Position: Consultancy – Identification, Mapping and Capacity Assessment of SMEs in the Rice Value Chain
Type: Contract
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Deadline for Application: 15th March 2026
Organization: The Rice Council of Tanzania (RCT)
About The Rice Council of Tanzania (RCT)
The Rice Council of Tanzania (RCT) serves as the national platform for actors across the rice value chain, including producers, processors, traders, input suppliers, financial institutions, and other service providers. RCT is instrumental in policy advocacy, market development, coordination, and boosting competitiveness within Tanzania’s rice sub-sector.
Currently, RCT is implementing the Growing Together Programme (2024–2028) in partnership with The Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH). This initiative seeks to transform local food markets, enhance food security, and increase incomes for small-scale food producers. A key focus is supporting 60 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), ensuring at least 50% are women-led or women-owned.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultancy aims to systematically identify, map, and assess SMEs operating within the rice value chain in Mbeya, Morogoro, and Iringa. The results will guide the design of a tailored capacity-building program to enhance SME performance in areas such as processing efficiency, business management, financial access, and market linkages.
Specific Objectives:
- Identify and map SMEs in the rice value chain within the intervention areas.
- Assess organizational, technical, and business capacities of selected SMEs.
- Identify key gaps hindering growth and competitiveness.
- Develop a capacity-building framework and training modules.
- Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen SME performance.
Scope of Work and Key Tasks
The consultant will undertake the following activities:
- Inception Phase: Desk reviews and stakeholder consultations to refine methodology and assessment frameworks.
- SME Mapping: Field mapping and profiling of SMEs, including business type, ownership, processing capacity, and financial access.
- Capacity Assessment: Evaluate milling efficiency, technology use, business planning, financial management, credit readiness, and gender/youth inclusion.
- Design of Capacity-Building Program: Develop tailored training modules covering financial literacy, technology upgrading, and market access.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related field.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in value chain development, SME development, or agribusiness consulting.
- Proven experience in value chain mapping and SME capacity assessments.
- Knowledge of Tanzania’s rice value chain is highly desirable.
- Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
Expected Deliverables
- Inception Report (methodology and work plan).
- SME Identification and Mapping Report (with database).
- SME Capacity Assessment Report.
- Capacity Development Framework and Training Modules.
- Final Consultancy Report.
Duration and How to Apply
- Duration: 15 working days
- Application Deadline: 15th March 2026
- Application Process: Interested individuals or firms should submit:
- Technical Proposal (max 10 pages)
- Financial Proposal
- Supporting documents (CVs, 3 references, and samples of previous work)
Send applications via email to: info@ricecounciltz.org, This consultancy offers an excellent opportunity for professionals with expertise in agribusiness and SME development to contribute directly to strengthening Tanzania’s rice value chain and supporting inclusive growth for local producers and enterprises.
