DAI is recruiting a Development of Training of Commodity Aggregation Traders (CATs), Buying Point Agents, Lead Farmers and VBAs on Grain Quality Enhancement, to be based in Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula, Mozambique.
Description
Introduction
- The Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Market Systems (PROMAS) is a project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented in three provinces in Northern Mozambique (Nampula,
Niassa and Cabo Delgado). The objective of the project is to increase income and employment opportunities for female and male smallholder farmers (SHF), youth and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in
Northern Mozambique through their involvement in resilient market systems. PROMAS is implemented by DAI Global UK (DAI).
- PROMAS has entered into partnership agreements with local Commodity Aggregation Traders (CATs) to support their efforts to build crops buying network. CATs serve as key intermediaries between SHF and large
buyers/processors involved in purchasing, processing, and exporting agricultural commodities
Background to the Intervention
- PROMAS supports CATs to pilot the establishment of buying points equipped with trust-building and quality control tools (digital scales, price boards, moisture meters, etc.) One of the key issues inhibiting trade is the poor
quality of produce delivered to the market, particularly maize.
- In 2024, PROMAS hired a consultant who trained CATs and their buying point agents (BPAs) in basic grain quality-enhancing practices, with the view the BPAs will train farmers to address quality from the farmgate. The
facilitator delivered training using a preliminary draft manual, which now requires significant revision to align with the literacy levels and practical realities of BPAs. The manual will also include the contributions from the trained buying point agents who were trained in 2024. A baseline survey was conducted to assess BPAs’ knowledge and skills in grain quality management before the 2024. The findings will be incorporated in the redesign of training content and methodology.
- PROMAS wishes to hire the services of a trainer who will promote the knowledge and awareness on how to enhance the quality of grain along the supply chain from farm gate all the way to the delivery at the big buyers’
warehouses and factories.
Objectives
- The main objective of this assignment is to enhance the capacity of CATs, BPAs, to install grain quality systems.
- Specific objectives include:
- a. Identify and validate training needs in grain quality management along the supply chain (from farm gate, buying point, to CAT warehouses)
- b. Review and develop training manual to guide BPAs in training farmers and pamphlets will be displayed at Buying Points.
- c. Provide training to BPAs to ensure quality assurance at the BP level and for them to train farmers on mechanisms to ensure grain quality from the farmgate level
- d. Provide guidance on how the trained BPAs can cascade grain enhancement training to other farmers.
Duties
Scope of Work
- The scope of work for the assignment has two related parts: development of training manual and pamphlets and the training of CATs and their BPAs and provide quality enhancement systems at BP and CAT warehouse levels.
Identify and Validate Training Needs
- The facilitator will visit two PROMAS districts and interview individual BPAs and farmers in focus group discussions to understand their levels of knowledge and current practices. The BPAs should include those trained
in 2024 and those who never received any training.
Develop training manuals/guides and pamphlets
- The facilitator will develop a simplified, modular manual for BPAs to use to train farmers and pamphlets to display as reference material for farmers visiting the BPs. The process will include:
Content Creation and Development
- The facilitator must create engaging, plain language content using visual aids, real-world scenarios, and interactive elements. The manual should be easy to navigate, with clear headings and subheadings, and should
be logically structured to enhance understanding and reinforce learning.
Design and Layout
- The facilitator must design a visually appealing, easy-to-read manual that is accessible to all users, considering their literacy level, and adaptable for print, online, or other formats.
Testing and Feedback
- The manual's effectiveness will be tested during the first training with CATs and buying points agents to gather feedback on usability and effectiveness. Feedback will be used to make revisions before the presentation of the final version.
Conduct training on grain quality management
- The training is planned to be carried out in Cabo Delgado (Balama, Montepuez and Chiure), Niassa (Cuamba, Mandimba, Chimbunila) and Nampula (Erati, Monapo, Ribaue, Malema).
Presenting the Content
- The facilitator must deliver engaging training content using participatory methods, clear communication, and real-life scenarios, that encourage active participation and engagement from participants. The content will be in two categories:
- a. To learn tools on how to enhance quality at the buying point level
- b. To learn techniques for BPAs to train farmers on quality at farm gate level.
Facilitation Skills
- Being a Training of Trainers, the facilitator should train the BPAs on facilitation skills. BPAs will invite farmers for quality enhancement cascade training at the marketing season kickoff. They will also provide quick tips to farmers who visit their buying points during the buying season.
Evaluating the Training Program
- The facilitator will invite training participants to evaluate the training program.
Assess and enhance quality systems at CAT warehouses
- The facilitator will visit and assess the quality preparedness and systems applied at each of PROMAS’ 2025 CAT partners (from 2025)’s warehouse. Will provide a summary of recommendations to enhance quality at warehouse
and transportation of grain.
Deliverables
- a. Simplified training manual and set of pamphlets (digital and print-ready).
- b. Delivery of 2-days interactive training of BPAs per district.
- c. Delivery of quality assessment and recommendations at two CAT warehouses per day
- d. A quality enhancement system guide/manual at BPs and CAT’s warehouse levels
- e. Final report including summary of training proceedings, and recommendations for cascade training and ongoing support, quality system findings at BPA and CATs warehouses.
Timeline
- a. The assignment is expected to be completed with the following time estimates: 3 days carrying needs assessment in 2 districts
- a. 5 Days: Preparation and development of training materials (manual and pamphlets).
- b. 2 days of training delivery for BPAs per district (20 days)
- c. One day assessing quality systems per 2 CATs in each district (estimated 12 days)
- d. 3 Days: Report preparation.
Requisites
- Proven experience in training and capacity building for agricultural projects.
- Practical knowledge of grain post-harvest quality, grading, and storage.
- Experience working in buying and warehousing operations in urban and rural areas.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, particularly with low-literacy audiences.
- Experience in developing training materials and conducting hands-on training sessions.
- Familiarity with the local context and working with smallholder farmers and commodity traders.
Notes
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
- Indicate the source of this job post: emprego.co.mz
- PROMAS and DAI Global UK encourage applications from qualified candidates, regardless of gender or background.
How to Apply
Application
- Interested candidates should submit their applications, including:
- A technical proposal detailing their understanding of the terms of reference, approach and strategy and brief description of activities they deem necessary for the accomplishment of the assignment.
- A financial proposal outlining the consultancy fees and any other costs.
- An updated CV (not more than five pages) highlighting their relevant experience.
- At least two references from previous assignments of a similar nature.
- Interested candidates are requested to submit their CVs and proposals in both Word and PDF formats via email: recruitment_promas@dai.com
- The deadline for all submissions is June 12, 2026, at 17:00.