Background:

Nepal's Increased Sustainable Tea Exports Project (NISTEP) with support from Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Tier 2 has two major components.

Component I:

1. Technology based traceability and,
2. Institutionalization of Organic certification practices, and Component

Component II

1. Strengthening, Promotion and establishment of Collective trademark
2. Increased access and sales to new markets and c) Formulation of tea sector investment strategies.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) is the Main Implementing Entity (MIE). MOICS works closely with National Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB), an implementing entity to execute Component One of the project.

NTCDB and CTCF Nepal had collaboration and TOR for the effective implementation of Component One of the project which requires extensive field work in process of implementation of proposed Traceability and Organic Certification schemes. For both the activities there is a need for dedicated field level staff to carry out activities like group formation, holding group meetings and interaction with value chain actors who are likely to be the part of Traceability and Organic Certification schemes.

Responsibilities of CTCF

The CTCF will primarily be responsible for the following activities:

• Support NTCDB in implementation of Component One of NISTEP by identifying qualified field facilitators (2 in number).
• The field facilitators will be selected based on qualifications and experience as stated on the TOR prepared for the position of field facilitator by NISTEP.
• Designate field selected field facilitator at location mutually agreed between NTCDB and CTCF based on local conditions and requirements
• The terms and conditions to be applied for the field facilitators are given on the TOR attached.
• The CTCF will be responsible for applying selection/recruitment procedures of the Field Facilitators based on the TOR attached, in coordination with NTCDB Fikkal Office
• Prepare and enter into contract agreement with selected staff, and provide the copies of contract document to NTCDB
• Performance of the field facilitators will be periodically monitored by CTCF along with the Fikkal Office of NTCDB
• Designate a contact person for necessary coordination and facilitation to ensure that the appointed field facilitators are performing their duties and responsibilities as per the TOR
• Make monthly salary payment with necessary deduction of applicable taxes to appointed field facilitators
• The rate for daily allowance will be applicable as per NTCDB standards and applicable only in that case where the field facilitator spends night out of his/her home location. This allowance will be as per actual not exceeding 7 days in a month per facilitator
• The travel order needs to be signed, recommended by the Field Office and approved by the NISTEP Project Coordinator before field trip

Duties and Responsibility of Field Facilitator

• Identify small producers, individual or organized in groups or cooperatives affiliated to specific processors that have obtained Collective Trade Mark from NICDB in designated working area
• Identify small producers' groups, cooperatives and individuals are in process of going into organic cultivation in designated working area
• Carry out preliminary assessment of the producers (group affiliated, cooperative affiliated or individual) of identified producers in terms off organic cultivation practices, record keeping. maintaining farmers' diary, ICS etc
• Prepare a comprehensive report based on the assessment on a given format
• Prepare the final list of producers that are going to be supported under Traceability and Organic Certification schemes in coordination with Fikkal Office
• Carry out on regular basis orientation on various aspects of organic cultivation and traceability system
• Assist groups in maintaining up to date records
• Identify and inform producers on areas that require follow ups and improvement
• Organize and attend group meetings on regular basis, as agreed upon
• Hold periodic meeting with concerned processors regarding quality of leaves supplied
• Facilitate logistics and other support for organizing training programs on traceability, ICS and organic certification process as directed
• Prepare monthly activity plan and submit to Fikkal Office
• Prepare monthly report and submit to Fikkal Office
• Attend project level meeting as and when required