Institution: The Inter-American Development Bank
Country: The Republic of Suriname
Project: Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Sector: Trade & Investment
Loan No.: 4801/OC-SU
Reference No.: SU-L1056-P00101-2.3.1.2
Open to: All Interested Individual Candidates / All Sources
Position: Individual Expert Consultant to Identify Three (3) Investment Projects Ready to Offer (IPROs) in the Agro-Industrial Sector of Suriname
Contract duration: 12-16 weeks
Deadline: January 20, 2026
The Republic of Suriname has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank toward the cost of the Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program (FIEPP), project no. SU-L1056. This program is implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation (the Executing Agency), through an established Program Executing Unit (PEU). The Executing Agency invites all suitable and qualified candidates to apply for the position of Individual Expert Consultant to Identify Three (3) Investment Projects Ready to Offer (IPROs) in the Agro-Industrial Sector of Suriname. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out by the Inter-American Development Bank.
BASIC FUNCTION OF CONSULTANCY:
The Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), established by the Government of Suriname as the only national competent authority, to act as an agent or promoter to attract, facilitate, and improve trade, export, and investment in Suriname, seeks to originate a pipeline of Investment Projects Ready to Offer (IPROs) that can be marketed to strategic investors and progressed to full feasibility and bankable business plans.
This assignment will identify and shape three (3) priority agro-industrial IPROs with compelling market logic, technically sound concepts, scalable operating models, robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) safeguards, and investible financials.
The objective of the assignment is to research, screen, structure, and present three agro-industrial IPROs that are regenerative in design, commercially viable, culturally acceptable, climate-resilient, socially inclusive, and environmentally restorative. They should be ready for investor engagement and subsequent detailed feasibility studies, while reflecting Suriname’s broader investment constraints and opportunities, including labor, land tenure, and infrastructure.
CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree in Business, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Food Engineering, Finance, or related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and evaluating commercial agro-industrial investments, preferably in tropical contexts.
- Proven track record in preparing pre-feasibility studies and financial models for investors and banks.
- Experience integrating smallholders and outgrowers into commercially viable supply models.
- Hands-on experience with mechanization and automation in agriculture and processing (e.g., machinery specification, throughput balancing, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), maintenance strategies, digital controls).
- Strong familiarity with Suriname conditions — agronomic zones/soils, climate and water resources, land tenure/lease options, regulatory and permitting requirements, incentives, logistics and port access, labour market, and financial sector. Prior work in Suriname is highly desirable; experience in the Guyanas and wider Caribbean is an advantage.
- Experience in regenerative agriculture, agroecology, or sustainable land use planning.
- Familiarity with ESG standards, climate adaptation strategies, biodiversity frameworks, and participatory governance models.
- Strong knowledge of value addition, cold chain, logistics, and quality/certification requirements for regional and export markets.
- Excellent analytical, facilitation, and communication skills in English; Dutch proficiency is preferred, and Sranan Tongo is an advantage.
The full Terms of Reference can be accessed through the following link:
https://sita.sr/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TOR-Agro-Industrial-sectors-Dec-16-2025.pdf
Applications for the consultancy must be submitted via e-mail by sending a Curriculum Vitae and Cover letter in English no later than January 20, 2026, at 15:00 hours Suriname Time (SRT) to the e-mail address fiepp-bids@sita.sr.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation
Suriname Investment & Trade Agency (SITA)
Brokopondolaan #97, Corner Mr. Jagernath Lachmonstraat, Paramaribo, Suriname
Program Executing Unit Foreign Investment and Export Promotion Program
Attn: Ms. Melissa Chin, Program Manager
E-mail: fiepp-bids@sita.sr
