RFP - Advisory Paper – National Cacao Strategy for Vanuatu

About the Proposal

We are seeking consultancy services from a professional with strong experience in helping drive growth along specialty cacao value chains. You will be able to review progress made against the existing 2020-2025 National Cacao Strategy, analyse the current status for the sector within the context of global market ambitions, consult with stakeholders across the value chain, and provide advice about key considerations to be taken into account when Vanuatu develops the 2026-2030 National Cacao Strategy. You will need to be available to complete this work before 28 February 2026.

Deliverables

An advisory report that the Vanuatu Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity (MALFB) can use to inform the development of the Vanuatu National Cacao Strategy 2026 - 2030, including but not limited to:

• A summary of key messages received from different groups of stakeholders (farmers, exporters, government officials etc.) during the consultations.

• Advice about key constraints along the value chain and potential ways to address these.

• Advice about the current positioning of Vanuatu’s specialty cacao industry within global markets, strategic opportunities that are available, and how Vanuatu could make the most of these opportunities in the next five years.

• Options and priorities for building more inclusive opportunities across the value chain.

• Suggestions for key activities and sequencing, to take forward strategic ‘next steps’ for the growth of Vanuatu specialty cacao.

Qualification and Knowledge Requirements

• Proven experience in supporting specialty cacao sector development including for export markets, and preferably experience in gender, youth and/or disability inclusion.

• Ability to deliver within specified deadlines.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, Bislama language skills preferred.

• Experience working in the Pacific or similar small island states with transferable experience.

Responsibilities

• Undertake desktop analysis of the current strategy, Vanuatu trade data and international market analysis.

• Develop a consultation plan with the PHAMA Plus Country Manager (including identification of key stakeholders, scheduling and key consultation questions).

• Lead delivery of consultations in accordance with this plan.

• Provide drafts of the advisory report for review and comment by the PHAMA Plus team and agreed stakeholders prior to finalisation.