Individual Consultant for Agricultural Productive Development (CSA Specialist)

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Project: Strengthening Capacities of Women and Youth for Implementation of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in El Salvador

• Destination: San Miguel/Usulután, El Salvador

• Contract Length: March 9, 2026 – August 31, 2026 (approx. 5.5 months)

• Estimated number of working days (internal purposes only): 90 days

• Consultant Level: Level 3 - Technical Assistance

• Total Rates: USD 11,500 (USD 127.78 x 90 days = USD 11,500.20)

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting "green growth", a model of economic development that simultaneously targets poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

In El Salvador, GGGI is implementing the project "Strengthening Capacities of Women and Youth for Implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in El Salvador." This initiative aims to bolster the entrepreneurial and productive resilience of farmers in climate-vulnerable regions, with a strategic focus on empowering women and youth to integrate effectively into sustainable value chains.

The Capacity Building Program

A core pillar of this initiative is the Program for Strengthening Productive, Entrepreneurial, and Associative Capacities. The program delivers a comprehensive support package, including:

• Specialized Training: Technical and business management education.

• Technical Assistance: On-site coaching and mentorship.

• In-Kind Seed Capital: Provision of tools, equipment, inputs, and productive infrastructure.

Program Evolution and Current Status

The program is executed in three distinct editions:

1. 2024–2025 Cohorts: 31 groups participated in foundational training. Following a competitive selection process, 26 groups advanced to receive technical assistance and in-kind seed capital.

2. 2025 Edition: 15 groups are currently in the final phase of technical assistance, scheduled for completion in July 2026.

3. 2026 Edition: 10 new groups are scheduled to begin their training phase in late March 2026.

Strategic Goals for 2026: Productive Clusters

Beyond direct group support, GGGI’s 2026 strategy focuses on long-term sustainability through the development of Productive Clusters. These clusters serve as articulation spaces for actors within the fruit and vegetable value chains, including commercial, financial, and educational stakeholders.

To achieve this, GGGI requires an Individual Consultant to provide high-level technical guidance to producer groups and facilitate strategic networking within the agribusiness ecosystem of San Miguel and Usulután.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overarching objective of this consultancy is to enhance the productive resilience and technical expertise of producer groups in San Miguel and Usulután. By deploying Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) methodologies, the consultant will empower women and youth to increase sustainable food production and successfully integrate their products into local and national value chains.

The assignment further aims to foster long-term sustainability by facilitating strategic coordination between producer groups and key stakeholders within the regional agribusiness ecosystem.

Specific Objectives:

• CSA Training & Educational Facilitation: Design and deliver high-impact capacity-building sessions based on GGGI-approved curricula, specifically addressing the technical needs of sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

• Technical Validation of Business Plans: Mentor producer groups in the technical structuring of bankable business plans, ensuring that agricultural projects are viable, climate-resilient, and aligned with GGGI’s strategic approach.

• Climate-Smart Technical Assistance: Provide specialized field-level assistance to implement CSA practices. This includes promoting climate mitigation and adaptation techniques tailored to the specific literacy levels and socio-economic contexts of the participants.

• Ecosystem Integration & Guidance: Act as a technical advisor to producer groups, providing expert recommendations for linking with the national agribusiness ecosystem and guiding them through complex productive processes (e.g., transition to agroforestry).

• Adaptive Problem Solving: Proactively identify and resolve technical bottlenecks and field constraints. Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to leverage local networks in identifying practical solutions for ongoing activity success.

• Rigorous Monitoring & Reporting: Ensure the systematic documentation of all productive milestones, generating detailed activity reports and means of verification (MoV) in accordance with GGGI’s rigorous delivery schedule.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Individual Consultant will focus on the technical execution and productive strengthening of the project. The workload is divided into three primary strategic lines, requiring high mobility and specialized knowledge in climate-resilient production.

1. Intensive Technical Assistance (2025 Cohort)

Provide high-frequency, on-site productive coaching to five (5) producer groups from the 2025 edition. This line of work ensures the successful implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices:

• Personalized Sessions: Delivery of approximately nine (9) productive technical assistance sessions per group.

• Geographic Coverage: Visits will be conducted directly at the groups' production units, organized into two strategic routes:

• Route A: San Miguel Norte.

• Route B: Usulután Este – San Miguel Centro.

2. Training and Technical Business Planning (2026 Cohort)

Support the development of ten (10) new productive groups by bridging the gap between field techniques and business viability:

• Training Facilitation: Facilitate two (2) out of the ten (10) scheduled training sessions, focusing on the technical foundations of CSA.

• Technical Plan Design: Collaborate with the Business Specialist for the development of six (6) bankable business plans, taking direct responsibility for the technical, productive, and environmental feasibility sections.

• Competition Readiness: Support groups during practice sessions to refine their technical pitches for the in-kind seed capital fund competition.

• Weekly Presence: Maintain a consistent field schedule with sessions every Thursday (San Miguel) and Friday (Usulután).

3. Support for Productive Cluster Development

Contribute to the regional agricultural ecosystem by identifying and articulating technical synergies:

• Actor Mapping: Identify and link key technical stakeholders (research centers, input providers, and environmental agencies) within the local and national agro-productive ecosystem.

• Thematic Facilitation: Lead specialized workshops or training modules focused on agricultural innovation and sustainable productive development within the cluster framework.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

The Individual Consultant provides high-level technical leadership in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), focusing on the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and resilient resource management. This role involves direct collaboration with the GGGI technical team to ensure that productive strategies are efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

1. Management and Coordination

• Operational Alignment: Maintain proactive communication with the GGGI team through weekly follow-up meetings and standardized reporting.

• Data Management: Implement and maintain a comprehensive recording system to analyze group characteristics, training attendance, learning progress, and technical assistance visit logs.

• Stakeholder Commitment: Establish and manage multi-channel communication (face-to-face, virtual, and telephonic) to ensure the sustained participation and motivation of producer groups.

2. Training and Pedagogical Development

• Methodological Design: Develop "Methodological Letters" (lesson plans) and instructional presentations for all CSA modules.

• Targeted Delivery: Facilitate relevant training sessions tailored to the specific needs of women and youth, ensuring the content is accessible and actionable.

• Technical Business Planning: Collaborate with the Business Specialist to integrate CSA principles into six (6) bankable business plans, ensuring technical viability and climate resilience.

3. Technical Assistance and Field Implementation

• Demonstrative Workshops: Lead hands-on field sessions on CSA practices, including water management, soil conservation, and the selection of climate-resilient crop varieties.

• Mentorship: Provide one-on-one technical counseling to groups to solve specific productive challenges in their agribusiness projects.

• Field Presence: Execute 45 technical assistance visits across the districts of San Luis de la Reina, Sesori, Moncagua, San Miguel, and Concepción Batres.

• Cluster Support: Provide technical guidance for the establishment of two (2) productive clusters in San Miguel and Usulután.

4. Seed Capital Oversight and Post-Training Support

• Procurement Support: Guide beneficiary groups through the quotation and acquisition processes for goods and services outlined in their approved business plans.

• Asset Validation: Supervise and formally validate the installation of productive infrastructure and the quality of equipment, tools, and inputs delivered.

• Utilization Training: Instruct groups on the proper operation and maintenance of the productive incentives provided through in-kind seed capital.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Reporting

• Progress Tracking: Conduct weekly follow-ups to assess the practical implementation of CSA practices in the field.

• Digital Backups: Maintain rigorous "Means of Verification" (MoVs) on Google Drive, including attendance lists, photographic evidence, field logs, and productive records.

• KPI Systematization: Support the tracking of key impact indicators, such as:

• Total area (hectares) under sustainable management.

• Productive diversification (Agroforestry and Silvopastoral systems).

• Agricultural yields and water-use efficiency.

• Soil conservation works completed.

6. Documentation and Deliverables

• Strategic Planning: Develop and maintain an updated Work Plan and activity schedule.

• Monthly Reporting: Submit monthly activity reports accompanied by all required technical attestations and evidence.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENTS SCHEDULE

Disbursement of fees is strictly conditional upon the successful completion and formal approval of each deliverable by the GGGI Technical Coordinator. Payments are divided into five (5) equal installments of 20% each.

EXPERIENCE OR QUALIFICATIONS

The Individual Consultant must possess a robust technical background and extensive field experience in resilient farming systems. The following qualifications are mandatory:

1. Education

• Academic Background: A Master’s Degree in Agronomic Engineering, Agroecology, Forestry, Environmental Science, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

2. Professional Experience

• Climate Adaptation Expertise: A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrable experience supporting the application of technologies for climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector.

• Agroforestry & Silvopastoral Systems: At least three (3) years of experience in the design, establishment, and management of diverse agroforestry and silvopastoral systems.

• Farmer Training: Proven track record with at least three (3) specific experiences in providing technical assistance and training to smallholder farmers on sustainable practices.

• Social Inclusion: Extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, specifically rural women and youth groups.

3. Technical Knowledge and Skills

• CSA Principles: Deep understanding of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) principles and their direct contribution to climate mitigation and adaptation.

• Resilient Methodologies: Familiarity with both conventional and innovative agricultural approaches to food security.

• Digital Proficiency: Advanced use of Microsoft Office (Excel is essential for productive record-keeping and data analysis).

• Communication: Excellent technical report writing skills. Complete fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with a professional working knowledge of English required for international coordination.

4. Availability and Logistics

This position requires high mobility and the provision of independent resources:

• Legal Status: Must be a citizen of El Salvador or hold a valid, current work permit.

• Transportation: Must possess a personal vehicle (4x4 preferred) or motorcycle and a valid driver's license. The consultant is responsible for all fuel and maintenance.

• Geographic Focus: Residence in the Eastern region of El Salvador is strongly preferred. If not local, the consultant must demonstrate availability to relocate or work full-time in the designated project areas for the duration of the contract.

• Technical Equipment: The consultant must provide their own laptop, software licenses, and reliable internet connectivity.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

This assignment is structured as an Individual Consulting (IC) contract. The total contract value is a fixed lump sum, disbursed in five (5) equal monthly installments upon the approval of deliverables.

• Operational Autonomy: The consultant will work primarily in the field (territory-based) and is responsible for managing their own schedule to meet project deadlines.

• Resource Provision: The consultant must provide all tools necessary to perform the assignment. This includes, but is not limited to:

• A reliable vehicle/motorcycle, fuel, and maintenance.

• A laptop with licensed productivity software.

• High-speed internet access and mobile communication.

• Liability: GGGI will not be responsible for any equipment damage, travel risks, or third-party liabilities incurred during the execution of this contract.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive application package to be considered for this role.

1. Required Documentation

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated, concise CV detailing educational background, professional history, and key achievements.

2. Selection Process

• Eligibility: This call is open strictly to individual consultants. Applications from consortia, firms, or legal entities will not be considered.

• Shortlisting: Only candidates meeting the minimum technical and administrative requirements will be contacted for further assessment.

• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a technical interview. Please note that GGGI does not reimburse expenses related to the interview process unless explicitly authorized in writing.

3. Submission Deadlines

• Timeline: The closing date for applications is specified in the official vacancy notice.

• Time Zone: Please note that the deadline follows Korea Standard Time (KST). Applicants are responsible for calculating the time difference to ensure timely submission. Late applications will be automatically disqualified.

4. Bilingual Accessibility Notice

Note: The Spanish version of these Terms of Reference is available for download via the link provided in the "General Information" section of this consultancy posting.