Key Informant Interviews on Oilseed Sector in Myanmar

The International Food Policy Research Institute is seeking to hire an individual for Key Informant Interviews on Oilseed Sector in Myanmar

Background

Myanmar’s food systems face multiple physical, technical, economic, and political challenges that affect food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. While agricultural production systems are relatively well documented, less is understood about the political economy shaping agricultural value chains, particularly following significant changes in governance, markets, trade, and territorial control since 2021.

The oilseed value chain provides a useful case study for examining these dynamics. Production is concentrated in Myanmar’s Central Dry Zone, while also extending into other areas characterized by mixed and evolving systems of control. Oilseeds have historically had a strong export market, with Myanmar the world’s sixth-largest exporter of sesame prior to 2021. At the same time, there may be growing opportunities in the domestic market as imported edible oils have become more costly and less readily available.

Key informant interviews will be conducted to better understand how Myanmar’s oilseed sector currently functions, how it has changed in recent years, and the roles and incentives of key actors. The interviews will examine constraints and opportunities across production, processing, marketing, and trade, as well as the broader institutional and governance factors shaping the sector.

Scope of Work

The key informant interviews will examine the structure, functioning, and evolution of Myanmar’s oilseed value chain, with particular attention to changes since 2021. Interviews will be conducted with actors across the value chain, including input suppliers, producers and producer organizations, traders, processors, exporters, financial service providers, and other relevant stakeholders.

The interviews will explore: (i) key actors, their roles, incentives, and relationships; (ii) production, processing, marketing, and trade flows, including across areas with different governance arrangements; (iii) changes in domestic and export markets, including demand for domestically produced edible oils; (iv) access to inputs, credit and other financial services, infrastructure, and markets; (v) policies, institutions, and governance arrangements affecting the sector; and (vi) technical and non-technical constraints and opportunities for strengthening the oilseed value chain.

Requirements

The consultant should have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Myanmar’s agricultural sector and agricultural value chains, preferably including oilseeds, edible oils, or related commodities.
• Strong understanding of agricultural markets, trade, agribusiness, and/or rural finance and credit in Myanmar.
• Familiarity with the political economy and evolving governance context affecting agricultural production, markets, and trade in Myanmar.
• Experience conducting key informant interviews and other qualitative research with private-sector actors and other stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize qualitative information and identify key trends, constraints, opportunities, and relationships across the value chain.
• Strong communication skills in both Myanmar and English.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate closely with the IFPRI research team.

Submission Instructions

Interested candidates should submit:

• A current CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
• A brief proposal (maximum two pages) outlining the proposed approach, identifying key informants to be interviewed, a proposed timeline, and a budget specifying the estimated number of days required and daily rate.

Applications should be submitted by Friday, September 18, 2026.