About J-Palm Liberia

J-Palm Liberia works to empower smallholder oil palm processors in rural communities by providing access to modern, more efficient processing technologies. Our machines reduce processing time by 75% and extraction rates by 53% on average.

We manage and operate our mills in partnership with rural communities. Oil palm processors within a certain radius harvest palm fruit from communally-owned trees, and use our machines to process palm oil at no up-front cost. Additionally, we provide an option to purchase palm oil from smallholders at going market rates, providing quick access to cash when needed.

Background of partnership with GSMA

J-Palm Liberia is developing two mobile blockchain apps to deliver transparency and traceability to Liberian wild-harvest palm oil supply chains. Using mobile technology, we can demonstrate that forests where palm trees grow wild are being protected whilst improving incomes and livelihoods for palm harvesters, delivering a sustainable, no-deforestation palm product that makes communities more resilient to climate change. This project is being carried out in partnership with GSMA.

Objectives:

J-Palm Liberia is seeking to hire a local consultant to assess mobile money uptake with palm farmers and palm harvesting communities, what the barriers to entry are, and how mobile money payments to farmers could alter production levels. 

Consultant Tasks:

• Travel to Bong County to understand project context, and palm community context.
• Develop a methodology for sampling. 
• Design and administer a questionnaire with palm harvesters on mobile money usage. 
• Work with the Extension Agent team and climate adaptation team for implementation. 
• Analyze key trends and findings from research carried out. 
• Strictly adhere to timeframes for the project 

Consultant Deliverables:

The consultant will deliver:

• Methodology and questionnaire template
• Report on key findings from survey administered.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a consultant or candidate with at least two years of relevant experience.
• Excellent understanding of the Liberian business environment – proven through research and market survey experience with SMEs in Liberia
• Must understand professional branding and visibility.
• Experience of administering questionnaires historically 

The Consultant will report to:

Project Manager

CEO

The Consultant will work closely with:

1. Extension Agents
2. Climate Adaptation Officers 

Timeframe / Schedule:

The entire consultancy is expected to last for a maximum of 4 weeks commencing as early as possible in February or early March and as such proposal to be submitted should reflect such a timeline.

Document Submission:

Interested candidates should kindly submit the following documents via email in one Portable Document Format, PDF, and with the subject line “Coordination of Mobile Money usage for J-Palm Liberia participants” to malek@jpalmliberia.com and before 5pm Liberia time on February 26, 2024:

• Cover letter outlining capacities and experience.
• Detailed (proposed) work plan that includes timeline and budget.
• CV/Resume
• One sample of previous work done if applicable 

NOTE: Applications received after the deadline may not be considered

If you have any questions, or need any additional information, kindly email us at jobs@jpalmliberia.com