Value Chain Upgrading and Market Access for Yak Fibre and Goat Cashmere.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites eligible and legally registered non‑profit organizations, governmental institutions, intergovernmental bodies, academic and research institutions, and other not‑for‑profit entities to submit proposals for value chain upgrading and market access services for yak fibre and goat cashmere in Mongolia. The assignment will assess the yak fibre and goat cashmere value chains, identify and validate priority opportunities for local value addition, and develop commercial and market access strategies for the selected products, in support of inclusive and sustainable mountain livelihoods in the Khuvsgul region. The assignment is conceived as a preliminary feasibility assessment, with the resulting report structured to serve as a starting point for developing a project proposal for a subsequent larger-scale intervention.
The expected services include:
- assessment of the yak fibre and goat cashmere value chains and preparation of validated value-chain maps;
- identification and validation of priority value-addition opportunities, including indicative social business models, and selection of two priority opportunities per fibre, one oriented to the domestic market and one to export markets;
- development of differentiated business model pathways for the selected opportunities, comprising full export-oriented business models and preliminary domestic-market assessments, including market readiness and, for export-oriented opportunities, market linkage in close coordination with a specialized sustainable-fibre partner facilitated by FAO;
- Identification of Mountain Partnership Products opportunities, and linkage with Fashion for Fragile Ecosystems Initiative, with narrative labels prepared for suitable products; and;
- delivery of a Value Chain Upgrading and Local Value Creation Report and a Commercial Strategy and Market Access Report.
Procurement method: Call for Proposals under FAO Letter of Agreement modality.
Estimated value/range: Up to USD 40 000 (or equivalent)
Expected duration: Up to about 6.5 months; work to start as soon as possible after the signature, with the final report due by 31 July 2027
Deadline for submission: 02/12/2026 (23:59 CET)
Sustainable Procurement practices integrate requirements, specifications, and criteria that are compatible and in favour of the protection of the environment, the social progress and in support of economic development. These practices seek resource efficiency, improve the quality of products and services, and ultimately optimize costs (HLCM Procurement Network). Sustainable Procurement is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (goals 12 and 12.7), and it also contributes to the achievement of all SDGs. This procurement opportunity is considered sustainable as it incorporates at least three sustainability considerations, in accordance with the HLCM Procurement Network's Sustainable Procurement Working Group - Sustainability Indicators Framework. To learn more about which considerations are included in this procurement opportunity, please see below for a specific description. For more information, contact the procurement official or author of this procurement opportunity.
The tender contains sustainability considerations addressing gender equality and women's empowerment.
Examples:
Gender mainstreaming, targeted employment of women, promotion of women-owned businesses.
The tender contains sustainability considerations regarding local MSMEs, local communities or disadvantaged groups.
Examples:
Reserved labour opportunities for local communities, use of local materials, reserved procurements for local companies
The tender contains sustainability considerations promoting sustainability through the entire supply chain.
Examples:
Sustainability requirements for tier 2 suppliers, identification and approval of subcontractors.
The tender contains sustainability considerations related to the protection of the environment, biodiversity and restoration of natural habitats.
Examples:
Sustainable/ organic agriculture, fishing or forestry.
| Link | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| https://www.fao.org/mountain-partnership/en | UNFAO-Mountain Partnership Opportunity |