Short Term Consultant Services: Maize Seed System Expert

FEED THE FUTURE NEPAL USAID AGRICULTURAL INPUTS  

(USAID AGRICULTURAL INPUTS)

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Short Term Maize Seed System Expert

BACKGROUND: 

Feed the Future Nepal USAID Agricultural Inputs (USAID Agricultural Inputs) is a five-year USAID-funded initiative aiming to increase the availability, accessibility, and use of agricultural inputs and technology to enhance Nepal’s agricultural productivity. This activity supports stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including seed companies, researchers, and government entities, to improve market system competitiveness, input supply chain efficiency, and the enabling environment.

A consistent challenge among seed companies is the lack of technical expertise in high-volume, high-quality maize seed production, research and development (R&D), and variety maintenance. To address this gap, USAID Agricultural Inputs is piloting a private sector service delivery model. This initiative seeks to engage the technical expertise of a Maize Seed System Expert to strengthen maize seed production systems and support the development and registration of high-yielding, climate-resilient maize varieties.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT: 

The Maize Seed System Expert will:

1. Provide specialized expertise to seed companies and stakeholders in maize breeding and variety maintenance.
2. Strengthen the development, evaluation, and registration of high-yielding, climate-resilient maize varieties.
3. Facilitate the development of operational standards and quality control measures for seed production.

METHODOLOGY/TASKS:

1. Technical Support

• Assess the current status of seed companies with variety development and maintenance licenses (R&D) regarding high-yielding, climate-resilient maize varieties.
• Evaluate completed trials based on Nepal Agriculture Research Center (NARC) and Seed Quality Control Centre (SQCC) protocols and support the implementation of additional required trials.
• Facilitate data collection, analysis, and proposal development as required by the National Seed Board.
• Support the variety registration process per Seed Regulation 2081, including preparing and submitting necessary documentation.
• Design and deliver technical assistance packages for seed companies, including operational standards and quality control guidelines.

2. Capacity Building and Collaboration

• Build the capacity of seed companies, agronomists, and associated stakeholders in advanced maize breeding practices.
• Engage with public and private sector stakeholders, including university professors, retired NARC staff, freelance breeders, and breeder associations, to provide fee-for-service technical assistance.
• Foster partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, and private sector entities to address systemic challenges in maize seed production.

3. Business Model Development

• Collaborate with Business Development Services (BDS) experts to co-design sustainable pricing models and technical assistance packages.
• Develop and pilot business models for service delivery by breeding experts to seed companies.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Track the progress of trials, data collection, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Evaluate the outcomes of technical assistance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Document lessons learned and prepare knowledge-sharing materials for stakeholders.

DELIVERABLES:

LEVEL OF EFFORT AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 

The assignment will initially span 100 working days over 12 months, with potential extension based on task requirements and mutual agreement. The anticipated start date is January 2025.

LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENT AND LOGISTICS: 

This assignment can be undertaken in Central or Regional or Cluster offices and will require travel to USAID Agricultural Inputs working districts.  All costs related to travel to the working district(s) will be managed by USAID Agricultural Inputs in accordance with the organization’s policies.

The assignment can be based in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj, with field visits to USAID Agricultural Inputs’ Zone of Influence (ZOI).

TECHNICAL DIRECTION AND REPORTING

The Consultant will work under the direction and report to the USAID Agricultural Inputs’ Seed Specialist.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Master’s degree in Agriculture with specialization in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, or related fields.
• Experience:
  • At least 10 years of experience in maize breeding, variety development, and seed production.
  • Strong knowledge of high-yielding and climate-resilient maize varieties and breeding techniques.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and technical reporting.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Fluency in Nepali and English.
• Other:
  • Familiarity with Nepali agricultural market systems and seed regulatory frameworks.

SELECTION CRITERIA: 

Selection will be based on academic qualifications, relevant experience, and proposed daily rate.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 

Interested consultants must submit:

• Letter of Interest.
• Detailed CV summarizing experience aligned with the TOR.
• Proposed Gross daily rate. The selected consultant shall submit a copy of contract/ agreement, or other proof of two latest assignments verifying the proposed daily rate upon selection. 
• PAN registration certificate (copy of VAT certificate is must if the total consultancy value exceeds or equal to NRs. 500,000). Note - Tax will be deducted at source as per Nepal government tax rule and regulation. 
• Any other relevant document(s)

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Winrock International seeks to cultivate an environment where all candidates relish equal employment opportunities devoid of discrimination, misconduct, fraud, and abuse. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and Localization guides our practices not just in hiring, but also in staff retention, growth, and policy implementation. This commitment signifies that we value diversity in all its forms including age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and cultural background. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry of the communities in which we live and work.

DISCLAIMER

Issuance of this notice does not obligate USAID Agricultural Inputs to award a consultancy service, nor will pay any costs associated with the preparation or submission of application. Furthermore, USAID Agricultural Inputs reserves the right to reject any and all applications, if such an action is considered to be in the best interest of the project.