Research Consultant Analysis of Philippine Processed Foods for Export

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS RESEARCH CONSULTANT - Analysis ofPhilippineProcessed Foodsfor Export

BACKGROUND

MEDA is an international economic development organization whose mission is to create business solutions to poverty. Founded in 1953 by a group of business professionals MEDA partners with the poor to start or grow small and medium-sized businesses in developing regions around the world.

MEDA in partnership with TFO Canada is conducting a market assessment to identify opportunities and constraints within the processed-food export sectors in the Philippines. The Market Assessment will analyze both demand-side dynamics (Canadian and international buyers) and supply-side capabilities (Small and Medium Enterprises and Trade Support Institutions) to inform evidence-based programming that strengthens export readiness and trade facilitation.

ThePhilippine countryassessment will focus on processed-food value chainskey barriers to exportthat SMEs face in relation to environmental sustainability climate resilience digitalization access to finance and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). This includes identifying challenges and constraints that hinder SMEs from participating effectively in export markets.The results of the assessment are intended toDevelop Strategic and Evidence-Based Recommendationsfor future programming andinterventions that aim to enhance the export readiness of SMEs strengthen institutionalcapacities and increase SME participation in international trade particularly with Canada.

SCOPE OF WORK
To supportMEDA inthecountryassessment aresearch consultantis neededinconducting primary data collectionstakeholder coordination anddataprocessing a research frameworkand toolsdeveloped by TFO and MEDA the research consultant will focus on using the toolstoconduct surveys KIIs and FGDs on selected processed foods value chainswith high export potential (e.g. processed fruits seafoods processed coconuts) involvingSMEs producers and market actors(government agencies business associations financing institutions etc.)that support export and trade facilitation.

The consultant will be responsible forthe following deliverables and activities:

Primary Data Collection

Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)

Conduct in-depth interviews(about 10-15KIIs)with stakeholders across the processed-food value chain includingbut not limited to:

1. Large buyers/importers (Canada)
   
2. Export-ready Philippine processors/SME exporters
   
3. Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) / Export promotion
   
4. Regulators and standards bodies
   
5. Finance providers (trade finance / SME finance / climate finance)
   
6. Technology / processing / packaging / cold chain providers
   
7. Environmental / climate / women/youth orgs
   
8. Document findings with detailed notes or recordings (subject to consent)

SME Survey

• Usestructured2online or SMS survey instrument to assess export readiness capabilities and constraints amongminimum10 maximum20 SMEs

• Ensure survey design allows for disaggregation by:

• Sex and age of enterprise leadership

• Export-readiness category

• Processed-food sub-sector

• Distribute surveys and manage data collection including follow-up to maximize response rates

• Clean and analyze survey data providing descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations

Focus Group Discussions

• Wherefeasible organize andfacilitate4-5focus group discussionscomposed of 8-10 participantswithcooperatives andproducers or other value chain actors to collect supplementary qualitative data

• Document key themes and insights from focus groups

Analytical Support

The consultant will contribute to the following analytical components:

Supply-side diagnostics: Evaluate SME capabilities across production capacity operational systems digital readiness and climate resilience

• Export readiness assessment: Segment SMEs using TFO Canadas three export-readiness categories andidentifydifferentiated support needs

• Sectoral competitiveness analysis: Analyze gaps preventing or limiting access to Canadian markets

All analyses must integrate the four cross-cutting themes: GESI ESCR Digitalization and A2F.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in international development economics agricultural economics business or related field

• Minimum 5 years of experience conducting market assessments value chain analyses or trade-related research in developing countries

• Provenexpertisein mixed-methods research (qualitative and quantitative)

• Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English

• Ability to work within the required timeline

• Experience working with SMEs and/or Trade Support Institutions in Asia-Pacific (Philippines experience strongly preferred)

• Familiarity with export-readiness frameworks and trade facilitation programming

Preferred

• Knowledge of processed-food value chains ( fruits sauces ready-to-eat foods snacks)

• Understanding of Canadian import market dynamics and buyer requirements

• Experience integrating GESI climate resilience digitalization and/or access to finance into research and programming

• Familiarity with market systemsdevelopmentapproaches

• Demonstrated cultural competency and stakeholder engagement skills in the Philippines context
  
  

TIMELINE AND LEVEL OF EFFORT

Duration:April6 toJuneweeks

Level of Effort: Approximately60 person-days

INDICATIVE TIMELINE

1. Inception Report and Workplan - Week 1-2
2. Research Tools Adaptation and Validation - Week 3
3. Data Collection Implementation Strategy - Week 4
4. Validation KIIs and data collection execution - Week 5678)
5. Data Consolidation and Preliminary Analysis - Week 91011)
6. Final Submission and Presentation (Week 12)

Interested consultants should submit:

1. Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining relevant experience and approach to this assignmentwith proposedmethodology
2. CV highlighting relevant qualifications and assignments
3. Sample ofpreviousresearch report or market assessment (link or attachment)
4. Financial proposal including daily rate and estimated number of days
5. Contact information for two professional references.

Submission Deadline: March 24 2026

Submit to:

MEDA welcomes and encourages applications from all genders backgrounds religions cultures nationalities and abilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the selection process.

Required Experience:

Senior IC