About WorldFish

"WorldFish is a leading international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish for theri livelihoods, as a member of CGIAR, WorldFish contributes to building a food- and nutrition-secure future and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, WorldFish strives to create resilient and inclusive food systems for shared prosperity. For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org"

Introduction

WorldFish is implementing Feed the Future Burma Fish for Livelihoods Project(2019-2027), an investment by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to sustain positive aquaculture sector growth through an inclusive market systems approach. The activity will provide a means of ensuring the improved availability of diverse, safe, affordable nutrient-rich foods, especially for women and young children from poor and vulnerable households.

The project stimulates aquaculture sector growth, increases employment and income, and improve food and nutrition security for households. It serves a facilitating role by coordinating linkages among the value chain actors in the private and civil society sector of Myanmar.

Development Goal and Project Objectives
Inclusive and sustainable small-scale aquaculture growth to increase income and dietary diversity, and reduce poverty of beneficiary populations, especially women and children, in central and northern Myanmar[1]. The specific objectives are:

1. Increase small scale aquaculture (SSA) production through strategic activities including improved land and water use, increased access to high quality inputs (feed, seed and equipment), capacity development and research into production, and access to credit.
2. Further develop Market-based System Approaches (MSA) and utilize those to increase access of food safe fish and fish products by poor people. 
3. Deliver enhanced nutrition and WASH practices through social behavior change communication (SBCC) activities.

Background and Objectives of the Call for Proposal

In Myanmar diet, fish and aquatic foods (fresh and processed) comprise a major portion of the animal sourced food.[2] However, it is reported that fish post-harvest practices do not adhere to food safety standard that poses health risk to consumers.[3]   

For instance, the use of ice during storage, transport and display of fish is rarely observed which affects the quality of fish leading to loss and waste, subsequently, reducing the income of market actors. In addition, a report conducted by WorldFish found that ice plant and resellers do not comply to good manufacturing practices (GMP) which affects the quality of ice that were available for use among market actors and consumers in the area.

To address the issue, the project aims to conduct training on basic GMP among ice plant and ice resellers to ensure good quality ice are produced and sold in the areas ensuring safe and good quality fish are available for the local consumers.

To conduct the activity, the project is seeking a qualified local expert trainer in the above topic. It is expected that trainer/s have a wide experience in conducting participatory training integrated with demonstration on methods that can support in changing behaviors/practices on basic standards for ice manufacturing and hygiene standards noting applicability at the village and township levels in Myanmar.

Scope of Consultancy

The scope of this consultancy is to

1. Develop training manual and instruction materials on good manufacturing practices for cold supply chain and food safety practices (existing, adapted, or new)
2. Provide training for 2-3 days depending on the proposed topics,
3. Submit a completion report in English.

Deliverables

1. Training manual (includes agenda, methodology, materials to use) based on the proposed topics.
2. Actual conduct of training for 2-3 days.
3. Completion report.
4. Prior to the conduct of the training, the project team will review the training manual (English and Burmese) one week in advance for comments/suggestions and recommendations.

Expenses

The consultant/s can propose the fee with details and budget breakdown.

[1] Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Kachin, Eastern Shan and Southern Shan

[2] So-Jung et al. 2018. Determine the role of wild-caught and aquaculture-based inland fisheries in meeting Burma’s nutritional needs. Research Project Investigations: Human Nutrition and Human Health Impacts of Aquaculture. Michigan: Michigan State University.  https://quafishcrsp.oregonstate.edu/sites/aquafishcrsp.oregonstate.edu/files/16hhi05ms_fir_tr16-18.pdf.

[3] Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation and Livelihood and Food

Security Trust Fund. 2016. Post-Harvest and Agro-Industry. Yangon. http://www.fao.org/3/a-bl837e.pdf>

Requirements

The consultant must have the following qualification:

1. Must have a wide experience in conducting training on good manufacturing practices on cold supply chain and food safety practices.
2. The consultant/s must be a Myanmar citizen.
3. Must have strong verbal communication skills in both Myanmar and English.
4. Good report writing skills.

Evaluation Criteria

1. The consultant/s CV related to the above assignment (50 points);
2. Demonstration of expertise and experience in conducting similar work (30 points);
3. Budget breakdown and value for money (20 points).

Duration of the Consultancy Contract

The contract commences upon signing of contract. Final report needs to be submitted by mid July 2024.

How to Apply

Interested persons/organizations should submit their application, consisting of the following:

• A cover letter including an explanation of the understanding of the TOR and a proof of experience with similar assignment,
• A proposed methodology and indicative work plan,
• The CV of the persons who will carry out the work,
• A quotation for services.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. Our Leadership Team is 50/50 in terms of its gender split and 60% of our management cadre are women.

We continue to seek diversity and gender balance across other dimensions and we support individual performance and potential in achieving our organizational goals and mission.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage women and men from developing nations to apply.

Benefits