health outcomes. The EU-funded FOCUS project, led by Self-Help Africa (SHA) in partnership with GAIN, CSONA, and CADECOM, seeks to improve nutrition by strengthening Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and promoting the consumption of fortified and biofortified foods. Biofortification of staple and legume crops offers a sustainable solution, yet many communities lack access to certified seed or planting materials for crops such as high-iron beans, provitamin A maize, and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP). Addressing these gaps requires strong, coordinated seed value chains that connect alliances, seed companies, regulators, policymakers, CSOs, and development partners. This consultancy will provide phased technical assistance to strengthen these networks and enhance the adoption of biofortified crops across Malawi.
Objectives of the Assignment
The objective of this consultancy is to strengthen biofortified seed value chain networks to promote access and availability through the three phased technical assistance engagements that enhance coordination, technical capacity, and long-term sustainability.
- Scope of Work
The consultant will deliver three structured engagements:
Engagement 1: Seed network mapping and capacity assessment
The consultant will:
- Map existing biofortified seed value chain networks at national and relevant international levels
- Assess governance structures, coordination mechanisms, membership, and technical capacity
- Identify gaps related to biofortification knowledge, regulatory processes, industry engagement, and CSO participation
- Facilitate an inception technical assistance workshop to build a shared understanding of biofortified seed systems and roles
- Produce a Seed Network Assessment and Capacity Gap Report
Engagement 2: Technical capacity strengthening and coordination
The consultant will:
- Design and deliver targeted technical assistance sessions for network members on biofortification-related seed system topics (e.g. varietal release, quality assurance, certification, multiplication, and distribution)
- Strengthen collaboration between seed companies, regulators, research institutions, CSOs, and policymakers
- Support refinement of network coordination mechanisms and action plans for biofortified seed scale-up
- Facilitate peer learning and exchange across networks where relevant
Engagement 3: Scale-up and sustainability support
The consultant will:
- Support networks to develop or refine a biofortified seed scale-up and sustainability strategy
- Provide guidance on institutionalisation, governance, financing, and long-term ownership of networks
- Strengthen leadership and strategic capacity of network members
- Document lessons learned and best practices for sustaining biofortified seed systems beyond project support
- Deliverables
- Seed Network Assessment and Capacity Gap Report
- Three technical assistance workshops
- Strengthened network coordination frameworks and action plans
- Biofortified seed scale-up and sustainability strategy
- Final consultancy report and slide deck
- Duration and Level of Effort
The consultancy will be implemented intermittently over the life of the project, aligned with agreed milestones
- Consultant Qualifications
The assignment may be undertaken by an individual consultant or a consulting firm/company. Applicants must demonstrate:
- Proven experience in seed systems or value chain development, biofortification, and/or agricultural value chain strengthening, including work with multi-stakeholder networks involving alliances, private sector actors, policymakers, research institutions, and CSOs
- Strong technical knowledge of biofortification and seed systems, including regulatory frameworks, quality assurance, and scale-up pathways
- A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional or institutional experience delivering technical assistance and capacity strengthening under donor-funded programmes (EU-funded experience preferred)
- For firms/companies, availability of a qualified team, with a designated Team Leader meeting the above criteria
- Demonstrated ability to deliver analytical work, facilitate technical engagements, and produce high-quality reports in English
- Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to Edwin Josiah, Fortification and Biofortification Project Manager, GAIN. Regular updates and drafts will be submitted for feedback throughout the consultancy period.
- Proposal Submission Requirements
All eligible Consultants who have valid business license with traceable offices and fulfils the requirements should submit:
- Technical Proposal: Outlining methodology, work plan, and timeline.
- Financial Proposal: Detailed budget submitted separately.
- CVs: Of the consultant(s) highlighting relevant experience.
- References: From previous similar assignments.
Payment Schedule
- 30% upon completion and approval of Engagement 1
- 30% upon completion and approval of Engagement 2
- 40% upon completion and approval of Engagement 3 and final report
- Compliance and Ethics
The successful bidder will undergo an orientation in SHA Safeguarding training and will sign code of conduct before commencement of field operations. The supplier will be expected to uphold and act in accordance with all safeguarding and protection guidelines including informed consent, confidentiality, respect for people and do no harm.
- Submission Details
The proposal should be in English and submitted in electronic copy to ejosiah@gainhealth.org and jacqueline.chalemera@selfhelpafrica.org
Complete proposals should be submitted to GAIN by 20th February, 2026
Post expires at 1:49pm on Friday February 20th, 2026
You must be logged in to post a comment.