International Consultant for Private Sector and Industry Ecosystem Mapping in the European Formulated Complementary Food Sector

The International Trade Centre (ITC) seeks to engage a consultant to conduct a mapping of key European stakeholders active in the formulated complementary food sector. The mapping will cover actors across the value chain, including industry associations, private sector companies, manufacturers, distributors, machinery and equipment suppliers, ingredient providers, investors, research institutions, and other relevant ecosystem actors.

The Green & Inclusive Value Chains section (GIVC) within the Division for Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) is responsible for sector-wide transformation, improving market linkages and private sector competitiveness linked to responsible production and consumption, climate resilience, food security, sustainable standards, and market systems.

The assignment aims to identify potential partners, market actors, industry networks, and technical stakeholders that could support sector development, knowledge exchange, investment, and business linkages.

Description of Duties/Responsibilities

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, GIVC and Associate Programme Officer, GIVC.

• Develop a stakeholder mapping methodology covering actors across the formulated / fortified complementary food value chain.
• Identify and map relevant European stakeholders, including industry associations, manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, machinery and equipment providers, distributors, retailers, research institutions, and other ecosystem actors.
• Develop a structured interview guide, aligned with the project's objectives and information needs, for consultations with selected stakeholders.
• Conduct interviews and consultations with the key stakeholders.
• Analyse findings from both desk research and stakeholder consultations.
• Assess stakeholder relevance, interest, influence, and potential contribution to the ITC’s objectives.
• Provide recommendations on priority stakeholders and engagement opportunities.

Result of Service

By end of July:

• Develop and submit a Stakeholder Interview Guide containing a minimum of 15–20 structured questions tailored to at least four stakeholder groups to ensure consistent and comprehensive data collection.
• Create and deliver a Stakeholder Mapping Database in Excel format identifying and profiling relevant stakeholders across the European formulated complementary food ecosystem, including contact information, area of expertise, level of relevance, and potential for engagement.

By early August:

• Conduct stakeholder consultations and produce a Summary Report by synthesizing findings from interviews, highlighting key trends, opportunities, challenges, and stakeholder perspectives relevant to the formulated complementary food sector.

By end of August:

• Prepare and submit a Final Mapping and Recommendations Report (10–15 pages) that provides a comprehensive overview of the European formulated complementary food ecosystem; maps and analyzes key upstream and downstream actors and their roles; identifies and assesses key opportunities and constraints emerging from stakeholder consultations; and presents actionable recommendations for strategic partnerships and future stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications/special skills

• Postgraduate university degree in food science, agribusiness, economics, international development, or a related field.
• Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in nutrition, food processing, market systems development, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience conducting market assessments, value chain analyses, stakeholder mappings, or business ecosystem studies.
• Strong knowledge of the European food industry and private sector landscape.
• Proven experience engaging with private sector actors, industry associations, and business support organizations.
• Familiarity with the formulated complementary food, nutrition, fortified foods, or food processing sectors is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills in English.

Languages

Advanced level of English.