CALL FOR APPLICATIONS RESEARCH CONSULTANT - Analysis of Philippine Processed Foods for 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.
The Philippine country assessment will focus on processed-food value chains key barriers to export that 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 to Develop Strategic and Evidence-Based Recommendations for future programming and interventions that aim to enhance the export readiness of SMEs, strengthen institutional capacities, and increase SME participation in international trade, particularly with Canada.
SCOPE OF WORK
To support MEDA in the country assessment, a research consultant is needed in conducting primary data collection, stakeholder coordination and data processing and analysis. Using a research framework and tools developed by TFO and MEDA, the research consultant will focus on using the tools to conduct surveys, KIIs and FGDs on selected processed foods value chains with high export potential (e.g. processed fruits, seafoods, processed coconuts) involving SMEs, producers, and market actors (government agencies, business associations, financing institutions, etc.) that support export and trade facilitation.
The consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables and activities:
Primary Data Collection
Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
Conduct in-depth interviews (about 10-15 KIIs) with stakeholders across the processed-food value chain, including but not limited to:
- Large buyers/importers (Canada)
- Export-ready Philippine processors/SME exporters
- Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) / Export promotion
- Regulators and standards bodies
- Finance providers (trade finance / SME finance / climate finance)
- Technology / processing / packaging / cold chain providers
- Environmental / climate / women/youth orgs
- Document findings with detailed notes or recordings (subject to consent)
SME Survey
- Use structured 2 online or SMS survey instrument to assess export readiness, capabilities, and constraints among minimum 10, maximum 20 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
- Where feasible, organize and facilitate 4-5 focus group discussions [composed of 8-10 participants] with cooperatives and producers 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 Canada's three export-readiness categories and identify differentiated 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
Required
- 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
- Proven expertise in 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 (e.g. coconut, 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 systems development approaches
- Demonstrated cultural competency and stakeholder engagement skills in the Philippines context
TIMELINE AND LEVEL OF EFFORT
Duration: April 6 to June 30, 2026 [12 weeks]
Level of Effort: Approximately 60 person-days
INDICATIVE TIMELINE
- Inception Report and Workplan - Week 1-2
- Research Tools Adaptation and Validation - Week 3
- Data Collection Implementation Strategy - Week 4
- Validation KIIs and data collection execution - Week 5,6,7,8)
- Data Consolidation and Preliminary Analysis - Week 9,10,11)
- Final Submission and Presentation (Week 12)
Interested consultants should submit:
- Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining relevant experience and approach to this assignment with proposed methodology
- CV highlighting relevant qualifications and assignments
- Sample of previous research report or market assessment (link or attachment)
- Financial proposal including daily rate and estimated number of days
- Contact information for two professional references.
Submission Deadline: March 24, 2026
Submit to: riisa@meda.org
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.
