National Consultant – Retail Development and Value Chain Strengthening

The consultant's main objective is to contribute to the transformation of food market systems in Iraq by improving efficiencies throughout the agriculture value chain and fostering mutually beneficial commercial partnerships. The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of JOBS National Project Coordinator in coordination with Aggregation Hub Expert, the National Consultant will carry out the following duties:

Deliverable 1: Market Linkages & Business Transactions

• Timeline: May 2026 – October 2026
• Output: Facilitate commercial transactions for local horticulture and poultry products between agribusiness alliances and modern retail outlets.
• SMART KPIs: Establish 20 formal linkages with at least 10 modern retailers; Involve at least 500 farmers in facilitated transactions; Update M&E database monthly with transaction volumes and values.

Deliverable 2: Long-term Commercial Partnerships & Capacity Building

• Timeline: May 2026 – September 2026
• Output: Negotiate and secure sustainable, fair-trade contracts and provide technical partnership training.
• SMART KPIs: Facilitate 6 stakeholder meetings (retailers, alliances, government) with documented minutes; Secure 25 signed long-term contracts between alliances and retailers; Conduct 3 training sessions (Hamidad, Al-Quba, and Duhok) for alliance managers on quality standards and reject management.

Deliverable 3: Supply Chain Optimization

• Timeline: May 2026 – July 2026
• Output: Implement efficiency strategies to reduce waste and improve local sourcing for retailers.
• SMART KPIs: Complete supply chain assessments for 10 target retailers; Successfully implement 3 optimization strategies (e.g., direct sourcing, improved inventory tracking) at 5+ retail sites.

Deliverable 4: Retailer Development & Market Orientation

• Timeline: May 2026 – December 2026
• Output: Enhance the market positioning of fresh produce departments in key Iraqi cities.
• SMART KPIs: Conduct consumer behavior and market orientation assessments across 4 cities (Mosul, Baghdad, Anbar, Basra); Deliver tailored recommendation reports to 10 supermarkets to improve fresh produce turnover.

Deliverable 5: Logistics Coordination

• Timeline: May 2026 – September 2026
• Output: Secure reliable cold-chain and dry transportation services for agribusiness alliances.
• SMART KPIs: Map and engage 3+ logistics providers offering refrigerated services in project areas; Facilitate at least 2 service agreements between alliances and providers to ensure consistent delivery schedules.

Deliverable 6: Market Research & Buyer Engagement

• Timeline: May 2026 – February 2027
• Output: Provide data-driven insights into buyer requirements and demand trends.
• SMART KPIs: Interview 5 major retail buyers and document specific quality/packaging requirements; Produce 1 comprehensive market demand report with actionable insights for ITC; Develop supply plans for 3 "By Iraqi Hand" (BIH) product categories.

Deliverable 7: "By Iraqi Hand" (BIH) Label Promotion

• Timeline: May 2026 – February 2027
• Output: Execute the BIH branding campaign to increase consumer trust and sales of local goods.
• SMART KPIs: Roll out in-store promotional campaigns in at least 3 major retail outlets; Hold 2 coordination meetings with FICC and the BIH Governance Board; Submit 1 Campaign Performance Report documenting consumer feedback and sales growth linked to the BIH label.

Deliverable 8: Final Project Reporting & Handover

• Timeline: March 2027 – 30 April 2027
• Output: Final evaluation of partnership sustainability and consultancy impact.
• SMART KPIs: Submission of a final report summarizing all transactions, signed contracts, and lessons learned by April 30, 2027.