Consultant on Cocoa-based Biochar Production and Application for Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam

HELVETAS is an independent development organization based in Switzerland that is affiliated with organizations in Germany and the United States. Helvetas has been active in Vietnam since 1994, working in various areas typically Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Forestry, Eco-Tourism, and Rural Economy.

Under the SWITCH-Asia programme of the European Union, HELVETAS is undertaking the Project “Circular Economy Cocoa: From Bean to Bar” with the main objective of developing circular economy solutions in cocoa and other agri-food sectors, leading to equitable economic growth decoupled from harmful environmental impacts. The Project has been implemented since 2022 in 6-7 cacao provinces in the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

In partnership with Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam, HELVETAS is seeking a qualified service provider or consultant team to provide technical assistance in cocoa-based biochar production and its close-loop practical application at the farm level.

The package aims to promote the production and application of biochar derived from cocoa pod husks and other organic materials in the cocoa supply chain of Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of cocoa production and promote the circular economy practices among the community of cocoa farmer households in Vietnam. The anticipated benefits include generating green energy, permanently sequestering carbon, improving soil quality, and reducing waste.

Specific objectives include:

• Preliminary Assessment: Test biochar production with cocoa pod husks and available organic materials in the nominated areas and propose optimal formulation and technology.
• Demonstration: Establish 02 demonstration sites,  operationalize the biochar production and application systems, and provide guidance and training for local stakeholders.

See the attached TOR for more details.

Interested candidates should send their Profile, Technical and Financial Proposal to Helvetas Vietnam at [email protected] and [email protected] by 13 September 2024.