Seaweed Value Addition Consultant: Strongim Bisnis

Position Description

Position: Seaweed Value Addition Consultant
Program: Strongim Bisnis
Location: Honiara, with possibility for provincial travel
Start date: 1 June 2026, expected 15 days as required
Works with: Team Leader, Partnership Managers, Stakeholders, Project Staff

Project Background

Strongim Bisnis is an innovative pro-business program funded by the Australian Government. Strongim Bisnis supports Solomon Islands businesses to increase productivity, access greater income earning opportunities and higher value markets; with the intention of enabling greater resilience and creating jobs. Poverty reduction will be the desired result. Strongim Bisnis also supports the private sector and the Solomon Islands Government to work together effectively to increase opportunities for trade and investment and accelerate business growth. A key focus of the program ensures that Solomon Islands women, youth and people with disability have increased economic opportunities.

The program takes a market systems development (MSD) approach to unlocking opportunities for growth in selected sectors (cocoa, coconut, tourism, timber, horticulture, financial services, and waste management). MSD requires Strongim Bisnis to carefully select partnerships, and design interconnected activities that deliver tangible and measurable results. For each activity it must be possible to track progress from improving the performance of Solomon Islands enterprises, to achieving resilient systemic change in markets, and ultimately increasing income and employment. In this way, Strongim Bisnis avoids ad hoc activities and seeks deep engagement with market actors.

Strongim Bisnis activities may include developing and testing new business models, sharing the risk of new ventures in partnership with private sector actors, facilitating market access, supporting structural changes to the ‘business enabling environment’, product marketing to bring about greater scale, and improving women, youth, and people with disability’s participation in markets and their access and control over productive resources.

Position Summary and Justification for the Role

The Strongim Bisnis project supports private sector development in Solomon Islands by strengthening key value chains and improving market access for local producers. As part of this effort, Strongim Bisnis is supporting the development of the seaweed sector, with a focus on improving farmer access to inputs and supporting aggregators to access more profitable markets.

Currently, seaweed in Solomon Islands is primarily dried and exported with minimal value addition. This limits income potential for farmers and constrains the sector’s overall economic contribution. There is an opportunity to explore higher-value markets and products, including but not limited to cosmetics, nutraceuticals, food products, and pet food.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this consultancy assignment is to assess the commercial viability of value-added seaweed products in Solomon Islands and identify feasible market opportunities, technologies, and business models to support sector upgrading.

Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Market and Product Assessment
• Identify and assess potential value-added seaweed products based on global and regional market demand. This will include exploring opportunities across multiple sectors, including cosmetics, nutraceuticals, food products, agricultural inputs, and pet food.
• Analyse buyer requirements, including quality standards, certification, volumes, and pricing.
• Compare potential products and markets in terms of profitability, scalability, and risk.
• Assess the capabilities and potential of Strongim Bisnis partners to undertake value-addition.

Technical Feasibility Analysis
• Identify technology, processing, and infrastructure requirements for shortlisted value-added products and other investment requirements and operational considerations.

Recommendations and Roadmap

• Recommend priority value-added products and target markets.
• Outline practical pathways for entering selected markets.
• Identify required investments, partnerships, and support mechanisms.
• Provide recommendations on capacity building, technology adoption, and business models.

Deliverables and Duration

The consultant will deliver:
• Inception Report outlining methodology and workplan
• Market and Value Addition Assessment Report
• Final Report, including:
o Priority product recommendations
o Market entry strategy
o Implementation roadmap

Duration

The assignment is expected to be completed over 15 days.

Reporting Arrangements

The consultant will report to the Strongim Bisnis Team Leader and work closely with relevant project staff and partners.

Required Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes

The consultant (individual or firm) should demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in the seaweed sector, including production, processing, and market development
• Proven knowledge of value-added seaweed products and global market trends
• Established networks with international buyers and industry stakeholders
• Experience in commercial feasibility analysis and value chain development
• Strong understanding of processing technologies and quality standards
• Experience working in developing country contexts, preferably in the Pacific
• Ability to engage effectively with private sector partners and smallholder producers
• Strong analytical, report writing, and communication skills

Proposal Requirements

Interested consultants should submit:
• Technical proposal outlining approach and methodology (max 3 pages)
• Financial proposal
• Relevant experience and references
• CV(s) of key personnel

How to Apply

Please submit your application before 21st May 2026, 11:59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

Applications should be submitted via the Recruitee link and will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Any questions should be sent to operations@strongimbisnis.com.sb
Please use the following subject line in your email: Adviser role enquiry

Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications, experience, and attributes, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three professional referees. Please also refer to the Proposal Requirements.

This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women, people with disabilities, Indigenous and ethnic minority groups, and nationals of Pacific countries are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.