Technical advisory services for aquaculture value chain development

The contractor shall provide comprehensive technical advisory services for the design, implementation, technical coordination and quality assurance of interventions supporting sustainable aquaculture and fisheries value chain development under Output 2.1 of the EU Action Stawi Bluu - Sustainable Blue Businesses in Tanzania. The assignment forms part of the ProsperBlue Programme implemented by GIZ and contributes to the broader objective of promoting a climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy in Tanzania. At the beginning of the assignment, the contractor shall undertake an inception phase that includes a comprehensive aquaculture and fisheries value chain analysis using recognised value chain development methodologies, including the ValueLinks 2.0 approach. The analysis shall validate priority value chains, identify market opportunities, analyse constraints affecting competitiveness, map relevant stakeholders and institutions, assess governance arrangements, identify opportunities for public and private investment, examine environmental and climate-related risks, and integrate gender equality, youth inclusion and social inclusion considerations into the intervention strategy. Based on the findings, the contractor shall design, implement and continuously adapt integrated interventions addressing bottlenecks across selected value chains.. The assignment shall strengthen production systems, post-harvest handling, processing, storage, quality assurance, product diversification, marketing, business management and market access while promoting environmentally sustainable production practices, innovation and climate resilience. Particular attention shall be given to strengthening economic opportunities for women, youth and other underrepresented groups within the Blue Economy. The contractor shall provide technical assistance to MSMEs, producer organisations, cooperatives, private enterprises and other value chain actors through coaching, mentoring, business development services and practical capacity development measures. This shall include strengthening entrepreneurship capacities, improving business planning, facilitating market linkages, promoting investment readiness, facilitating access to finance, and supporting the development of commercially viable business models capable of attracting public and private investment. The contractor shall design and implement capacity development activities for public institutions, research organisations, vocational education and training institutions, extension services and business support organisations to strengthen the enabling environment for sustainable aquaculture and fisheries value chains. Activities may include Training of Trainers (ToT), curriculum enhancement, demonstration facilities and practical learning environments, institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange mechanisms that promote long-term institutional capacity. The contractor shall facilitate dialogue and collaboration among government institutions, private sector actors, financial institutions, development partners, academia and civil society organisations to strengthen coordination, improve sector governance and promote evidence-based decision-making. Where appropriate, the contractor shall support the development of standard operating procedures, technical guidelines, business models and other practical tools that improve sector performance and facilitate sustainable investment. Throughout implementation, the contractor shall apply participatory, gender-responsive, conflict-sensitive and environmentally sustainable approaches consistent with the principles of the EU Action and GIZ quality standards. Cross-cutting themes, including climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, social inclusion, decent employment, occupational health and safety, digital innovation, monitoring and knowledge management, shall be systematically integrated throughout implementation. All activities shall be implemented in accordance with the principles of the EU Action and GIZ quality standards. The contractor shall establish robust monitoring, evaluation, learning and knowledge management systems to document progress against agreed indicators, capture lessons learned, generate evidence for adaptive management and support communication of project achievements. Close coordination with GIZ, implementing partners and relevant stakeholders will be required throughout implementation to ensure complementarity with other Action outputs, maximise synergies with ongoing initiatives and promote sustainability beyond the contract period. The contractor shall be responsible for delivering all agreed outputs within the contractual timeframe while maintaining high standards of technical quality, financial accountability, professional integrity and compliance with GIZ procurement, environmental and social safeguard requirements. All activities shall contribute to strengthening competitive, inclusive and sustainable aquaculture and fisheries value chains that generate employment, improve livelihoods, enhance food security, mobilise sustainable public and private investment, and support the long-term conservation and sustainable use of Tanzania's marine and coastal ecosystems.