Job Opportunities
VALUE CHAIN FACILITATOR
INTRODUCTION:
Partners for Sustainable Healthy Communities (Partners) is seeking a qualified consultant for a Value Chain Facilitator
BACKGROUND:
Partners’ mission is to cultivate healthier communities by nurturing and supporting programs that connect and support sustainable agriculture, local food and active, healthy lifestyles. Partners was established in 2007 as Litchfield Hills Food Systems. Over the years, we've worked with many partners around Northwest Connecticut to improve the lives of people in our communities.
The NWCT Regional Food Hub (Hub) is an aggregator and online marketplace of locally grown and produced food. Hub activities include proactive sales and marketing on behalf of growers, preseason crop planning between growers and buyers, aggregating product across multiple growers, and supply chain support, including distribution. The Hub’s customers include schools, restaurants, and markets in the region.
TASKS:
The consultant will carry out the following tasks:
The consultant will be an independent contractor and as such will not receive employment benefits. The consultant will be expected to work from their own home or office and be available for in person meetings as required by the tasks listed above.
QUALIFICATIONS
SELECTION OF CONSULTANT
A selection committee will review responses to this request for qualifications. The following criteria will be used in evaluating consultants:
1.Previous experience carrying out the types of tasks required and overall qualifications of the consultant
2.Reasonable proximity to the Northwest Hills Region and knowledge of the region
3.Results of interview and professional reference checks
A final contract and payment schedule will be negotiated with the top ranked consultant selected for this project. If negotiations are unsuccessful, then the next highest ranked consultant will be selected, etc. The Food Hub reserves the right to reject any and all responses, request additional information, or reissue this RFQ.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS & INQUIRIES
1.Cover letter including a statement of understanding of the project tasks and goals
2.Resume of consultant
3.Description of similar projects/work completed and contacts for professional reference.
The North West Hills Council of Government ( NHCOG) is a partner of the Food Hub and has agreed to receive all submitted proposals. To be considered, consultant proposals must be submitted in electronic form by email to jayer@northwesthillscog.org and be received by
noon on March 28, 2019.
No oral interpretations will be made to any potential respondent as to the meaning of any requirements specified within this RFQ. In preparing the consultant’s response, the respondent shall rely on what has been communicated in writing and no oral communication shall become the basis for any subsequent protest of the selection process.
All questions or inquiries about this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) must be in writing and addressed to Jocelyn Ayer, NHCOG Community & Economic Development Director at jayer@northwesthillscog.org.
Partners for Sustainable Healthy Communities (Partners) is seeking a qualified consultant for a Value Chain Facilitator
BACKGROUND:
Partners’ mission is to cultivate healthier communities by nurturing and supporting programs that connect and support sustainable agriculture, local food and active, healthy lifestyles. Partners was established in 2007 as Litchfield Hills Food Systems. Over the years, we've worked with many partners around Northwest Connecticut to improve the lives of people in our communities.
The NWCT Regional Food Hub (Hub) is an aggregator and online marketplace of locally grown and produced food. Hub activities include proactive sales and marketing on behalf of growers, preseason crop planning between growers and buyers, aggregating product across multiple growers, and supply chain support, including distribution. The Hub’s customers include schools, restaurants, and markets in the region.
TASKS:
The consultant will carry out the following tasks:
- Manage direct relationships with Farmers in North West Corner
- Asses Availability of produce during season
- Crop Plan with Growers
- Build new relationships with growers
- Support any food safety related issues
- Planning and coordinating with Food Hub Manager on a weekly basis
The consultant will be an independent contractor and as such will not receive employment benefits. The consultant will be expected to work from their own home or office and be available for in person meetings as required by the tasks listed above.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in local food procurement, production, or food service management
- Excellent communication and public relations skills
- Fluency in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to work independently
- Knowledge of NWCT and have an office/home within or in reasonable proximity to NWCT
- Driver’s license and personal vehicle
SELECTION OF CONSULTANT
A selection committee will review responses to this request for qualifications. The following criteria will be used in evaluating consultants:
1.Previous experience carrying out the types of tasks required and overall qualifications of the consultant
2.Reasonable proximity to the Northwest Hills Region and knowledge of the region
3.Results of interview and professional reference checks
A final contract and payment schedule will be negotiated with the top ranked consultant selected for this project. If negotiations are unsuccessful, then the next highest ranked consultant will be selected, etc. The Food Hub reserves the right to reject any and all responses, request additional information, or reissue this RFQ.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS & INQUIRIES
1.Cover letter including a statement of understanding of the project tasks and goals
2.Resume of consultant
3.Description of similar projects/work completed and contacts for professional reference.
The North West Hills Council of Government ( NHCOG) is a partner of the Food Hub and has agreed to receive all submitted proposals. To be considered, consultant proposals must be submitted in electronic form by email to jayer@northwesthillscog.org and be received by
noon on March 28, 2019.
No oral interpretations will be made to any potential respondent as to the meaning of any requirements specified within this RFQ. In preparing the consultant’s response, the respondent shall rely on what has been communicated in writing and no oral communication shall become the basis for any subsequent protest of the selection process.
All questions or inquiries about this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) must be in writing and addressed to Jocelyn Ayer, NHCOG Community & Economic Development Director at jayer@northwesthillscog.org.