FIJI: CONSULTANT FOR MAPPING VALUE-CHAIN, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS GAP
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: Fiji bamboo to adapt and mitigate climate change
- Duty Station: Suva, Fiji
- Contract Duration: 1 April โ 30 September 2025
- Consultant Level: Level 3
- Total Fees: USD 13,100
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Fiji Bamboo to Adapt to and Mitigate Climate Change project aims to support the sustainable and inclusive production and use of bamboo as a resilient, sustainable and cost-effective construction material in Fiji that can be used to help increase the supply of affordable, resilient and accessible buildings in Fiji while also economically empowering women and other marginalized groups in Fiji, who are expected to play a key role in both the sustainable production and use of bamboo as a construction material. The project is being implemented by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) with a coalition of Government and Non-Government partners both locally and internationally and is supported financially by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT) and Irelandโs Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under Phase 2 of the Pacific regional Low Emissions and Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) program.
The project aims to create evidence base and an enabling environment (the local capacity and policy environment) that will support and encourage:
- the use of locally grown bamboo as a cost-effective, sustainable and resilient construction material;
- the adoption of environmentally sustainable (or even regenerative), socially inclusive and economically viable methods for cultivating, harvesting, treating and processing bamboo (for use in construction); and
- women and other marginalized groups to seize the economic opportunities that are expected to arise from the development of a new green and sustainable bamboo industry in Fiji.
Bamboo is recognized as a sustainable and versatile material with immense potential in the construction sector. However, the effective utilization of bamboo in Fiji is hindered by gaps in awareness, local knowledge and skills across the entire value chain, from cultivation to construction. Mapping the value chain and identifying skills gaps is critical for promoting bamboo as a viable and resilient building material in Fiji. This research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the bamboo construction value chain and determine the knowledge and skills gaps that need to be addressed to enhance local capacity to develop a robust bamboo construction ecosystem in Fiji.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The primary objective of this consultancy is to map the bamboo construction value chain and assess local knowledge and skills gaps at each stage of the value chain in Fiji. Specifically, the consultant will:
- identify and document the key actors and processes within the bamboo construction value chain in Fiji;
- assess the current level of knowledge and skills among stakeholders (e.g., farmers, landowners, processors, builders, policymakers, and construction professionals);
- identify critical gaps in technical knowledge and practical skills related to bamboo cultivation, harvesting, processing, treatment, and construction;
- analyze barriers to knowledge transfer and skill development across the value chain; and
- provide recommendations for targeted interventions, awareness, training, and capacity-building programs to promote the use of bamboo in construction sector in Fiji.
SCOPE OF WORK
To meet the objectives of this assignment GGGI is aiming to hire an individual consultant. The consultant is required to work in close collaboration with the Fiji Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Public Works to:
- conduct a literature review on existing bamboo construction value chains and skills gaps in Fiji and comparable regions;
- map the bamboo construction value chain, identifying key stakeholders, processes, and linkages from cultivation to final construction;
- design and implement surveys, interviews, and focus group sessions with key stakeholders (farmers, processors, builders, government agencies, and training institutions);
- assess existing training programs and educational resources relevant to bamboo-based construction, if any in Fiji;
- identify best practices in knowledge transfer and skill development from other regions; and
- develop a strategic roadmap for strengthening the bamboo construction value chain and addressing the skills gaps in Fiji.
DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
[Deliverables, Timeline and Payment Schedule]
No.
Deliverables
Deliverableโs description
Timeline
Amount (% over total fee)
1
Inception Report
Detailed workplan with methodology, activities, risk analysis, deliverables and timeline.
Two (2) weeks after the start of contract
20%
2
Interim Report
Interim report summarizing preliminary findings from the value chain mapping and stakeholder consultations
Twelve (12) weeks after the start of contract
40%
3
Final Report
Final research report with comprehensive value chain mapping, including stakeholder analysis, skills gap assessment report outlining key findings and analysis, recommendations for training and capacity-building initiatives. The Final report shall be presented at a stakeholder workshop for validation.
Twenty-two (22) weeks after the start of contract
40%
Note: Local project-related travel will be covered on a reimbursement basis.
[Reporting Arrangements]
The consultantโs work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings for planning, and short meetings for prioritizing activities, in consensus with the contract supervisor at Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Forestry and GGGI. The review meetings will include subjects such as: the overview of the contractual objectives, the development of activities, detailed information milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline initially set, and any other relevant progress details.
Supervision shall be provided by the Ministry of Public, Ministry of Forestry with the support of the GGGI Fiji office, to ensure the timely and quality delivery of outputs outlined in the contractual objective. The final review and approval of activities and deliverables under the contract is to be made by the Project Steering Committee (PSC) of the Fiji Bamboo project in collaboration with the GGGI project team.
The consultant will report to the Project Manager on a bi-weekly basis, providing updates on progress and addressing any challenges.
[Reporting Requirements]
- The Consultant shall submit the Final Report which should reflect the outcome of all activities prepared by the consultant.
- All outputs must be in English, in accordance with GGGIโs formatting requirements and editable format that is readable by a Microsoft Office application. The consultant will also provide all information necessary to meet the reporting requirements GGGIโs Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan which will include the provision of disaggregated data and information about stakeholders consulted with.
- The final report must be approved by the GGGI with the agreement of the PSC. The Consultant shall consider the comments and necessary revisions proposed. Within 14 days from the receipt of the comments or modification proposal from the GGGI, the Consultant shall prepare and submit the final versions of the report
EXPERTISE REQUIRED
The consultant shall have the following educational qualifications, experience and competencies:
- (MANDATORY) A Bachelorโs degree in business development, economics, sustainable development, forestry, construction, or other relevant field
- (MANDATORY)At least 5 years of experience in value chain mapping and skills gap assessments.
- Experience with value chain analysis and market systems development for natural resource-based industries.
- Demonstrated expertise in bamboo-based construction, forestry, sustainable materials, or green building technologies.
- Strong experience in mapping value chains, identifying stakeholders, and analyzing linkages.
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including survey design, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions.
- Familiarity with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs, workforce development strategies, and skills gap assessments in construction or forestry.
- Understanding of capacity-building programs and best practices in skills transfer and training.
- Familiarity with government agencies, training institutions, and key players in Fijiโs construction and forestry sectors.
- Experience in preparing policy briefs, strategic roadmaps, and recommendations for governments, donors, or industry stakeholders.
- Strong ability to translate research findings into actionable strategies.
- Fluency in English mandatory and local language is desired.
- Prior experience of working in the Pacific region in a similar assignment will be an asset.
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.
Child protection โ GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGIโs Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.