PROJECT OVERVIEW 

CASA is an FCDO - International Climate Finance (ICF) funded programme driving global investment for inclusive climate-resilient agri-food systems that increase smallholder incomes. CASA makes the case to impact and return-oriented investors for increased investment in agribusinesses that work with smallholder supply chains. The programme achieves this goal by:

• Demonstrating the commercial viability and investment-readiness of small and medium-sized (SME) agribusinesses with significant smallholder supply chains
• Helping investors to increase the impact of their investments through the provision of inclusive technical assistance
• Strengthening the socio-legal empowerment of smallholders within value chains
• Tackling the information and evidence gaps holding back investment

For demonstrating the commercial and development potential of smallholder sourcing models, CASA focuses on catalytic interventions in the agriculture sectors of Ethiopia, Malawi, Nepal and Rwanda that support agri-SMEs prepare for and secure investment while connecting smallholders to commercial markets.

CASA’s work on research and communications is structured around identifying constraints, opportunities and addressing evidence gaps through research; shaping the debate on smallholder agriculture to influence actions of investors, governments and donors; and creating networking opportunities through events and stakeholder engagement.

ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND 

CASA implements its work by supporting Market Systems approaches in selected ‘Anchor Value Chains’ to pilot, scale, and demonstrate holistic market approaches that could be replicated or scaled elsewhere, and within which CASA has the potential to achieve significant results, particularly in enabling more smallholder farmers to develop resilience in the face of climate change.

Fine Fish Ltd is a company with a vision to lead in sustainable aquaculture practices, aiming to provide high-quality fish products while maintaining a balance with the environment. Their mission involves implementing innovative and responsible farming techniques to ensure the health and welfare of fish stocks, contributing positively to the local economy, and minimizing environmental impact.

Fine fish aims to foster customer satisfaction through introduction of small sized packaging of 25kg,20kg,10kg and 5kg sacks to small holder farmers. This will offer various advantages to smallholder farmers ranging from affordability, portion control, reduced waste, storage efficiency, easy handling, and reduced risk of contamination or decay. Information on the feed storage and use will be included on the packaging to ensure appropriate usage and improve feed management practices. The Consultant would be expected to develop product concept testing of smaller packaging with usage information.

OBJECTIVES

The main goals of the small sized packaging development project:

• Develop innovative and functional small-sized packaging solutions.
• Ensure the packaging design adheres to the company’s branding and sustainability goals.
• Improve customer convenience and usability without compromising product protection.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations for packaging.

SCOPE OF WORK AND METHODOLOGY FOR THE ASSIGNMENT

SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope clearly defines the tasks and responsibilities, as:

• Research and Development: Conduct market analysis, material research, and benchmarking of small packaging solutions.
• Design and Prototyping: Develop multiple design prototypes for small-sized packaging products.
• Material Selection: Identify and recommend suitable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly materials.
• Testing and Validation: Ensure that the packaging is durable, easy to use, and protects the product during transportation and storage.
• Sustainability Consideration: Focus on minimizing environmental impact (reduce, reuse, recycle).

DELIVERABLES:

Key outputs expected from the project:

• Design Proposals: Multiple design options for small packaging solutions.
• Material Specification Report: Detailed analysis of the materials to be used.
• Prototypes: Working models of the selected packaging designs.
• Testing Results: Reports on durability, usability, and compliance testing.
• Finalized Packaging Designs: Ready-to-manufacture designs with complete documentation.

ASSIGNMENT MANAGEMENT, DURATION AND BUDGET

Duration

Expected Start Date: 10/11/2024

Expected End Date: 31/12/2024

Assignment Days

Up to 15 working days

Performance Indicators

The project’s success will be measured by:

• Delivery of prototypes and final designs within the specified timeline.
• Packaging meets the functional and aesthetic requirements.
• Compliance with regulatory standards.
• Cost-effectiveness and sustainability targets achieved.

Reporting Lines

The consultant will report to the key focal persons from Fine Fish Ltd and CASA Aquaculture Market Manager.

REQUIREMENTS 

 The CASA Rwanda consultant to develop small sized packaging products will be expected to possess the following skills, qualifications, and experiences: 

• Proven experience in packaging design, preferably in the food or feed industry.
• Knowledge of materials science and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• A portfolio of similar projects completed.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Interested consultants should submit:

• A technical proposal outlining their approach to the project, including methodologies and timelines.
• A financial proposal indicating the daily fee expected.
• A portfolio of similar projects completed

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant experience and qualifications.
• Understanding of the project and proposed methodology.
• Cost-effectiveness.
• Quality of previous work and references.

TERMS OF PAYMENT

As per Swisscontact norms and mutually agreed during the signing of the contract.

Offers/proposals should only be submitted on the mentioned email: rw_info@swisscontact.org