Blumont is looking to hire a business consultant, to work with the soap-making community at the Made in Zaatari centre (MIZ), to carry out a local market research exercise and new product feasibility study. The objective of the study is to identify new product and business opportunities in the area of personal hygiene or home-hygiene. There is a desire among the soap-makers to expand into the manufacture of additional products as a way to extend their client base and increase the sustainability of their business.
The study will aim to:
Examples of the product formats to be considered (non-exhaustive):
Importantly, the ladies should be directly involved in the scoping of the study, its preparation and analysis of results, as well as in the consideration of how to move forward based on the study outcomes.
The Givaudan team and external partners will also be available to assist with scoping and preparation of the study and can provide guidance relative to technical aspects and product feasibility. For example, as far as possible, and with consideration for UNHCR restrictions on chemical usage in refugee camps, the selected products should be feasible to produce using materials of natural origin. Givaudan team and external partners will advise once a short list of potential products is identified.
The consultant will be required to consider the current legal framework in Jordan, including an understanding of which professional sectors are open to refugees, either as a Home-based business ,or as an employee.
The Made in Zaatari soap makers currently produce fragranced glycerine soaps, which are produced using what is known as the “melt and pour” technique. Since 2017 over 100 ladies have attended a number of soap and fragrance workshops run by Givaudan volunteers with support from UNHCR, Blumont and Prof Helen Storey. Around 30 women have begun to work together in the spirit of a co-operative. Some soaps are also produced in their homes, particularly since Covid restrictions were enforced. The soaps are sold primarily within the camp. Prior to Covid they had begun to sell occasionally in bazaars in Jordan, and to explore selling via on-line platforms (eg: Souqfann.com) these initiatives completely stopped when Covid hit. The soaps are produced in a small lab within the M.I.Z. center, or in their homes.
Qualifications for Consultant: