Consultant to implement an Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) Vietnam project for pepper in Gia Lai Province

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR NATIONAL CONSULTANTS

EU Compliance Project for Black Pepper Smallholder Farmers in Gia Lai Province

ofi (Olam Food Ingredients) Spices Vietnam

FY26 Consultant Packages — Consolidated TOR by Activity Group

Hiring entity: ofi Spices Vietnam on behalf of OVL (Olam Vietnam Ltd.)

Project: Black Pepper EU Compliance Project (FY26–FY27) — 200 smallholder pepper farmers, Gia Lai province

Introduction and Purpose

ofi Spices Vietnam is implementing a Black Pepper EU Compliance Project targeting 200 smallholder pepper farmers in Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes, Gia Lai province (FY26–FY27). The project aims to (i) build farmer capacity to meet EU pesticide residue (MRL) and contaminant requirements under Regulation (EC) 396/2005 and Regulation (EU) 2023/915, (ii) generate evidence of knowledge and practice change through pre/post testing and laboratory sample analysis, and (iii) strengthen the local input supply chain to support sustained compliance.

This document sets out consolidated Terms of Reference for national consultant packages required under the FY26 work plan. Each section below corresponds to one consultant package (one or two consultants working as a team, as specified) covering a discrete group of activities in the approved FY26 budget. Consultants will work under OVL contracts, in close coordination with the ofi Spices Vietnam Sustainability team.

Consultants are expected to register all primary data using digital tools (e.g. ODK/Excel) compatible with ofi’s OFIS system, and to submit all deliverables in Vietnamese with an English executive summary unless otherwise agreed.

The consultancy package will cover the following four technical workstreams:

TOR 1: Initial Assessment and Baseline Survey (FY26 Budget Section B)

1. Background and Purpose

As part of project start-up, require a baseline study of the 200 participating pepper farmer households in Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes, Gia Lai province. The baseline will establish current farming practices, pesticide use patterns, input sourcing behaviour, record-keeping habits, and farmer knowledge of EU pesticide MRL and contaminant requirements. Baseline leaf samples will also be collected for laboratory MRL testing (ISO 17025, LOQ 0.01 ppm), establishing the reference point against which FY27 endline results will be compared.

The baseline study will (i) provide baseline values for the project’s results framework indicators, (ii) inform the design of Farmer Field School (FFS) training content, and (iii) support the FY27 endline comparison and final evaluation.

2. Scope of Work

Under the overall guidance of the ofi Spices Vietnam Sustainability Coordinator, the consultant team (2 persons) will:

Attend a briefing and onboarding session to confirm the TOR, baseline methodology, sampling protocol, farmer list, and field schedule (Ia Ko and Chu Puh commune).
Review and, where necessary, adapt the baseline household questionnaire and farmer knowledge (pre-)test, ensuring alignment with the project’s results framework and with EU MRL/contaminant regulatory requirements (Regulation (EC) 396/2005; Regulation (EU) 2023/915).
Conduct household-level baseline surveys with all 200 participating farmer households, covering: farm characteristics, current pesticide/input use practices, barriers to using EU approved inputs, sourcing channels, record-keeping practices, and access to extension/training services.
Administer the farmer knowledge pre-test (written/oral as appropriate) to establish the baseline knowledge score for later comparison with the FY27 endline knowledge test.
Collect leaf samples from a representative sub-set of farms following the agreed sampling protocol, maintaining a chain-of-custody log, and coordinate hand-over of samples to the designated laboratory(ies) for MRL baseline testing.
Work jointly with the ofi Gia Lai field team during fieldwork to ensure data quality, including participation in field monitoring/spot-check visits using OFIS.
Clean, validate and analyse the household survey dataset, knowledge pre-test results, and (where available within the assignment period) laboratory results.
Prepare and submit a draft and final Baseline Report presenting key indicators (farm/farmer profile, current practice gaps versus EU compliance requirements, baseline knowledge scores, input-use patterns), with tables/charts suitable for donor quarterly reporting and presentations.
Present baseline findings to ofi and incorporate feedback into the final report.

3. Duration and Working Schedule

The assignment is expected to take place over June–August 2026, totalling approximately 24 working days per consultant (team of 2), as indicated below. Dates are indicative and subject to confirmation with ofi.

Task	Consultant 1	Consultant 2	Indicative Deadline
1. Briefing, onboarding, and review/finalization of survey tools	1	1	Week 2, July 2026
2. Household baseline survey, knowledge pre-test and leaf sample collection (200 farmers)	10-15	10-15	Jul 2026
3. Data cleaning, analysis and draft Baseline Report	3-5	3-5	Jul–Aug 2026
4. Validation, finalization of Baseline Report	1-2	1-2	Aug 2026
Total days	15-24	15-24

4. Deliverables

Finalized baseline household questionnaire and knowledge pre-test tool (Vietnamese, with English translation of key indicators).
Completed baseline dataset for 200 households (digital format compatible with OFIS) and farmer knowledge pre-test results.
Sample collection and chain-of-custody log for laboratory submission.
Draft Baseline Report (Vietnamese, with English executive summary).
Final Baseline Report incorporating ofi feedback, along with two presentation summarizing key findings: one for internal staff and one for external stakeholders.

5. Place of Work and Logistics

Fieldwork will take place in farmer villages within Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes, Gia Lai province; data analysis and report writing may be home-based. Transportation (7-seat vehicle rental), per diem and accommodation for the field period will be covered separately per the FY26 according to the approved cost norms of the project, and arranged/reimbursed through OVL.

6. Required Expertise and Qualifications

University degree or higher in agriculture, agricultural economics, rural development, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience designing and conducting household-level agricultural surveys, including quantitative data collection and analysis (Excel/SPSS/R or similar) .
Familiarity with smallholder farming systems in the Central Highlands, and ideally with pepper or other spice crop production.
Working knowledge of pesticide use, MRL/food-safety standards, or EU agricultural compliance requirements is an advantage.
Experience with field sample collection protocols and chain-of-custody documentation for laboratory testing is an advantage.
Strong analytical and report-writing skills in Vietnamese; ability to produce English summaries.

7. Inputs to be Provided by ofi

Project background documents, results framework, and farmer list (200 households).
Existing survey/questionnaire templates and knowledge test bank for adaptation.
Coordination with local authorities and farmer groups for field access and scheduling.
Sampling protocol and sample submission instructions.
Technical review and feedback on tools, datasets and draft report; facilitation of the validation session.

TOR 2: Farm-Level Cost-Benefit Analysis (FY26 Budget Section C)

1. Background and Purpose

To support farmer adoption of EU-compliant production practices, the project requires a clear, locally-grounded economic case demonstrating the costs and benefits of transitioning from current practices to EU-compliant pepper production (e.g. reduced/optimised pesticide use, use of MRL-compliant inputs, improved record-keeping). The resulting cost-benefit analysis will feed directly into Farmer Field School (FFS) training content and farmer motivation messaging under FY27.

2. Scope of Work

Building on the joint ofi cost-benefit framework developed in-kind, the consultant team (2 persons) will:

Review the project’s purpose to identify the key cost and revenue parameters to be field-validated (input costs, labour costs, yield, farm-gate prices, for both current and EU-compliant practice scenarios).
Design and pilot a concise cost-benefit data collection tool for use with 15 participating farmer households.
Conduct field data collection with the selected sample of farmers in Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes to gather cost, labour, input and yield/price data for both current and EU-compliant practice scenarios.
Develop a cost-benefit model/template (spreadsheet-based) comparing current versus EU-compliant practice scenarios at the household level, including sensitivity to key assumptions (e.g. pepper price, yield change, input cost differential).
Prepare a Cost-Benefit Analysis Report presenting farm-level economic projections and key messages, together with a concise presentation/slide summary suitable for use in FFS training sessions.
Present findings to ofi and incorporate feedback into the final report and model.

3. Duration and Working Schedule

The assignment totals approximately 9 working days per consultant (team of 2), expected within June–August 2026.

Task	Consultant 1	Consultant 2	Indicative Deadline
1. Review framework/baseline data; design and pilot data collection tool	2	2	Jul 2026
2. Field data collection with sample farmer households	3	3	Jul 2026
3. Cost-benefit model development and analysis	2	2	Jul–Aug 2026
4. Draft and final Cost-Benefit Analysis Report and presentation	2	2	Aug 2026
Total days	9	9

4. Deliverables

Cost-benefit data collection tool and field dataset.
Cost-benefit model/template (spreadsheet) comparing current vs. EU-compliant practice scenarios.
Draft and final Cost-Benefit Analysis Report (Vietnamese, with English executive summary), along with two presentation summarizing key findings: one for internal staff and one for external stakeholders.
Summary presentation/slide deck for use in FFS training and stakeholder communications.

5. Place of Work and Logistics

Field data collection will take place in Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes, Gia Lai province (approximately 3 field days); analysis and reporting may be home-based. Transport, per diem and accommodation for the field period will be covered per the FY26 budget and donor cost norms, arranged/reimbursed through OVL.

6. Required Expertise and Qualifications

University degree in agricultural economics, economics, or related field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience conducting farm-level cost-benefit or economic analyses, ideally in the agriculture/agribusiness sector.
Strong skills in spreadsheet-based financial/economic modelling.
Experience translating technical economic findings into farmer-friendly messaging is an advantage.
Good report-writing and presentation skills in Vietnamese, with ability to summarize in English.

7. Inputs to be Provided by ofi

Existing cost-benefit framework and baseline data (from TOR 1).
Farmer sample list and coordination of field access in Ia Ko and communes, Gia Lai Province.
Technical review of the model, draft report and presentation.

TOR 3: Agricultural Input Market Mapping (FY26 Budget Section D)

1. Background and Purpose

Sustained farmer compliance with EU pesticide MRL and contaminant requirements depends on local availability of approved/compliant agricultural inputs (pesticides, bio-inputs, fertilizers). The project requires a market mapping exercise covering Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes and relevant supply hubs to identify current input availability, supplier capacity, and farmer purchasing behaviour, in order to design FY27 vendor engagement activities.

2. Scope of Work

Working jointly with the ofi Spices Vietnam Sustainability team, the consultant team (2 persons) will:

Develop a market mapping methodology and tools (supplier inventory checklist, farmer purchasing-behaviour questionnaire), in coordination with ofi.
Map the agricultural input supply chain for pesticides/biopesticides and fertilizers serving Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes, tracing each input category from the point of farmer purchase back through the chain: Farmer ← small retail shop/agro-input store ← local distributor ← B2B/upstream supplier (importer, manufacturer, or national distributor).
Identify and visit agricultural input suppliers/vendors (agro-input shops, distributors, cooperatives) serving Ia Ko and Chu Puh commune and relevant nearby supply hubs/ manufacturers, assessing current product portfolios, pricing, and availability of inputs compliant with EU MRL requirements.
Document the full traceability chain (B2B supplier → local distributor → retail shop → farmer) for the priority input categories used by participating farmers, noting where compliant alternatives exist at each tier and where gaps occur.
Assess each identified supplier’s willingness and capacity to stock/promote compliant inputs (e.g. approved biopesticides, balanced fertilizer formulations).
Conduct interviews with 200 participating farmers on current input purchasing behaviour: sourcing channels, decision factors (price, availability, trust), and perceived constraints to switching to compliant inputs.
Compile findings into an Input Market Mapping Report, including a supplier directory, a gap analysis of compliant-input availability versus farmer needs, and practical recommendations for FY27 vendor coordination and training activities.
Present findings to ofi and incorporate feedback into the final report, along with two presentation summarizing key findings: one for internal staff and one for external stakeholders.

3. Duration and Working Schedule

The assignment totals approximately 14 working days per consultant (team of 2), expected within June–August 2026.

Task	Consultant 1	Consultant 2	Indicative Deadline
1. Methodology and tool development	2	2	Jun 2026
2. Field visits to input suppliers/vendors and farmer interviews	9	9	Jun–Jul 2026
3. Data analysis and draft Input Market Mapping Report	2	2	Jul–Aug 2026
4. Finalization of report incorporating feedback	1	1	Aug 2026
Total days	14	14

4. Deliverables

Market mapping methodology and data collection tools.
Supplier directory (Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes and relevant supply hubs) with product/pricing/availability data.
Farmer input-purchasing behaviour dataset.
Draft and final Input Market Mapping Report (Vietnamese, with English executive summary), including a compliant-input availability gap analysis and recommendations for FY27 vendor engagement, along with two presentation summarizing key findings: one for internal staff and one for external stakeholders.

5. Place of Work and Logistics

Field work will take place in Ia Ko and Chu Puh communes and relevant supply hubs in Gia Lai province (approximately 11 field days); analysis and reporting may be home-based. Transport, per diem and accommodation for the field period will be covered per the FY26 budget and donor cost norms, arranged/reimbursed through OVL.

6. Required Expertise and Qualifications

University degree in agriculture, agribusiness, supply chain management, or related field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience conducting agricultural market assessments or value chain studies.
Familiarity with agricultural input distribution systems in Vietnam, ideally in the Central Highlands.
Knowledge of EU pesticide MRL requirements and locally available compliant inputs is an advantage.
Good interviewing, data synthesis and report-writing skills in Vietnamese, with ability to summarize in English.

7. Inputs to be Provided by ofi

Background on EU regulatory requirements (Regulation (EC) 396/2005; Regulation (EU) 2023/915) and any existing lists of approved inputs.
Farmer sample list and introductions to local authorities/cooperatives as needed for supplier access.
Technical review and approval of curriculum, materials and SOPs (ofi QA + Agronomy).
Coordination with downstream translation, design and printing service providers.

8. Application procedure:

Interested parties are requested to submit the proposal in English:

Applications should include:

Letter of Expression of Interest.
A copy of the business license (if any)
Company profile (if any)
A concise technical proposal outlining key sections and contents of the manual, tentative work plan and financial proposal presenting a detailed breakdown of the daily rate in Vietnam Dong, inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT/PIT)
Curriculum vitae (CVs), demonstrating relevant capacity and experience.
Example of previous similar work {weblink or portable document format (PDF)}

Proposals should be duly signed, stamped (where applicable) and submitted to Ms Yen via email at: [email protected]
Submission deadline: 21 July 2026
For any clarification requests, please contact Ms.Yen +84 938.116.367 (SMS/Whatsapp/Zalo – Outlook [email protected])