Backstopping Service for an Underwriter Specialized in Agricultural Insurance

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Terms of Reference for Consultancy Assignment: Backstopping Service for an Underwriter Specialized in Agricultural Insurance.

“Building the Palestinian Agricultural Insurance Systems and Services” Project

Ref:24/001/OPTI-JRM

1. Palestinian Agricultural Sector

The relevance of agricultural insurance derives from the importance of the agricultural sector itself in social and economic development in Palestine. The country is rich in agricultural biodiversity; enjoys a variety of climatic and geographical variations that enables diversity in terms of agricultural production; and benefits from its ability to keep abreast of agricultural technological development. The Israeli occupation however proliferates drivers and vulnerabilities including the confiscation of land, fragmentation of Palestinian territory, control over water and resources especially in Area C, limited access to international and national markets, and military and settler violence. Despite manifold Israeli-restrictions on Palestinian access to resources, movement, and trade, which have led to an overall decline of the sector, agriculture remains an important source of food security, livelihoods, and export revenues. Although impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic and operating under Israeli restrictions which have resulted in continuous loss of land and water, the percentage contribution of agricultural activity value added of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to reach 7.6% according to 2021 forecasts. Further, agriculture provided jobs for 6.2% of the employed, in the third quarter of 2021, as well as providing a secondary source of income for many more households in the occupied Palestinian territory, where farming widely depends on family labour. Women play a critically important importance but often unrecognised role in the sector, supplying 87% of the labour input in livestock production and 54% in rain-fed crop production (Food and Agriculture Organisation, 2020).

The overall economic importance of agriculture, however, is not confined to the sector itself, as it has forward and backward linkages with sectors such as industry, retail and wholesale trade, transport, tourism, and hospitality services, that rely on it either as a source of inputs or as a market that absorbs their outputs.

Over and above its economic roles, agriculture is an intrinsic component of the Palestinian cultural and social fabric, playing a crucial part of the national narrative and with a privileged place in literature, songs, and other artistic expressions. It has come to symbolise Palestinian resilience and perseverance in the face of ongoing land loss due to prolonged occupation and the expansion of Israeli settlements. Within the context of political volatility, one of the world’s fastest growing populations, and increased climatic variability exacerbated by environmental degradation, the risks faced by farmers and producers and other agricultural value chain actors are expected to increase, unless effective measures are taken to better protect the agriculture sector.

Within the context of political volatility, one of the world’s fastest growing populations, and increased climatic variability exacerbated by environmental degradation, the risks faced by farmers and producers and other agricultural value chain actors are expected to increase, unless effective measures are taken to better protect the agriculture sector. As described by climate change experts, climatic risks will potentially increase with future climate scenarios for Palestine projecting a rise in temperature, a decrease in average annual rainfall, translating into an increase in the risk of drought, and an increased risk of flood with the wettest days becoming more frequent. While currently, farmers and producers who have incurred such risks are partially supported through direct loss compensation, a more optimal system of professional risk transfer – insurance – is necessary especially with increased vulnerability of farmers and producers to risks.

A 2018 demand survey, administrated on a sample of nearly 100,000 small-scale producers conducted by the Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund (PADRRIF)to assess the attitudes of farmers and producers towards agricultural insurance, revealed that 83% of the respondents expressed the need and their willingness to participate in an agricultural insurance scheme when it is available and ready. This is a clear indication for PADRRIF to move forward in activating an agricultural insurance programme.

1. Project Background

The ‘Building the Palestinian Agricultural Insurance Systems and Services’ project is a 36-month action led by Oxfam together with the Economic and Social Development Centre of Palestine (ESDC) and funded by the EU. The action aims to increase the resilience of Palestinian farmers and producers against shocks resulting from production risks, including climate change and infrastructural risks, with the specific objective of putting in place an operational and sustainable agricultural insurance system and services through the Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund (PADRRIF), with the participation of the private sector.

This project, along with its two predecessors, stems from the Palestinian Agricultural Disaster Risk Reduction and Insurance Fund (PADRRIF) strategy adopted for 2017-2022. The strategy included three significant programs, one of which was the Agricultural Risk Management Programme. Within this program, a key output was to develop “a market for agricultural insurance and partnerships to mitigate agricultural risks.” The Agricultural Risk Management Programme serves as the driving force behind the ‘Building the Palestinian Agricultural Insurance System and Services’ project, ensuring its continuity and alignment with PADRRIF’s objectives.

The current project builds upon a previous EU-funded technical assistance project called “Developing the Agricultural Insurance System in Palestine: Pre-Development Phase.” As part of this project, a group of experts was recruited to assess the current environment in oPt and prepare a ‘Roadmap on Agricultural Insurance Development’. The roadmap, issued in March 2018, outlines the technical, policy, legal, financial, market, and organizational requirements for establishing agricultural insurance in Palestine. Importantly, the roadmap was developed in close collaboration with PADRRIF and key stakeholders. Additionally, the project builds on the achievements and lessons learned from the ‘Developing the Agricultural Insurance System in Palestine’ pilot project, which was funded by the Government of Sweden and led by Oxfam in partnership with PADRRIF, concluding in 2019.

1. Assignment Objectives and Expected Results

Related project activities

The work comes as part of implementing the “Building the Palestinian Agricultural Insurance Systems and Services” project. The work is related to piloting of three agricultural insurance products (hereinafter “the pilot project”), where at least 735 farmers and producers will become clients of agricultural insurance products – policy holders. Indemnity-based were specifically developed based on market studies and actuarial studies in the year, and have not been tested/piloted thereafter. Oxfam is in the process of updating the products, and is aiming through the pilot project to reach 735 clients divided into three open agricultural sub-sectors: 1) tomato under greenhouses included the greenhouse structure, 2) Grape open-cultivation farms, and 3) closed system poultry farms. The insurance conditions, terms, and coverages are clear within the insurance policies, and are guided by a developed underwriting and loss adjustment guidelines.

Through this pilot project, Oxfam seeks to:

1. test the actual practice of the insurance process and agricultural insurance management by examining the framework regulating agricultural insurance management, and the commitment of partners and actors to the roles and responsibilities whose features were identified in building the partners’ strategy, especially since this pilot period will grant the Risk Prevention Fund Agricultural insurance, on the one hand, and insurance companies, on the other hand, have the opportunity to practice managing the agricultural insurance market in terms of selling and following up insurance policies, concluding insurance contracts with farmers, insuring specific agricultural products, and testing the support and aid system by Oxfam and the Fund.
2. offer capacity-building opportunities for personnel from insurance companies and PADRRIF. Through practices on the ground, those personnel will have a comprehensive understanding of the essential functions and operations of agricultural insurance.

Assignment objective

Oxfam is seeking to contract an individual expert with extensive experience in underwriting within agricultural insurance, encompassing both animal and plant sub-sectors with concentration on vegetables, fruits, and poultry. The selected expert will provide support to PADRRIF and Oxfam as needed for a one-year duration, focusing on all aspects related to the piloting of three (3) agricultural insurance products related to underwriting and client relationship, especially the early visits and the underwriting process. The backstopping expert will provide essential support in relation to underwriting functions, operations, and processes in agricultural insurance.

Expected Results:

Engaging the Agricultural Insurance Underwriter advisor/consultant is expected to yield key outcomes, including improved technical capacity and expertise in agricultural insurance underwriting among PADRRIF, insurance companies and Oxfam staff. This will be accompanied by the provision of technical expertise on underwriting policies and procedures, providing feedback and participate in the development of ToRs and or related reports, enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, and ongoing advisory services for continuous improvement. The advisor/consultant will provide specific consultancy services related to underwriting and capacity building, deliver effective assistance in specific assignments, and contribute to success of the operationalization of the underwriting operations in the Agro-insurance system that PADRRIF is responsible for, and participate in field visits (when needed), These outcomes collectively contribute to the success of the ‘Building the Palestinian Agricultural Insurance Systems and Services’ project.

1. Assignment Scope of Work

The backstopping services are envisioned within a case-by-case sort of contracting, through which the advisor/consultant is expected to provide the following services related to the pilot project, among others:

• Provide technical expertise and guidance in agricultural insurance underwriting based on previous experience in other markets, still; ensuring alignment with project objectives and best practices.
• Participate in field visits in Palestine when needed related to underwriting capacity building activities or field guiding and supporting work.
• Offer recommendations, advice, and directions for the development underwriting operations for PADRRIF and Oxfam staff, enhancing their understanding of agricultural insurance underwriting.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders, as needed, to address specific interventions, solve particular issues, and guide the development and refinement of policies and procedures for effective agricultural insurance underwriting and its guidelines, considering both local context and international standards.
• Support efforts in identifying potential challenges and propose mitigation solutions that can or are faced in the field.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate documentation of underwriting processes and outcomes, and support and supervise the processes of generating regular reports for internal and external stakeholders, especially the lessons learned.

Additionally, the consultant/advisor is expected to cover part of the following general tasks, if needed:

• Provide ongoing advisory services to project stakeholders, offering insights and recommendations for continuous improvement in agricultural insurance underwriting and policy wording for upcoming products to be developed.
• Support the development of and/or provide feedback on development Terms of References (ToRs) related to potential underwriting and policy wording consultancies. Mainly revise technical requirements and specifications within developed those ToRs.
• Review specific reports and provide feedback, for example, on ways of working and specific technical related parts.
• Provide suggestions for potential institutions/counter organizations for exchange visits and learning tours.
• Any other specific needed assignment related to underwriting activities.

1. Assignment TIMEFRAME

The assignment is anticipated for a one-year life span in accordance with the pilot phase of the ‘Building the Palestinian Agricultural Insurance Systems and Services’ project. This does not mean that all year days are working days, the exact working days shall be defined based on the need during the pilot implementation. Yet, and if needed, both parties can agree on extending the contract for any required duration.

1. Skills and background of the Consultants’ Team

The consultant/advisor to be selected for the proposed assignment should have:

• Demonstrated proficiency in agro-insurance insurance for both animal and plant wealth.
• Extensive and proven experience in providing support and guidance in agro-insurance underwriting.
• Certification in underwriting and/or a recognized expertise in agro-insurance underwriting.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of hands-on experience with agro-insurance systems, operations, processes, and procedures.
• Proficiency in using participatory and innovative facilitation and training/moderation techniques.
• Desirable; an experience in the agriculture sector in Palestine.
• Proven management ability and strong interpersonal skills.
• A track record of acknowledged similar consultancies with recognized organizations.

Moreover;

• The consultant must have effective report-writing and strong oral and written communication skills both in Arabic and English. [In case non-Arabic speaking consultants are chosen, Oxfam will make available an interpreter only during the field visits and/or capacity building activities].
• The consultant must have good analytical and conceptual skills, strong planning, organization, and administrative skills.

1. Technical and Financial Offer

Technical Proposal, the consultant/advisor is requested to submit:

• CV and copies of ID/passport of the consultant/advisor, showing relevant permanent job and consultancy services.
• A list of relevant experience of the same field, describing the type of activities conducted and deliverables achieved. Contact person for clients within the past three years must be provided as references.
• One-page general description of the approach through which the consultant/advisor will provide his/her expertise and services to Oxfam, and how he/she would ensure positive and effective results.
• The submitted offers should be in Euro Not including VAT. The tendered should be able to issue an official Vat Exemption invoice in addition to valid deduction at source certificate or will deduct a percentage from the final payment (according to Palestinian Taxation department & laws.
• Prices include all types of expenses such as transportation per-diem, calls, … etc

Financial Offer, the consultant/advisor must complete the following table, and have it signed/stamped:

Item

Rate or estimated cost in Euro

Comment of Description (list any comment or description below, if needed)

Consultancy rate per day

______ Euro per day

A day is 8 hours of work; either in office, online, or in field days.

Per Diem in case for the need to stay overnight in a Palestinian Hotel/Guesthouse

______ Euro per night

Travel cost, two-way ticket

______ Euro per ticket

Transportation expenses from airport to the hotel, vice versa

______ Euro per trip

Others, …. Please add fields as needed

• Budget breakdown; prices should be valid for 120 days from date of submission*.*

1. General Terms and Conditions
2. Considering each individual assignment, implementation and delivery could be conducted in-country or abroad.
3. Individual assignment ToR will be developed for each assignment and agreed-upon before the commencing of the implementation. Those individual ToRs will include detailed requirements, proposed methods, and expected deliverables.
4. Implementation of each individual assignment will be in full cooperation and coordination with the project manager and related team member of Oxfam and PADRRIF, when needed.
5. By the end of each assignment, signed time sheet should be submitted alongside a payment request. Both time sheets and payment requested will be approved by the project manager and the budget holder as per Oxfam’s due policies and procedures.
6. Oxfam envisions a long-term engagement and relationship with the consultant; thus a minimum number of days shall be agreed-upon per financial/calendar year. A retain-consulting agreement will be signed for one year, and shall be renewed upon sufficient deliverables and upon need.
7. All proposals will be evaluated based on internally agreed criteria as follows:

Range and depth of the consultant’s experience with similar services, mainly specific and extensive experience in consultancy services related to agro-insurance underwriting, mainly indemnity based agro-insurance.

40%

Expertise of capacity building and training of insurance and non-insurance teams

10%

General proposed approach and methodology, Special attention will be given to innovative approaches or methodologies that can propose additions/changes to those indicated in the ToR (20%)

10%

Financial Proposal

40%

1. As clear above, 60% of the weight will be given for the technical proposal and 40% will be given for the financial proposal. The applicant should score minimum of 70% in the technical evaluation to be eligible for financial evaluation; otherwise the whole offer will be disregarded regardless of the financial offer.
2. The consultant/advisor should follow the Oxfam’s Branding policies and ensure Oxfam and its partners logos are presented as per the guidelines. The consultant/advisor and his / her team in the assignment must abide by Oxfam child protection policy, code of conduct, sexual harassment policy and Oxfam’s other relevant policies. All requirements in respect of insurance including professional indemnity, worker’s compensation, public liability, superannuation and taxation, where applicable will remain, at all times, the responsibility of the consultant.
3. All proposal documents are requested in the English language.
4. Oxfam reserves the right to negotiate, accept or reject any or all proposals and quotations at its sole discretion and to pursue or act further on any responses it considers advantageous.
5. No proposal may be altered after this deadline. Proposals received after the closing date will not be considered, unless in Oxfam sole opinion there are exceptional circumstances which have caused the delay.
6. Withdrawals must be unconditional and will end all participation in the competitive bid procedure.
7. Any requests for clarification may be submitted by email to

[email protected] by the maximum date of 05 March 2024.

How to apply

1. SUBMISSION PROCESS

Interested consultants/trainers should submit a letter of interest, technical proposal, and financial offer no later than the March 12th 2024 to the attention of: [email protected] . There is no need of separating the financial from the technical offers into two e-mails.