Grain Storage and Warehouse Management Expert

  • Salary:Negotiable
  • Experience:3
  • Type:Contract
  • Job Level:Mid Level
  • Views: 605 views

Job Overview

  • Industry:NGO / INGO
  • Category:Logistics/ Supply Chain
  • Minimum Education: Master's Degree
  • Skills:A good understanding of Nepal’s agriculture system.
  • Openings1
  • Job LocationKathmandu
  • Posted on:October 21,2020
  • Apply Before:November 09,2020
Expired
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POSITION TITLE: Grain Storage and Warehouse Management Expert

LOCATION: Kathmandu, Nepal

REPORTS TO: Business and Market System Director

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

Winrock International is implementing USAID funded Knowledge-based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture in Nepal, (KISAN II) in twenty-four Hill and Terai districts in Bagmati Province, Lumbini Province, Karnali Province and Sudur Paschim Province. for over a five-year period. The project’s overall goal is to increase the resilience, inclusiveness and sustainability of income growth through agriculture development. KISAN II will work with the private sectors such as lead firms, input suppliers, wholesalers and traders to catalyze agricultural productivity, competitive market systems, a stronger enabling environment, business and literacy skills for households in Zones of Influence.

KISAN II follows a market systems development approach to strengthen and improve agriculture markets, improve value chain efficiency and manage unexpected shocks. To ensure KISAN II success, it is necessary to understand the demand side of the equation and market opportunities and assist those on the supply side to meet market requirements. 

INTRODUCTION:

The inability of farmers to capture and benefit from price differentials during lean and peak season is seen as a major constraints to commercialization in the paddy and maize sector. During peak harvesting period, farmers fetch a low price for their commodities due to excess supply in the market. However, with in a matter of a few months, the price shoots up as supplies dwindle. Despite knowing this fact, most farmers sell their produce almost immediately. This is largely due to two main factors: 

  • Lack of storage structures to safely and efficiently store their grains and 
  • The need for finance to meet their expenses and purchase inputs for the next crop cycle.

Inventory credit is a proven instrument that allows farmers, traders and processors to obtain finance secured by goods deposited in a warehouse.  The warehouse operator issues a loan with the stored grains in the warehouse acting as collateral. This solves the aforementioned problems of safe storage as well as access to finance, giving the farmers flexibility to determine when their produce is sold thereby maximizing their economic return. Inventory credit is an established system that has stimulated agriculture and agribusiness development- with proven models in Africa and parts of South Asia. One of the first pre requisites for IC is warehousing infrastructure that are built and managed scientifically. 

In Nepal, lack of proper management of post-harvest techniques in agricultural product leads to about 20-40% loss. Conventional grain storage structures like Bhukhari, Morai, Kothar, Moda, Munar and Kothi are traditionally used to store grain. However, they are ineffective against mold and insects that are already present in the grains. New and improved storage structures have been introduced such as pusa bin, cement and brick bin and bunker storage. But, these technologies are only appropriate at the HH or group level.

Proper storage technique is one of the effective methods for eliminating post-harvest losses. Thus, an ideal grain storage system for smallholder farmers should be developed to reduce grain storage losses, maintain grain quality and contribute to reduce food insecurity for smallholder farmers. Hermetic metal silos, modern warehouse and godowns have to be developed as these technologies are most suitable to reduce post-harvest loss status and their services can be scaled up.  

There are existing storage infrastructures but they are not scientifically built and neither are they managed well. Due to this major constraint, there lies a huge risk for warehousing service providers and farmers to adopt it. However, having a clear set of guidelines for the construction and management of a warehouse which ensures safety of the grains could spur interest amongst market actors and farmers to adopt this technology. 

ASSIGNMENT:

  • Identify/take stock of GoN’s policies on warehousing 
  • To conduct a table assessment of the existing warehouses of KISAN II grantee partners
  • To prescribe required and necessary changes to these existing warehouses- including costing- to ensure that the grains are stored in a safe environment whereby postharvest loss during storage is minimized 
  • To prepare a management system and standard operating procedures for smooth operation of the warehouse
  • To orient and train KISAN II and its partner organization on safe storage of grains and warehouse management.

DELIVERABLES FOR ASSIGNMENT: 

  1. Short report on the GoN’s policies to support warehousing, assessment of existing warehouse and necessary changes to be made to ensure safety of grains stored. (5-6 pages)
  2. Short specific warehouse management guide 
  3. A succinct list of SOP that can be replicable in the field and ensures a minimum standard is maintained for grain storage
  4. Training to KISAN II staff and partner staff, orienting them on the science behind grain storage, management practices/guide and SOP’s
  5. Once comments have been received written final reports, management guide, SOP’s and training materials

LEVEL OF EFFORT

10- 12 days stretched over 1.5 months.

QUALIFICATION and SKILLS

  • Bachelor's level degree in agriculture, economics, business or related field. 
  • Master's level degree in agriculture, economics, business or related field preferred.
  • At least 3 years of experience in conducting research and analysis. 
  • Experience in warehouse management and grain storage 
  • A good understanding of Nepal’s agriculture system. 
  • Good written English and proven report writing ability.

LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENT: 

  • The Consultant will be based in Kathmandu. No travel required for the assignment. As of USAID compliance, Consultant is expected/allowed to work max 6 days a week. 

DISCLAIMER:

Issuance of this notice does not obligate Winrock International to award a Consultancy Service, nor will Winrock International pay any costs associated with the preparation or submission of application.  Furthermore, Winrock International reserves the right to reject any and all applications, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of Winrock International.  The consultancy service is contingent upon donor approval.

Applicants should submit:

  • A letter of interest, stating why you are suitable for the assignment
  • Updated CV
  • Budget: Propose daily rate along with copy of contract/agreement, or other proof of two latest assignments
  • PAN registration certificate (copy of VAT certificate is must if the total consultancy value exceeds or equal to NRs. 500,000

How to Apply:

Interested candidates can post the required documents [email protected] within November 2, 2020. Applicants should reference Consultant-Grain Storage and Warehouse Management Expertin the subject line. Applications received after the stipulated date will not be entertained.