Overview
In its 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, the Rainforest Alliance has clearly laid out the core mandatory requirement for the certificate holders to implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy. IPM guidance document is available for the members as part of the standard, but its contextualization and implementation on the ground is challenging for the producers. To support tea producers in adopting IPM practices at scale, the Rainforest Alliance, along with the key experts in the region and sector, initiated an IPM taskforce for Assam in Aug. 2022 to develop contextualized guidelines for targeted pests in the region. Joining hands with our farm certificate holders, we aim to develop pilot initiatives to monitor, early diagnose and manage pests within the pilot areas. Rainforest Alliance brings its global expertise in pest management, coupled with experts from the sector and theme of the pilot. The partners include- Amalgamated Plantations, Jorehaut Group, Tea Research Association, Mc Leod Russel and Grameen Sahara.
This position requires a dynamic individual with a strong appetite to learn, build strategic stakeholder partnerships, and foster convergence among tea producers, research institutions, implementing partners, and other key stakeholders to strengthen the adoption and scale-up of sustainable IPM practices. The Consultant will effectively lead and coordinate project activities, facilitate technical discussions and knowledge exchange, and ensure smooth implementation across project sites. Working closely with large tea estates, smallholder tea producers, implementing partners, and the organization's local and global teams, the Consultant will contribute to achieving project objectives and advancing sustainable tea production in Assam.
The Consultant is expected to have a sound understanding of tea cultivation, including crop management practices, and demonstrated expertise in the effective identification, prevention, and management of tea pests and diseases. Besides this the Consultant is also expected to have project and multiple stakeholder (corporate, government and others) management experience. Post graduâtes in agriculture/environnemental sciences/Tea Management/ MBA are désirable éducationnel qualifications of the candidate.
Consultancy Scope of Work
Main Objectives
The Consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting the ongoing implementation of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) project in Assam and act as a key convenor for IPM-related initiatives in the region.
Activities
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and coordinate the on-ground implementation of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) project across four tea estates in Assam—Nahortoli Tea Estate (Assam Company India Limited/APPL) in Dibrugarh district, Tezpur Gogra Tea Estate (McLeod Russel) in Sonitpur (Tezpur) district, Barbhetta Tea Estate (Tea Research Association) in Sonitpur district, and Borsapori Estate (Jorehaut Tea Company)
- Work closely with estate management, field teams, implementing partners, and technical experts to ensure the effective execution of project activities in accordance with the approved work plan and technical protocols.
- Coordinate and monitor field-level implementation of the three IPM approaches,- ensuring timely planning, preparation of inputs, application of treatments, field observations, and documentation of results across all project sites.
- Support field monitoring, data collection, progress reporting, and documentation of lessons learned to assess project performance and contribute to adaptive management and continuous improvement.
- Ensure timely communication and coordination with stakeholders across the project locations in Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Sonitpur districts to facilitate smooth implementation and achievement of project objectives.
Deliverables
Estimated submission date/timeline
1. Smooth Implementation of the two IPM protocols- Standard IPM practice of TRA and Natural Farming Protocol of Grameen Sahara
2. Compilation of the monthly field reports and prepare comprehensive reports for donor reporting
3. Timely Team support and guidance
4. Work in close coordination with RA’s project team-
Note: Deliverables must be clear and verifiable. Avoid general "progress reports" and instead ask for a report on a specific outcome, the relevant data, etc.
General Terms and Conditions for Request for Proposal
- Applicants must provide all requisite information under this RFP and clearly and concisely respond to all points set out in this RFP. Any proposal, which does not fully and comprehensively address this RFP, may be rejected.
- Proposals and/or any additional information received after the submission time and date are subject to rejection by RA.
- Incomplete proposals may be rejected by RA at its discretion.
- RA reserves the right to request additional information at any time during the procurement process.
- RA is at liberty to make multiple or no selections as part of the proposal process. RA also reserves the right to cancel the procurement.
- All proposal costs shall be borne by the applicant and will not be reimbursed by RA.
- It is the responsibility of every bidder to identify any information of a confidential or proprietary nature contained in its proposal so that it may be handled accordingly. However, RA cannot guarantee confidentiality.
