The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Sri Lanka, is seeking a consultant to develop sustainable food processing business models under the GCF-funded Knuckles Project. The consultancy aims to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance local incomes, and strengthen climate resilience by transforming underutilized tree-based food crops—such as jackfruit, durian and avocado—into value-added products through community-based enterprises.

Key Responsibilities

• Value Chain Assessment: Quantify crop production and post-harvest losses across target communities in Kandy and Matale.

• Market Analysis: Identify processed products with high local and export potential, leading to the selection of four priority crops.

• Technology and Capacity Review: Assess community needs for climate-smart processing infrastructure, packaging standards and certification (e.g. HACCP, organic).

• Business Model Development: Create enterprise models for individuals, cooperatives and MSMEs, including financial projections, supply chains and green investment options.

• Implementation Plan: Develop rollout strategies including training, partnership frameworks, monitoring systems and social impact assessments.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Agribusiness, Food Technology, Agricultural Engineering or related fields.

• At least 8 years of relevant experience in food processing and agribusiness.

• Proven track record with small-scale and community enterprise development in Sri Lanka or similar settings.

• Expertise in food safety standards, financial modeling, and green technology applications.

• Familiarity with GCF, climate adaptation strategies and participatory community engagement.

• Knowledge of Sri Lankan agricultural policy and market systems.