Consultant Needed: Assessment of Agricultural Needs & GESI-Responsive Agroecological Mapping in Dighinala

OverviewTrinamul-Unnayan-Sangstha (TUS) in partnership with HELVETAS is seeking an experienced consultant to conduct a rigorous, participatory assessment of the most pressing agricultural needs and to map GESI-responsive, nature-based agroecological practices in Dighinala Upazila, Khagrachhari District, Chattogram Hill Tracts. This job circular invites qualified consultants/firms to apply for a short-term contractual assignment that will directly inform project interventions and training materials.This job posting is a formal circular for professionals in agriculture, agroecology, development studies, and related fields in Bangladesh and beyond. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full requirements and apply via the specified email addresses on or before the deadline.Why this job is important:It supports climate-resilient, inclusive agricultural interventions in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.It centers gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) to ensure equitable benefits for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.It builds an evidence base for scalable, nature-based solutions that can be promoted through Community Learning Centers (CLCs) and local extension systems.Key responsibilitiesDesign and implement a participatory, GESI-sensitive methodology including desk review, KIIs, FGDs, transect walks, direct observation, and a validation workshop.Identify and analyze the main agricultural production challenges, vulnerabilities, and constraints faced by local farmers, disaggregated by gender, age, disability, and ethnicity.Map existing and potential GESI-responsive agroecological practices (traditional and introduced), assess their effectiveness, sustainability, accessibility, and scalability.Prioritize recommended practices for piloting and promotion and produce clear, actionable recommendations for the project.Prepare and submit an inception report, a draft assessment report, present findings for validation, and deliver a final assessment report incorporating stakeholder feedback.DeliverablesInception Report (max 10 pages, excluding annexes) with refined methodology, work plan, data collection tools, and schedule.Draft Assessment Report (max 25 pages, excluding annexes) with executive summary, detailed methodology, GESI-disaggregated analysis, a mapped inventory of practices, and prioritized recommendations. Raw data collection tools and transcripts should be annexed.Presentation of draft findings to project stakeholders and a validation workshop summary.Final Assessment Report incorporating feedback.Required qualifications & skillsAdvanced degree in Agriculture, Agroecology, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or a related field.Minimum 5 years of relevant experience conducting agricultural assessments, participatory rural appraisals (PRA), and GESI analyses, preferably with NGOs or development agencies.Strong knowledge of nature-based solutions, climate-resilient agriculture, and agroecological principles.In-depth understanding of the CHT context, socio-cultural dynamics, and local agricultural systems. Proficiency in local languages (Chakma, Tripura, Marma) is an advantage.Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills; experience in mapping and participatory data collection methods.Selection criteriaUnderstanding of the assignment and proposed methodology (30).Relevant experience in agricultural and GESI assessments (25).Knowledge of CHT context and local language skills (15).Qualification and CV of proposed consultant(s) (20).Financial proposal clarity and competitiveness (10).Application process & timelineThe application process is electronic. Interested consultants/firms should submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the emails provided below on or before 12 October 2025. The RFP should include a cover page, proposed methodology and timeline, relevant experience, CV(s) of proposed consultant(s), and a financial proposal in BDT (all-inclusive).Emails to apply: trinamulcht@gmail.com, info@trinamulchtbd.orgSubject line: RFP - Assessment for Activity 1.1.1 - NBS & Spring ProjectIndicative timetable (may be adjusted by mutual agreement):Submission of proposals by consultants: 12 October 2025Discussion/finalization with selected consultant: 14 October 2025Work commences: 15 October 2025Fieldwork and data collection: 16 October 2025Submission of draft report & presentation: 26 October 2025Feedback from HELVETAS/TUS: 28 October 2025Submission of final report: 30 October 2025Payment terms40% upon signing contract and submission of approved inception report.60% upon submission and acceptance of final report.Notes This job circular is published for transparency; the company (Trinamul-Unnayan-Sangstha) and HELVETAS reserve the right to adjust timelines and selection procedures. Job applicants should ensure their proposals are complete and submitted by the deadline. For queries, contact the given emails. Apply early to avoid last-minute submission issues.