Consultancy Opportunity at The Rice Council of Tanzania (RCT), Dar es Salaam March 2026

Consultancy Opportunity at The Rice Council of Tanzania (RCT), March 2026

Consultancy for Identification, Mapping and Capacity Assessment of SMEs in the Rice Value Chain

1. Background and Context

The Rice Council of Tanzania (RCT) is a national apex body representing key actors across the rice value chain in Tanzania, including producers, processors, traders, input suppliers, financial institutions, and other service providers. RCT plays a strategic role in policy advocacy, coordination, market development, and strengthening competitiveness within the rice sub-sector.

RCT is currently implementing the Growing Together Programme (2024-2028) in collaboration with The Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH). The program aims to transform local food markets and improve food security by increasing incomes of small-scale food producers while supporting 60 food Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to scale their operations. A deliberate focus is placed on gender inclusion, with at least 50% of the SMEs being women-led or women-owned.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The overall purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a systematic process to identify, map, and critically assess SMEs operating in the rice value chain within the program intervention areas of Mbeya, Morogoro, and Iringa. The findings will inform the design of a tailored capacity-building program aimed at improving SME performance in processing efficiency, business management, financial access, and market linkages.

Specific Objectives:

• Identify and map SMEs operating within the rice value chain in the project intervention areas.

• Assess the organizational, technical, and business capacity of selected SMEs.

• Identify key capacity gaps and developmental needs hindering growth and competitiveness.

• Develop a well-structured capacity-building framework and training program.

• Provide practical and actionable recommendations for strengthening SME performance.

3. Scope of Work and Key Tasks

The consultant will undertake the following:

• Inception Phase: Conduct desk reviews and stakeholder consultations to refine the methodology and assessment framework.

• SME Mapping (Task 01): Field mapping and profiling to develop a comprehensive database including business type, ownership structure, processing capacity, and financial access.

• Capacity Assessment (Task 02): Detailed assessment of milling efficiency, technology used, business planning, financial management, credit readiness, and gender/youth inclusion.

• Design of Capacity Building Program: Develop tailored training modules for areas such as financial literacy, technology upgrading, and market access.

4. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or a related field.

• At least 7 years of experience in value chain development, SME development, or agribusiness consulting.

• Proven experience in conducting value chain mapping and SME capacity assessments.

• Knowledge and experience in the rice value chain development in Tanzania is highly desirable.

• Strong analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills.

5. Expected Deliverables

1. Inception Report (methodology and work plan).

2. SME Identification and Mapping Report (with database).

3. SME Capacity Assessment Report.

4. Capacity Development Framework and Training Modules.

5. Final Consultancy Report.

6. Duration and Application

• Duration: The consultancy is expected to be completed within 15 working days.

• Deadline for Application: 15th March 2026.

• How to Apply: Interested individuals or firms should submit a Technical Proposal (max 10 pages), a Financial Proposal, and supporting documents (CVs, 3 references, and samples of previous work) via email to info@ricecounciltz.org.

Download Here: TOR_Consultancy for Identification, Mapping and Capacity Assessment of SMEs in the Rice Value Chain_