Heifer International has announced an opportunity for Consultant – FPO Strengthening (Goat Value Chain) as part of the JEEViKA Special Purpose Vehicle for Agricultural Transformation (JSPVAT) Phase-2.0 in Bihar, India. The organisation is seeking two consultants to support the formation, development and strengthening of Goat Producer Companies (GPCs) and Producer Groups (PGs). The assignment is expected to continue until April 2029 and involves extensive fieldwork across districts, blocks, villages and producer organisations. About the JSPVAT Phase-2.0 Programme JSPVAT Phase-2.0 is a flagship initiative of the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society under the Department of Rural Development, Government of Bihar. Supported by the Gates Foundation and implemented by MicroSave Consulting (MSC) alongside technical partners, the programme focuses on commercially viable, climate-resilient and market-oriented agricultural and livestock enterprises. Within the goat value chain, the programme aims to: Strengthen existing Goat Producer Companies. Establish new women-led goat enterprises. Improve aggregation and market access. Build sustainable producer-owned institutions. Support long-term income generation for rural communities. Consultant Role and Responsibilities The selected consultants will play a key role in building the institutional and commercial capacity of Goat Producer Companies and Producer Groups. Key responsibilities will include: GPC Formation and Institutional Development Establish and operationalise new Goat Producer Companies. Mobilise shareholders and support incorporation processes. Develop governance and compliance systems. Help establish functional producer-owned enterprises. Governance and FPO Strengthening Implement governance frameworks and standard operating procedures. Facilitate Board meetings. Strengthen leadership capacity. Support annual business and operational planning. Improve governance and operational efficiency. Producer Group Integration and Aggregation Link Producer Groups with Goat Producer Companies. Strengthen aggregation systems. Promote collective marketing. Increase member participation in producer institutions. Capacity Building and Community Mobilisation Organise training programmes, workshops and exposure visits. Strengthen leadership among women producers. Improve member awareness and community ownership. Facilitate enterprise development activities. Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation Maintain programme records and databases. Track implementation progress. Prepare reports and support audits. Document best practices, results and lessons learned. Year-Wise Programme Priorities The assignment will progress through three broad phases. 2026–27: The focus will be on establishing new GPCs, developing governance systems, integrating Producer Groups and delivering foundational capacity-building activities. 2027–28: Activities will shift towards operationalisation, business strengthening, expanded shareholder services and enterprise growth. 2028–29: The programme will emphasise sustainability, mature governance systems, long-term business planning and development of models that can be replicated. Qualifications and Experience Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. Acceptable fields include: Rural Management Agriculture Agribusiness Development Studies Social Work Cooperative Management Commerce Related disciplines Candidates are expected to have three to six years of professional experience in areas such as FPO or FPC strengthening, institution building, rural livelihoods, producer collectives or enterprise development. Experience working with Self-Help Groups, Producer Groups, FPOs, governance systems and government programmes will be advantageous. Essential Skills and Competencies Successful candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of producer organisations, Producer Companies and community-based enterprises. They should also possess practical skills in institution building, governance, compliance and business management. Other important competencies include: Training and facilitation skills. Community mobilisation experience. Strong communication and documentation abilities. Stakeholder coordination and relationship management. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital tools. Fluency in Hindi and relevant local languages of Bihar. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Adaptability and initiative. Results-oriented approach and attention to detail. Willingness to undertake extensive field travel. Location and Reporting Structure The positions will be based in Araria, Bihar and South Bihar, with specific districts in South Bihar to be finalised. The consultants are expected to provide support to Goat Producer Companies in locations including Nawada and West Champaran, as well as other identified districts. The positions will report to the Senior Consultant for LTOH and Goat Enterprise Development and coordinate with MicroSave Consulting, JEEViKA’s State Livestock Team, District Project Coordination Units, Goat Producer Companies, Producer Groups, Cluster-Level Federations, community cadres and other stakeholders. Extensive travel across villages, blocks, districts and producer organisation operational areas will be an integral part of the assignment. Key Opportunity Details Organisation: Heifer International Position: Consultant – FPO Strengthening Sector: Goat Value Chain Location: Bihar, India Positions: 2 Project duration: Until April 2029 Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline Experience: 3–6 years Work focus: FPO strengthening, governance, producer institutions and rural livelihoods Travel: Extensive field travel required The opportunity is suited to professionals with experience in rural development, producer organisations, agricultural enterprises and community institution building who are interested in supporting women-led livestock enterprises and sustainable rural livelihoods in Bihar. 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