Process Optimization Consultant for ALSEC under the MAPBIO Antioquia Edition

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

GGGI works in partnership with countries around the world to strengthen their capacity and advance green growth policies and investments that can positively impact the lives of millions of people. The organization collaborates with national governments, multilateral institutions, public agencies, and the private sector to support the development of economies that are robust, resource-efficient, low-carbon, and resilient to climate change. 

GGGI implements a diverse portfolio of programs across developing countries. Through these in-country initiatives, complemented by global products and services, the organization delivers results through an integrated approach that combines evidence-based policy planning, technical assistance, and investment facilitation, aligned with national development priorities. GGGI also promotes knowledge generation and management activities that strengthen the theoretical and empirical foundations of green growth, provide practical guidance for policymakers, and help create enabling conditions for both public and private green investments.

In Colombia, GGGI has been working closely with the national government since 2014 to advance green growth policies and investments. The organization has established strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, and the National Planning Department (DNP), among others.

Through this collaboration, GGGI supported the National Planning Department in developing Colombia’s vision and transition pathway toward green growth. Between 2016 and 2018, GGGI contributed to the establishment and technical work of the Green Growth Taskforce, which generated the analytical foundations for the formulation and adoption of Colombia’s Green Growth Policy (CONPES 3934 of 2018).

One of the strategic pillars of the Green Growth Policy focuses on promoting the sustainable use of natural capital. Within this pillar, the bioeconomy has been identified as a key strategy to accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon economy by generating value-added products, processes, and services based on the sustainable use of biodiversity and biomass. In this context, GGGI supported the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MinCiencias), the National Planning Department, and other stakeholders in the technical design and multi-stakeholder consultation process that led to the formulation of the National Bioeconomy Mission “Para una Colombia Potencia Viva y Diversa: hacia una sociedad impulsada por el conocimiento.”

Within the framework of the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) Bio Rural Project (2024–2027), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Government of Antioquia, and the Caja de Compensación Familiar de Antioquia – COMFAMA signed Special Cooperation Agreement No. 4600019054 to implement the initiative “Antioquia BioCompetitiva.” The project seeks to accelerate the scaling of innovative bioeconomy solutions in the Department of Antioquia through two strategic components:

I. Promoting knowledge transfer and capacity-building processes, with a focus on circular bioeconomy and the internationalization of bioproducts.

II. Strengthening productive, technological, and commercial capacities within the department through an integrated value-chain development approach.

Under the second component, three calls for proposals will be implemented to accelerate the development of the bioeconomy ecosystem while strengthening strategic value chains in the department. These calls include:

1. Bioeconomy acceleration support for microenterprises affiliated with COMFAMA.
2. Investment scaling support for four companies linked to bioeconomy value chains.
3. MAPBIO Antioquia Edition.

Through the MAPBIO Antioquia Edition, three companies were selected to receive specialized acceleration support based on the innovation potential, environmental impact, and market opportunities of their bio-based products:  

Company	Bioproduct	Sector	Product Category	Location
Fungi Life	FungiRestore – A biotechnology platform for the restoration of degraded soils and the promotion of regenerative agriculture through innovative microbial-based agricultural bioinputs.	Agriculture	Agricultural Bioinputs	Medellín–Urabá
ALSEC Alimentos Secos S.A.S. BIC	From Waste to Prescription – Development and commercialization of a dual portfolio of Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP), including powdered formulations (2026) and enteral liquid formulations (2027–2028), based on whey biotechnology.	Functional Foods	Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals	Yarumal
MY ECOHOME S.A.S.	Connecting the Dots with Soapnuts – Industrial scale-up and commercial readiness of a B2B portfolio of natural bioingredients for the global cleaning, dermocosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The project is based on green chemistry processes to obtain highly concentrated saponin extracts from Sapindus saponaria (soapnut), providing a high-performance, biodegradable alternative to conventional petroleum-derived surfactants.	Chemical (Pharmaceutical, Cleaning and Cosmetics)	Natural Ingredients for Cosmetics	La Ceja

 

Within this framework, GGGI requires the engagement of an Individual Consultant to provide specialized technical services for ALSEC, specifically focusing on its innovative Food for Special Medical Purposes bioproduct.

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGMENT

The objective of this consultancy is to support  ALSEC, within the framework of the MAPBIO Antioquia edition, by reviewing and analyzing its current comprehensive  production process and  identifying opportunities for process improvement and production optimization in its bioproduct, a Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP), to an industrial level. This will include assessing the current production process, identifying areas of improvement, and providing technical recommendations to support industrial-scale expansion and the structure of an optimized roadmap to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and production capacity.

 

Under the overall supervision of the GGGI Colombia team and in close coordination with the beneficiary company ALSEC, the Consultant will deliver technical inputs to evaluate, and provide improvement recommendations for the comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the company's production processes and directing the industrial scale-up of its bioproduct, a Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP). The assignment includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:

 

1. Work Plan and Methodology

Detailed work plan including the consultancy methodology, implementation schedule, information requirements, data collection strategy, and methodology for the production process assessment and industrial scale-up. 

 

2. Production Process Assessment and Optimization

• Assess the current production process and the FSMP nutritional matrix (including protein–mineral interactions, colloidal stability, and thermal susceptibility) to identify operational constraints, and popportunities for process improvement.

• Evaluate the existing production capacity, operational workflow, and resource utilization and identify considerations relevant for future production expansion.

• Identify imporvement opportunities based on current production conditions and formulate technical recommendation to enhance operational efficiency, process standardization, and production sustainability.

 

3. Comparative Assessment for Production Process and Improvement Options

• Review infrastructure, equipment, machinery, and technology alternatives that may support future production expansion (e.g., direct/indirect UHT systems by injection or infusion, tubular and scraped-surface heat exchangers, and rotary/static retort systems)

• Review  industry references to find reference operating parameters and process windows for thermal processing, including direct and indirect UHT treatment and terminal retort sterilization (F₀ values and process overpressure according to packaging type).

• Review packaging alternatives and identify potential considerations regarding packaging specifications, while making a comparative assessment of thermal processing alternatives (Direct UHT vs. Indirect UHT vs. Terminal Retort) in combination with advanced barrier packaging structures (e.g., EVOH, SiOx, aluminum foil laminates) to reach  a target shelf life of 18–24 months while preserving nutritional and sensory quality.

• Draft possible next steps and key considerations that may support future production scale-up, listing  implementation priorities, identifying considerations, potential next steps, and areas requiring further technical assessment before future production expansion.

• List  technical and operational for future liquid product development.

 

4. Production Improvement and Technical Data Report for Decision-Making by Alsec

• Integrate the findings of the technical assessment into reports that support the company's strategic decision-making process.

• Provide prioritized recommendations for production process improvement, and identify areas that may require further technical assessment before future production expansion.

• Present and analyze the results and recommendations with the beneficiary company and the Antioquia BioCompetitiva technical team.

• Synthesize feedback received during the validation process to refine and finalize the technical deliverables as required.

 

5. Final Technical Assessment and Production Improvement Report 

Final report consolidating the consultancy results, including the technical evaluation, process improvement,  while incorporating specific feedback received from GGGI and ALSEC;  a summary of the technological alternatives reviewed and the key observations identified during the assessment along with a basic list of key operational requirements; and  proposed next steps and key considerations for future production improvement activities,, technical recommendations, and the final presentation of results.

 

Cross-Cutting Approach

Throughout the assignment, the Consultant shall:

• Apply principles of sustainability, innovation, regulatory compliance, and responsible technology commercialization.

• Maintain close coordination with GGGI and the beneficiary company to ensure that all technical outputs are practical, evidence-based, and aligned with the objectives of the MAPBIO Antioquia Edition.

• Ensure that all analyses and recommendations are developed with a market-oriented approach that supports investment readiness and the long-term commercialization of ALSEC. 

 

#	Deliverable	Description	Target completion date	%	USD
1	Work Plan and Methodology	Detailed work plan including the consultancy methodology, implementation schedule, information requirements, data collection strategy, and methodology for the production process assessment and industrial scale-up.	Within two (2) weeks after the start of thecontract	15%	1,650
2	Production Process Assessment and Optimization Report	Assess the current production process and the FSMP nutritional matrix. Evaluate the existing production capacity, operational workflow, and resource utilization and identify considerations relevant for future production expansion.  Identify improvement opportunities based on current production conditions and formulate technical recommendations	End of Month 2	25%	2,750
3	Comparative Assessment for Production Process and Improvement Options	Review infrastructure, equipment, machinery, and technology alternatives that may support future production expansion. Review industry references  on thermal processing practices and identify relevant observations for future technical assessments.Review packaging alternatives and identify potential considerations regarding packaging specifications, while making a comparative assessment of thermal processing alternatives. Draft possible next steps and key considerations that may support future production scale-up, listing  implementation priorities, identifying considerations, potential next steps, and areas requiring further technical assessment before future production expansion.List technical and operational for future liquid product development.	End of Month 3	20%	2,200
4	Production Improvement and Technical Data Report for Decision-Making by Alsec	Integrate the findings of the technical assessment into reports that support the company's strategic decision-making process. Provide prioritized recommendations for production process improvement and identify areas that may require further technical assessment before future production expansion.   Present and analyze the results and recommendations with the beneficiary company and the Antioquia BioCompetitiva technical team.  Synthesize feedback received during the validation process to refine and finalize the technical deliverables as required.	End of Month 4	20%	2,200
5	Final Technical Assessment and Production Improvement Report	Final report consolidating the consultancy results, including the technical evaluation, process improvement, while incorporating specific feedback received from GGGI and ALSEC; a summary of the  technological alternatives reviewed along with a basic list of key operational requirements;  and proposed next steps and considerations for future production improvement activities, technical recommendations, and the final presentation of results.	End of Month 5	20%	2,200

 

REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The consultancy reports to the Sustainable Landscapes Officer of GGGI, who is the contract supervisor and responsible for the formal acceptance of deliverables, following technical validation and acceptance by ALSEC the company beneficiary  of the MAPBIO+ program. The consultant's work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings for planning and weekly short face-to-face (or virtual) meetings for prioritizing activities, all of that previous consensus with the Contract Supervisor. In this review, meetings will tackle subjects such as the overview of the contractual objectives, the development of activities, detailed information milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline initially set, and any other relevant progress details.   

All Deliverables will be produced in Spanish, by GGGI's formatting requirements, and submitted with proof of editable file back-up (e.g., .docx, .pptx) in the GGGI SharePoint system. Where relevant, the consultant shall also provide raw data sets, research materials, and meeting notes related to the contractual objective.  

 

EXPERTISE REQUIRED

Profile

• (MANDATORY) Bachelor's degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agro-Industrial Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a related field.

• (MANDATORY) Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Process Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology, or a strictly related discipline.

• (MANDATORY) Must be a Colombian citizen or a foreign national holding a valid work permit or visa authorizing the provision of professional services in Colombia.

• (MANDATORY) At least five (5) years of professional experience in industrial process development, production process optimization, process engineering, bioprocess engineering, the food industry, nutraceuticals, biotechnology, or related sectors. Experience working with multinational companies manufacturing nutritional foods and Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) is required, including demonstrated knowledge of the applicable regulatory framework.

• (DESIRABLE) Experience in projects related to the circular economy, bioeconomy, or the valorization of agro-industrial by-products.

• (DESIRABLE) Experience with food industry regulations and compliance, including INVIMA requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Quality Management Systems (QMS).

• (DESIRABLE) Experience in projects funded by international cooperation organizations or technical assistance programs.

 

Technical Requirements

• (MANDATORY) Demonstrated experience conducting production process assessments, identifying operational bottlenecks, and evaluating installed production capacity.

• (MANDATORY) Experience assessing production infrastructure, equipment, and manufacturing processes and identifying improvement opportunities

• (MANDATORY) Experience conducting production process assessments and supporting process improvement initiatives within manufacturing environments.

• (MANDATORY) Strong technical knowledge of enzymatic hydrolysis, membrane separation technologies, spray drying, powdered product formulation, and thermal processing technologies, including direct and indirect UHT processing, terminal retort sterilization (autoclave), and aseptic filling systems.

• (MANDATORY) Demonstrated knowledge of aseptic packaging and terminal sterilization technologies, including multilayer high-barrier packaging structures (EVOH, SiOx, and aluminum foil laminates) for HDPE, PP, pouches, and aseptic carton packaging.

• (DESIRABLE) Knowledge of the clinical nutrition market, institutional healthcare channels, and B2B2C commercialization models.

• Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with multidisciplinary teams.

• (MANDATORY) Fluency in Spanish.

• Intermediate or advanced proficiency in English will be considered an asset.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

• Selection method / process: Open Competition.

• Timeline of the selection: Published for 12 days. Consulting starts approximately on September 21.

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment. 

 

SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY SAFEGUARDS

GGGI as an institution abides by its project-level Sustainability and Safeguards Rules (SSR) for all projects aligned with international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards. The SSR is aligned with commonly recognized international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), i.e. the WB Performance Standard, that ensure project level safeguarding of communities and people impacted by GGGI activities. GGGI has integrated project level Environmental and Social Safeguards into its Project Cycle Management (PCM) with mandatory Preliminary Gender and Social Assessments and ESS Screening of all projects to identify and manage risks.

In addition, GGGI's Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025 provides a framework toward achieving the principle of "Leaving No One Behind" in the transformation towards green growth, guiding GGGI's approaches to the mainstreaming of gender equality and poverty reduction in GGGI Colombia's Program. This also includes the implementation of the GGGI Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction Policy Markers on all projects. GGGI's Corporate Results Framework requires gender disaggregated indicators for participation in GGGI Capacity Building events.

GGGI's Child Protection Rules and GGGI Rules on Sexual Exploitation ensure safeguarding of children impacted by GGGI activities or in contact with GGGI contracted personnel, with GGGI taking a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation. GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI's Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. All procedures mentioned above are accompanied by guidelines and capacity building efforts. GGGI also provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. GGGI promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

All GGGI's policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.