MUTN Manager – aGROWforests Programme (Indonesia)

We are looking for a MUTN Manager to build a sustainable business ecosystem and lead the strategic integration of "Spice Hubs" for the aGROWforests programme, ensuring long-term market access for pepper farmers implementing agroforestry in Indonesia.

About us

Mitra Usaha Tani Nusantara (MUTN) acts as the engine for sustainable farmer-centered business ecosystems. We build strategic partnerships to ensure farmers are not just beneficiaries of projects, but active and resilient economic actors within sustainable value chains.

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the aGROWforests programme in establishing a robust market system. The MUTN Manager will bridge community development and business strategy, ensuring the long-term commercial viability of "Spice Hubs" in Bangka Belitung.

Project background

The aGROWforests for Sustainable Spices project is a public-private partnership aimed at creating a sustainable, bio-diverse, and climate-resilient spice sector in Indonesia. The project supports 2,300 farmers (targeting 30% women and 15% youth) in Bangka Belitung and Lampung to increase productivity and income through climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry.

By the end of 2025, over 1,300 farmers have been trained, with 200 transitioning to agroforestry systems. To sustain these achievements, MUTN requires a dedicated manager to connect production, finance, and markets, ensuring that productivity gains translate into lasting income improvements.

Scope of work

The consultant will hold a strategic and operational role. The scope includes:

1. Strategic Framework & Integration

• Develop integrated business schemes connecting multiple Spice Hubs to encourage mutual support and constructive competition.
• Create strategic frameworks ensuring synergistic impacts across all hubs.
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder partnerships under a cooperative framework to ensure inclusive growth.

2. Community & Business Development

• Lead community development initiatives by strengthening farmer organizations and multi-stakeholder cooperatives.
• Develop sustainable business models for Spice Hubs by identifying priority commodities and assessing market demand.
• Work with the Community Nursery Manager to manage the production of quality pepper seedlings as a sustainable business opportunity.

3. Market Access & Value Chain

• Facilitate market access through partnerships with buyers, off-takers, exporters, and HORECA at local, national, and international levels.
• Strengthen value chain integration to improve product quality, traceability, and price competitiveness.
• Collaborate with the Post-Harvest Facility Manager to manage produce and add value to flagship products.

Expected deliverables

• Integrated Spice Hub Business Framework: Including governance structure and collaboration mechanisms.
• Strategic Action Plan: Defined objectives, KPIs, and timelines for participating hubs.
• Business Models: Detailed viability analysis (market, financial, operational, risk) for Bangka & Belitung hubs.
• Market Partnerships: Signed MoUs/LoIs with buyers/off-takers and a developed market access strategy.
• Operational Units: A functioning Shared Pepper Nursery and market-ready value-added flagship products.
• Documentation: Final reporting and impact documentation.

Target audience / main users

• Farmer Organizations & Cooperatives: Who will adopt the governance and business models.
• Buyers & Off-takers: Who will utilize the supply chain channels established.
• Project Partners: Who will use the strategic framework for scaling impact.

Required profile

• Education: Bachelor''s degree in Agribusiness, Agriculture, Economics, or related field (Master''s highly desirable).
• Experience: Minimum 8–10 years in community development, inclusive agribusiness, or value chain development.
• Strategic Skills: Proven track record in developing sustainable business models for agricultural commodities (market analysis, commercial feasibility).
• Partnership Building: Demonstrated ability to manage strategic partnerships with private sector actors, NGOs, and government institutions.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of agricultural value chains, post-harvest management, quality assurance, and agroforestry systems.
• Languages: Excellent written and verbal communication in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

Proposal submission

Interested consultants (individuals or organizations) are invited to submit:

• A technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment, approach, methodology, and timeline.
• A financial proposal including daily rate, estimated days, and any additional costs (should be an inclusive rate including all taxes and overhead).
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or company profile with examples of similar work.

If you have any questions about this ToR please contact [email protected].

Selection criteria

The team will select the consultant based on a combination of criteria including relevance of experience, the understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and competitive cost packages.