Solid Formulation of the SalmoFree® Bioproduct Consultancy (SciPhage SAS-MAPBIO)

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Project: CO038 Just Rural Transition in Colombia – Bio Rural

Output: CO038-E1-3

Duty Station: Remote/Bogotá

Contract Duration: (28) February 2025 - (20) June 2025

Number of Workdays Estimated (internal purpose only): 76 days– deliverable based

Consultant: Level 2

Total Fees: Up to USD 7,300

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Based in Seoul, The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote an economic growth model known as “green growth,” which targets key aspects of financial performance such as poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. GGGI works with countries worldwide, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. The organization partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and the private sector to help build economies that grow strongly and are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon-intensive, and more resilient to climate change.

GGGI has a diverse portfolio of programs in developing countries around the world. Together with global products and services, these in-country programs focus on delivering results through an integrated approach of evidence-based green growth planning and implementation aligned to “countries” development priorities. The organization also focuses on knowledge development and management activities, which build a solid theoretical and empirical basis for green growth while providing concrete options and guidance for policymakers and creating the conditions for public and private green infrastructure investments.

GGGI has been working with the Government of Colombia to advance green growth policies and green investments through strategic partnerships such as with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Treasury and Public Credit, and the National Planning Department (DNP), among others. Since 2014, GGGI has supported the DNP in its objective of advancing a green growth vision and transition plan for Colombia that can help climate goals and SDGs achievement. GGGI supported the development of the Green Growth Taskforce led by DNP (2016-2018), which produced solid and relevant information for the design and concertation of the Green Growth Policy- GGP (adopted using CONPES 3934 of 2018).

One strategic axis of the GGP aims to promote the sustainable use of natural capital, which includes the Bioeconomy as one key strategy to foster the low carbon economy through adding value to generate products, processes, and services based on responsible use of biodiversity and biomass. In that regard, GGGI supported the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation - MinCiencias, the National Planning Department, and other stakeholders in the technical design and concertation of the National Bioeconomy Mission “Para una Colombia Potencia viva y diversa: hacia una Sociedad impulsada por el conocimiento”.

Besides, GGGI was awarded by the UKPACT program in 2021 Colombia to develop the project “Accelerating the development of new bioeconomy businesses and enhanced capacities for green jobs promotion and increased climate action ambition from policy implementation and integration”, in which a Bioeconomy Accelerator Mechanism was created to enhance the capacity of bioeconomy business and strengthen the capability of MinCiencias to meet their target of 126 and 500 bioproducts endorsed by 2022 and 2030, respectively: Complimentarily, a knowledge-sharing component to disseminate case studies, lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations.

GGGI with MinCiencias support, designed and launched 2019 the Bioeconomy Projects Acceleration Mechanism – MAPBIO, which aims to provide technical assistance to accelerate bioproducts in the last mile. The first call for proposals received 26 proposals evaluated through a multicriteria analysis; the mechanism supported four bioproducts. After successfully implementing MAPBIO 1.0, GGGI was awarded an extension project for scaling up MAPBIO and developing further activities with MinCiencias and INNpulsa. The current call pro proposals MAPBIO 3.0 received were focalized in the Pacific and Amazon region and received 12 submissions and selected 2. In total, we have successfully supported 20 bioproducts to contribute to the national goal of reaching 500 registered bioproducts by 2030.

As part of the UK PACT Bio Rural project, GGGI has selected the company SciPhage SAS and its initiative, “Phage science and technology Sciphage SAS, precision biotechnology for the control of bacterial infections in animal health”, as a beneficiary of the MAPBIO+ 2024 Call. This selection secures support for SciPhage SAS bioproduct acceleration processes during the 2025–2026.

SciPhage SAS has identified a significant opportunity in organic additives for disease control in the poultry industry, offering a biotechnological alternative to antibiotics. The project focuses on preventing Salmonellosis in birds by advancing the formulation, production, marketing, and internationalization of SalmoFree®—an organic nutritional additive that uses bacteriophages to control Salmonella precisely. This innovative product reduces the need for antibiotics, enhances production parameters, and improves food safety.

The primary objective of this consultancy is to optimize the solid formulation of the SalmoFree® bioproduct by evaluating drying technologies to enhance the stability, storage, and dosage of phage powders. These efforts align with SciPhage SAS’s broader goal of establishing a robust production line for SalmoFree®.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The primary objective of this consultancy is to support SciPhage SAS in accelerating the development of the SalmoFree® bioproduct as part of the MAPBIO+ 2024 Call for Proposals. The consultant will provide technical expertise to optimize the solid formulation of the SalmoFree® bioproduct.

Specific Objectives

1. Evaluation of Drying Techniques

To ensure the integrity and viability of phages during the drying process, the following technologies will be assessed:

Granulating fluidized bed at 37°C with various carriers.

Fluidized bed with heat pump at 37°C with various carriers.

Fluidized bed with heat pump at room temperature with various carriers.

2. Execution of the Drying Process

The drying process will involve suspending phages in different carriers at a ratio of 1000 g of carrier to 75 mL of phage solution, ensuring optimal distribution and viral load in the final product. The consultant will conduct the following assessments during the drying process:

Residual Moisture Monitoring: Precise control of final moisture content to ensure long-term stability.

Stability Monitoring: Evaluation of phage viability post-drying and over time to determine the extent of protection against environmental factors such as oxygen and moisture exposure.

3. Results and Formulation Update Recommendations

Upon completion of the drying tests, the consultant will deliver a report including:

Phage Stability Analysis: Assessment of viability loss immediately after drying and during prolonged storage.

Product Efficacy Evaluation: Comparison of the powdered formulation’s effectiveness against the liquid version under real poultry farming conditions.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Review of production costs and initial investment required for each drying technology, balancing feasibility with product stability and effectiveness.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
The expected outputs are the following:

(1) Work Plan

The consultant will develop a comprehensive work plan detailing objectives, metrics, timelines, and key stakeholders for implementation. This document will include clearly defined goals, measurable outcomes, schedules, and roles for all activities, ensuring alignment with SciPhage SAS's objectives and broader business strategy.

(2) Drying Processes

A document summarizing the drying process including the following assessments:

Residual Moisture Monitoring: Precise control of final moisture content to ensure long-term stability.

Stability Monitoring: Evaluation of phage viability post-drying and over time to determine the extent of protection against environmental factors such as oxygen and moisture exposure.

(3) Final Report

The consultant will deliver a comprehensive final report summarizing the consultancy's outcomes. This report will include:

Progress toward achieving objectives.

Updated recommendations for the solid formulation of SalmoFree®, including the following analysis:

Phage Stability Analysis: Assessment of viability loss immediately after drying and during prolonged storage.

Product Efficacy Evaluation: Comparison of the powdered formulation’s effectiveness against the liquid version under real poultry farming conditions.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Review of production costs and initial investment required for each drying technology, balancing feasibility with product stability and effectiveness.

Bacteriophage fixation protocol

Deliverables, timeline, and payments

REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
The Consultancy reports to the Bioeconomy Associate under the technical guidance provided by the SciPhage SAS Company. 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.

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. Additionally, the consultant will deliver one monthly brief in English explaining the activities developed the month before and for any other deliverable, if so requested by the Project Manager. Where relevant, the consultant shall also provide raw data sets, research materials, and meeting notes related to the contractual objective.

The Global Green Growth Institute ("GGGI") is committed to transparency, accountability, and openness in the organization. In case of any doubt, please refer to our Whistle Blower policy in the link:

http://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

SUGGESTED METHODOLOGY AND COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS
The consultant should follow the specific methods provided by the Contract Supervisor.

The consultant will best use both primary and secondary sources of information to develop activities defined under the contract objective.

The consultant will be responsible for providing transparent financial information regarding expenses incurred for conducting field visits, orientation meetings, webinars, or workshops.

EXPERTISE REQUIRED
(MANDATORY) Degree in biologist, microbiologist, chemistry, or chemistry engineering.

(MANDATORY) A least four (4) years of experience in formulation and optimization of agricultural bioproducts, and handling of premixes for food.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills; capacity for synthesis, presentation, and communication; and strategic thinking skills, and use of Big Data Tools for Business Analytics and Reporting.

Organized with excellent time management.

Proven ability to work with teams and collaborate.

Ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to tasks.

Experience working with international institutions, the private sector, and government institutions is an asset.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Selection method / process: Open Competition.

Timeline of the selection: Approval ToR February 12, CV reception February 20, Review CV 23 February, consulting start February 28.

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/

ANTI-FRAUD AND SAFEGUARD
GGGI is committed to apply transparency and accountability in its decisions and actions, and to practice integrity in all aspects of its operations. GGGI’s anti-corruption policy establishes zero tolerance for corruption and fraudulent, coercive, and collusive practices in GGGI’s operations. The whistleblowing policy is available at the following link https://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

In addition, all GGGI’s policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

Lastly, within the framework of UK PACT Colombia's projects with GGGI and their respective activities, the following reporting channels from FCDO (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) are available to GGGI suppliers and consultants:

reportingconcerns@fcdo.gov.uk: to report any case of fraud or theft (whether proven or suspected).

reportingconcerns@fcdo.gov.uk: to report any credible suspicions of or actual incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment related.