Call for Syrian Experts: Value Chain Analysis & Market Systems Development (Syria)

**Contract Type:** Individual Consultancy; Project-Based
**Eligibility:** **Syrian nationals or non-Syrian consultants currently residing in Syria only**

Trust Consultancy & Development (TCD) is seeking experienced consultants to join its roster of experts in **value chain analysis, market systems development (MSD), private-sector development and economic recovery** to support upcoming evaluations, assessments, research, programme design and advisory assignments in Syria.

Selected consultants will be included in TCD's consultant roster and may be considered for future short-term consultancy opportunities based on their technical expertise, sector experience, geographical knowledge, availability and the requirements of specific assignments.

**Primary geographic scope:** Syria

## About the Call

Trust is expanding its roster of experts with strong practical and analytical experience in **value chain development, market systems, private-sector engagement, MSME development and inclusive economic growth**.

We are particularly interested in experts with **recent, first-hand knowledge of Syrian markets and value chains**, including agriculture and agri-food, manufacturing, services and other sectors with potential for employment, enterprise development and economic recovery.

## Areas of Expertise

Applicants should have strong experience in one or more of the following:

1. **Value Chain Analysis (VCA)**, including value-chain mapping, actors, functions, relationships, governance, constraints and opportunities;
2. **Market Systems Development (MSD/M4P)**, including core markets, supporting functions, rules, systemic constraints and facilitation approaches;
3. **Market and sector assessments**, including supply and demand, market trends, competitiveness, prices, costs and growth potential;
4. **Agricultural and agri-food value chains**, including production, aggregation, processing, storage, logistics, marketing and access to markets;
5. **Non-agricultural value chains**, including manufacturing, services, construction, digital economy and other growth sectors;
6. **Private-sector and MSME development**, including enterprise constraints, business-enabling environment, entrepreneurship and business-development services;
7. **Market actor and stakeholder mapping**, including producers, cooperatives, traders, processors, wholesalers, retailers, service providers, financial institutions and government actors;
8. **Market access and linkages**, including producer-to-buyer relationships, aggregation, distribution channels, export markets and commercial partnerships;
9. **Access to finance and business services**, including financial and non-financial services available to farmers, MSMEs and other market actors;
10. **Inclusive market systems**, including opportunities and barriers affecting **women, youth, persons with disabilities, IDPs, returnees and small-scale producers**;
11. **Employment and income generation**, including identification of sectors and value chains with potential for job creation, self-employment and enterprise growth;
12. **Climate resilience and green market systems**, including resource efficiency, climate-smart production, circular economy and green business opportunities.

## Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should have:

- **Syrian nationality and current residence in Syria, or be a non-Syrian consultant currently based in Syria**;
- A relevant university degree in economics, agricultural economics, business, development studies, agriculture, market systems, finance or another relevant field;
- At least **5 years of relevant professional experience**; senior/lead experts should preferably have **10+ years**;
- Recent professional experience related to **value chains, market systems, private-sector development or economic recovery in Syria**, preferably within the last three years;
- Demonstrated experience conducting or contributing to **value chain analyses, market assessments, feasibility studies, private-sector assessments or MSD programmes**;
- Strong understanding of Syria's **markets, private sector, MSMEs, producers, cooperatives, traders and business environment**;
- Ability to engage directly with private-sector actors, producers, government institutions, Chambers, business associations and other market actors;
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research, analytical and report-writing skills;
- Arabic fluency; professional English is strongly preferred.

## International Organization & Donor Experience

Previous experience with **ILO, FAO, UNDP, World Bank, GIZ, EU-funded programmes, international NGOs or other organizations working on value chains, MSD, livelihoods, agriculture, private-sector development and economic recovery** is a strong advantage.

Experience with recognized approaches and frameworks for **Market Systems Development (MSD/M4P), value chain analysis, inclusive market systems and private-sector development** should be clearly highlighted.

Applicants should indicate relevant assignments, including the **client, assignment, year, role, sector/value chain and main responsibilities**.