Ref.
2025/CTBNCOHAIDFZS/14101
Job offer type
Experts
Type of contract
Service contract
Activity sectors
Other
Deadline date
2025/11/14 23:55
Duration of the assignment
Short term
Contract
Freelancer
Duration
30 days (Implemented within 6 months)
Consultant to Build National Capacity of Honey and it derivatives for Zimbabwe stakeholders (M/W)
Departement Economie Durable et Inclusive - EDIN > Pôle - Politiques Economiques et Commerciales
Published on : 2025/10/23
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
ZIMBABWE
Mission description
Project Description
The project aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the honey value chain, unlocking its potential for: a) reducing vulnerabilities among rural populations, and b) generating exports of higher value-added products. Implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with ZimTrade, the project covers three apicultural clusters comprising 455 producers and is structured around three components:
1. Strengthening the capacities of ZimTrade,
2. Establishing a “Center of Excellence” for honey research, studies, and analysis, and
3. Supporting the structuring of the apiculture sector, with a strong focus on women, under the supervision of ZimTrade, in order to improve the sector’s overall functionality
Expected Project Impact:
1) Improvement in living conditions for populations in the 3 beneficiary clusters:
2) 455 honey producers adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly beekeeping practices through training and the provision of equipment, leading to improved living conditions through increased incomes.
3) Additionally, honey production in the three clusters increases in both quantity and quality, with new markets and derivative products being developed, thereby fostering diversification of local production. This diversification contributes to the creation of decent jobs within the three beneficiary clusters.
Context
Zimbabwe faces a difficult macro-economic situation which is reflected in several factors: a chronic hyperinflation, leading to increased poverty and significant food insecurity (affecting 20% of the population). The honey sector represents a high-potential avenue for sustainable and inclusive economic development: productive and marketing capacities exist, and intermediary organizations have been established. However, the sector’s limited structuring, along with current production and processing practices, prevent it from realizing its full potential. The potential includes preserving and enhancing natural resources and biodiversity, generating decent income for producers (the majority of whom are women), creating jobs through the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the sector, and capturing lucrative markets regionally and internationally. The national export promotion agency, ZimTrade, supports programs aimed at productive clusters to improve both the quantity and quality of export-ready production, creating economic opportunities for rural populations.
Project or context description
Background
Zimbabwe has significant potential in beekeeping and honey production, including derivatives such as beeswax, propolis, and pollen-based products. To fully harness this potential and access international markets, particularly the European Union (EU), there is a need to build national capacity among beekeeping stakeholders in legal, regulatory, and commercial aspects of honey exports.
Objective of the Consultancy
The overall objective of this consultancy is to strengthen national capacity and enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s honey sector by facilitating compliance with international market standards, improving export procedures, and expanding access to high-value markets such as the EU and GCC.
Specific objectives:
i. Strengthening understanding of legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements for EU and GCCC market access.
ii. Enhancing knowledge of commercial and marketing strategies to enter EU and GCCC markets.
iii. Identifying niche markets, for honey derivatives, and high-value segments to diversify exports.
iv. Mapping and simplifying of both local procedures and international export procedures and compliance requirements.
Scope of Work / Key Tasks
The expert will find synergies during the implementation period with CIRAD, ZIMTRADE, Departments of Veterinary Services (DVS) and other key relevant stakeholders as he actualizes the scope below.
The Consultant shall undertake the following tasks:
a) Regulatory and Market Access Assessment
- Conduct a comprehensive study on the legal and regulatory requirements governing the export of Zimbabwean honey and its derivative products to the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
- Develop and deliver capacity-building programmes for identified national stakeholders to enhance their understanding of compliance and market access requirements.
b) Market Mapping and Opportunities Identification
- Identify and map global niche markets for honey and its derivative products, including their respective market entry conditions and certification requirements.
- Conduct training sessions for relevant stakeholders in Zimbabwe to strengthen their capacity to access and compete in these markets.
c) Export Procedures Review and Manual Development
- Review and map all procedures governing the export of honey from Zimbabwe.
- Identify procedural gaps and areas for improvement in line with international best practices.
- Develop a user-friendly Honey Export Procedures Manual to guide exporters and relevant institutions within the honey value chain.
Deliverables
i. Inception Report – detailing the Consultant’s understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, detailed work plan, and timelines.
ii. Regulatory and Market Access Study Report – a comprehensive report outlining the legal and regulatory requirements for the export of honey and its derivatives to the EU and GCC markets, including recommendations for compliance and alignment with international standards.
iii. Market Mapping Report – an analytical report identifying global niche markets, potential buyers, certification requirements, and opportunities for Zimbabwean honey and its derivative products.
iv. Capacity-Building Workshops – design and delivery of stakeholder training sessions focusing on export readiness, compliance, and market access.
v. Export Procedures Review Report – documentation of existing export processes, identified gaps, and proposed improvements to streamline honey exports.
vi. Honey Export Procedures Manual – a practical and user-friendly manual detailing step-by-step export procedures, regulatory requirements, and key institutional contacts.
vii. Final Report – summarizing all activities undertaken, results achieved, challenges encountered, lessons learned, and recommendations for sustainability and scaling up.
Duration
The consultancy will be implemented over a period of 30 days (implemented in 6 months)
Qualifications and Expertise Required
- Advanced knowledge of international trade, EU market access, and trade facilitation.
- Expertise in honey and apiculture products, including derivatives and value-added products.
- Experience in research and market analysis in agricultural or food export sectors.
- Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, certifications, and SPS standards.
- Proven experience in capacity building, training, and stakeholder engagement
Required profile
Application Requirements
- Technical and financial proposal.
- CV highlighting relevant experience.
- Sample reports or publications on related work (if available).
Additional information
Clarifications
- All clarifications concerning this advert should be sent to- vincent.bwire@expertisefrance.fr during normal working hours
Selection criteria for applications
The selection process for candidates will be based on the following criteria :
- Candidate’s training/skills/experience
- Candidate’s training/diplomas related to the expert assignment
- Assessment of the candidate's skills in the sought-after domain
Deadline for application : 2025/11/14 23:55
File(s) attached : Consultancy to Support and Build National Capacity for Honey and Honey-Derived Products Exports from Zimbabwe to the EU and GCC Markets..pdf
Expertise France is the public agency for designing and implementing international technical cooperation projects. The agency operates around four key priorities :
- democratic, economic, and financial governance ;
- peace, stability, and security ;
- climate, agriculture, and sustainable development ;
- health and human development ;
In these areas, Expertise France conducts capacity-building initiatives and manages project implementation, leveraging technical expertise and acting as a project coordinator. This involves combining public sector expertise with private sector skills to drive impactful results.