Consultant to Conduct a Study on the Issue of Sustainable Cocoa

Job opportunity : Consultant to Conduct a Study on the Issue of Sustainable Cocoa at WWF - The World Wide Fund for Nature, Cameroon - Fonds Mondial pour la Nature

JOB TYPES

Job opportunity : Consultant to Conduct a Study on the Issue of Sustainable Cocoa

Consultance

A negocier

Localisation :tout-le-cameroun Date de publication :17/03/2026  

Catégorie : Consultance Salaire : A negocier © Cameroun

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Cameroon Recruitment of a Consultant to Conduct a Study on the Issue of Sustainable Cocoa in Cameroon

Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home the Earth? Working with WWF could be the opportunity of a lifetime: All around the world, people are waking up to the deepening crisis of nature loss. A growing realization that nature is our life-support system. Nobody will be spared from the impacts of its loss. Here at WWF, we are helping to tackle this enormous global challenge. Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from HR and finance to advocacy and conservation science. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us create a better future for people and wildlife. What we do: We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to businesses and government, we are part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. Together, we seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainably. We are looking for a consultant to conduct a study on the issue of sustainable cocoa in Cameroon.

1. Context and justification Sustainability in the cocoa sector is now an essential international requirement, championed by numerous organizations, notably the WWF, which emphasize the vital need to reconcile agricultural production, ecosystem protection, and improved incomes for producers, particularly in producing countries like Cameroon. Pressures related to traceability, the fight against deforestation, and biodiversity preservation compel stakeholders in the sector to adopt a sustainable cocoa approach that meets the expectations of global markets and increasingly ethical and environmentally conscious consumers. In this context, cocoa production must now integrate principles of social responsibility and environmental respect to ensure that the beans placed on the market do not contribute to deforestation, the degradation of natural resources, or child labor. International markets, particularly European ones, impose strict standards that determine access to commercial outlets. Thus, Cameroon, a major producer in Central Africa and the fourth largest producer in Africa, is directly affected by these new requirements and must adapt its sector to remain competitive while meeting sustainability imperatives. Cameroon has embarked on this transition through various national tools and international partnerships, reflecting its commitment to meeting the growing demands of global markets for traceability, forest protection, and social responsibility. However, this momentum continues to face major challenges that undermine the sector's competitiveness. From a technical standpoint, farming practices remain largely outdated, access to quality inputs is limited, and plantation productivity is insufficient to meet international standards. Institutionally, coordination among the various stakeholders in the sector is still weak, regulation lacks effectiveness, and monitoring and certification mechanisms are insufficiently strengthened. Finally, from an environmental and socio - economic perspective, increasing pressure on forests, biodiversity loss, and the effects of climate change threaten the sustainability of production systems, while local producers continue to face low incomes and persistent economic vulnerability. However, the semantic clarification of the terms "sustainable cocoa," their technical and

organizational characteristics, as well as their geographical positioning, remain subject to divergent perceptions, lively debates, and approaches that are not always harmonized. Depending on whether one is on the side of the central government, private operators in the sector, international organizations, producers, or civil society, a harmonized and unambiguous language does not seem to be developing. On the other hand, the conditions for developing sustainable cocoa, the technical requirements and the material constraints make this choice difficult, and the potential gains do not seem to equal the efforts made by the producers and the latter seriously question the need to invest in it. The legal and institutional framework is little known and the populations of remote regions, generally around protected areas as well as indigenous peoples are even more vulnerable. These obstacles, both structural and cyclical, fully justify the need for an in-depth study. This study will allow for a better understanding of the challenges related to the sustainability of cocoa in Cameroon and, specifically, will identify priority levers for action and propose concrete ways to strengthen the sector's resilience in the face of international pressures and internal challenges. It is in this context that conducting a study on the sustainability of the cocoa sector in Cameroon falls squarely within the framework of the SENIOR COCOA project. One of the essential aspects of this project is to position itself as an integrative initiative, linking technical, institutional, environmental, socio - economic and innovation dimensions, to strengthen the sustainability and increase the competitiveness of the cocoa sector in Cameroon. The study will clarify the terminology and harmonize understanding and approaches. It will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, and identify threats and opportunities at the local, regional, and national levels. At the producer level, with private and international partners, and at the state level, it will show the way forward and outline the procedures. 2. Mission Details The selected consultant will be primarily responsible for conducting the general approach and diagnosis of sustainable cocoa, developing aspects relating to semantic clarification, the state of the sector, the institutional and regulatory framework, the challenges and limitations encountered, as well as prospects and dynamics, while integrating socio - cultural, community, economic and commercial issues. General approach and diagnosis of sustainable cocoa Regarding semantic clarification

• How is sustainable cocoa defined?

• What characterizes it (environmental, social, economic dimensions)?

• Distinction between sustainable cocoa, certified cocoa and fair-trade cocoa. Regarding the inventory of fixtures

• Where is it produced in Cameroon?

• By whom (actors, sector organization)?

• What quantity compared to the rest of the world/African cocoa?

• What initiatives and programs are already underway? Regarding the institutional and regulatory framework

• Public policies and national strategies related to sustainable cocoa.

• International norms and standards (traceability, certifications)

• Role of international institutions and partners

• Regarding the challenges and limitations

• Techniques (productivity, access to inputs, modernization).

• Institutional Limits (coordination, regulation, certification)

• Challenges related to environmental and socio-economic constraints (deforestation, low remuneration, vulnerability)

• Threats related to climate change and international competitiveness. Regarding the outlook and dynamics

• Ecological, social and economic benefits

• Development and valuation opportunities

• Technological innovations and agroforestry practices. Cultural and community issues

• The role of cocoa in rural and cultural dynamics.

• Impacts on living conditions, education and social cohesion Regarding the economic and commercial framework Global market trends and consumer demands. Cameroon's positioning in the face of regional and international competition.

3. Objectives and Expected Results a) Overall objective of the mission Conduct a study on the sustainable cocoa sector in Cameroon focusing on the major production basins of the TRIDOM landscape to analyze its current state, its constraints and its opportunities, and propose strategic perspectives to strengthen its sustainability and competitiveness. b) Specific objectives: i. Clarifying the definition and characteristics of sustainable cocoa in the Cameroonian context ii. To take stock of production: areas, actors, volumes and comparison with conventional cocoa. iii. Identify the technical and institutional constraints and threats that hinder the development of sustainable cocoa. iv. To highlight the achievements and opportunities, as well as the ecological, social and economic benefits linked to the cocoa sector. v. To propose strategic perspectives and recommendations for the promotion and scaling up of sustainable cocoa in Cameroon. c) Deliverables i. Deliverable 1 related to OS1: A semantic framework document (conceptual note) aimed at clarifying the definition, criteria and characteristics of sustainable cocoa and validated by stakeholders. ii. Deliverable 2 related to OS2: A cartographic and statistical report on sustainable cocoa production (production areas, actors involved, comparative table of sustainable cocoa volumes VS conventional cocoa, etc.) iii. Deliverable 3 related to OS3: Analytical report on constraints and threats, including a summary table of the main technical and institutional obstacles. iv. Deliverable 4 related to OS4: Illustrated summary sheet (or thematic report) on the achievements, opportunities and benefits of sustainable cocoa. v. Deliverable 5 related to OS5: A list of strategic recommendations and an operational action plan for decision-makers and investors.
4. Methodology a. General Orientation In general, the mission will be based on a documentary and participatory approach, structured around the exploitation of previous studies, consultation with key organizations and people, collection of primary data, analysis and triangulation of data, reporting and recommendations. b. Activities/Methodology The consultant is required to propose the most appropriate methodology and/or technique to produce each delivery. Each delivery will be subject to specific validation by the monitoring team and will be shared with the service provider.
5. Period and Duration of the Mission The complete service, including data collection, deliverable production, and report writing, will be completed within twenty-five (25) working days over a 45-day period from the date of contract signature. A detailed schedule will be developed by the consultant and approved by the project team before activities commence. Invoicing will cover a 25-day period.
6. Provision of Facilities and Resources No office will be allocated to the service provider; however, the latter may use, if necessary and subject to availability, the facilities of the project unit located in the study area. No documents will be made available to the service provider.
7. Deliverable Validation Criteria Methodological approach Deliverables will be assessed based on the relevance and consistency of the approach adopted. The methodology must be clearly explained, adapted to the study's objectives, and produce reliable results. Presentation of deliverables The evaluation will focus on writing quality and formatting. Documents must be structured, legible, and accompanied by relevant visuals, while respecting agreed deadlines and formats. Related to the content The content will be judged on its completeness, reliability, and relevance. Deliverables must cover the planned themes, provide accurate data, and offer recommendations tailored to the Cameroonian context, highlighting the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable cocoa.
8. Report Mandatory reports The service provider will submit:

• Scoping meeting minutes: A scoping meeting will formally confirm the agreement on the methodology, clarify any necessary adjustments, and validate the work plan with the project manager. The consultant will produce a report following this scoping phase.

• Interim Report: This report will present the progress made towards the established objectives, the results achieved at the halfway point and their relevance to the specifications, the difficulties encountered, and the solutions proposed to ensure the successful completion of the mission. This report will be submitted when 50% of the planned activities have been completed.

• Interim Report: The consultant must produce an interim report presenting the preliminary results of the mission, the analyses carried out, and the initial conclusions and recommendations. This document will serve as the basis for discussion and technical validation before the final report is completed. It must be submitted in three (3) copies, both in hard copy and electronic format (Word and PDF), to facilitate easy distribution to the various stakeholders and critical review of its content.

• Final Report: This final report will be prepared after the project team has provided feedback on the draft report. It will be submitted no later than 7 days after receipt of the feedback on the draft report.

• Executive summary report: This will consist of a clear and concise summary of the final report (5-10 pages maximum), intended for decision-makers and stakeholders and will give rise to payment of the last installment of the service amount.

9. Human Resources Needs For this call for proposals, the applicant is an individual and will be designated as an Individual Consultant. The selected consultant must be approved by the project team following the scoping meeting before the start of the assignment. The individual consultant will be responsible for the proposed methodology, as well as the implementation of all activities related to their assignment. They must ensure the delivery of deliverables in accordance with the requirements specified in the terms of reference and the contract, within the given deadlines. Individual Consultant Profile Qualifications and skills Having a university degree at master’s level (minimum) in agronomy, agricultural economics, rural development, environment (Bac +5 minimum), or equivalent and additional training in sustainability, fair trade or agricultural certification is an asset. General professional experience

• Demonstrate at least 15 years of professional experience in conducting studies related to agricultural sectors, particularly perennial crops such as cocoa.

• Proven experience in preparing reports, summary notes and strategic recommendations geared towards the sustainable development and competitiveness of agricultural sectors

• Having experience in projects related to sustainability, fair trade or agricultural certifications is an asset. Specific professional experience

• Possesses at least 15 years of specific experience in the following areas: Analysis and development of the cocoa sector, sustainability and certification of cocoa, ecological, social and economic impact studies related to the cocoa value chain, etc.

• Demonstrate participation in studies or projects on the competitiveness and sustainability of perennial crops, with a particular focus on cocoa in Cameroon or Africa.

• Ability to work in French and English. Technical assistance fees provided by other experts and support staff, which are at the sole discretion of the service provider, are not billed and are included in the expert's fees and other costs.

10. Application File Composition The bidders' files will include:

• A complete technical offering

• A detailed financial offer

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae

• A cover letter and a certificate of exclusivity and availability for the mission

• Relevant certificates of previous assignments

• Certified copies of diplomas and training certificates

• Valid national identity card

• A certificate of no outstanding tax liability, tax registration, if applicable

• The bank account details (RIB)

• The NIU.

11. Criteria for Evaluation Bids Eligible proposals will be evaluated based on full and open competition, in strict accordance with the combined scoring method, where the proposed technical proposal will be weighed at 80%, and combined with the price offer, which will be weighed at 20%. It should be noted that failure to comply with the constituent elements of the offer is a disqualification criterion. Technical Proposal 80% Consultant's expertise and experience in similar projects 40 points Knowledge of the cocoa sector at the national and international levels 20 points Overall methodological approach 10 points Methodology for achieving deliverables 10 points Implementation timeline 10 points Presentation of reports 10 points Financial proposal 20% Complete offer (listing and price of all expense items, terms and conditions of payment) 10 points Budget 10 points

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