RFP-IRQ-DIY-2022-002- Capacity Building and Technical Support Market System Development re advertised.

DRC

Terms of Reference (TOR)

for

Capacity Building and Technical Support

Market System Development – Re-advertised

1. Who is the Danish Refugee Council?

Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international NGO and one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. Active in 40 countries with 9,000 employees and supported by 7,500 volunteers, DRC protects, advocates, and builds sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement affected people and communities. DRC works during displacement at all stages: In the acute crisis, in displacement, when settling and integrating in a new place, or upon return. DRC provides protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance; supports displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included into hosting societies; and works with civil society and responsible authorities to promote protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

1. Purpose of the consultancy

The Danish Refugee Council based in Iraq seeks proposals from a consultant to conduct a Capacity Building and Technical Support, and Market System Development.

The overall objective of the consultancy is to build the MSD programming capacity, design internal systems and structures, and strengthen technical capacity of DRC’s staff on market systems development approaches.

DRC aims to work with a team of technical experts (trainers and coaches) from reputable training institute with strong expertise on providing capacity building and technical support on market system development

1. Background

As major military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq concluded in late 2017, the situation in Iraq entered a new stage. National and regional authorities, as well as humanitarian agencies began focusing on rebuilding the economy and destroyed infrastructure to facilitate returns of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their areas of origin. Although over 4.8 million Iraqis have returned home as of July 2021, 1.19 million Iraqis are still internally displaced (IOM, 2021) and significant challenges remain. Rebuilding infrastructure and supporting livelihoods are key priorities for both national and international actors. This is particularly true in the most conflict-affected governorates and districts, many of which were core agricultural areas before the conflict.

The agricultural sector in Iraq is the second largest contributor to the GDP, bested only by the oil. In 2017, agriculture contributed 4.8 percent to Iraq’s GDP and employed 19 percent of the workforce (WB, 2020). Thus, agriculture development is critical to allow Iraq to achieve their vision of a more diversified economy, in addition to generating employment and boosting private sector engagement. Small-scale farming systems dominate the sector and are typically characterized by traditional methods and minimal capital investments, resulting in low productivity. There is also limited social capital and positive outcomes from group interactions, causing poor integration along the supply chain.

Approximately 30 percent of Iraq’s population lives in rural areas. These populations are usually more vulnerable to food insecurity than urban households. According to the 2016 Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA) (WFP, 2012), 80 percent of the poorest quintile in rural areas were classified as either food insecure or vulnerable to food insecurity compared to 67 percent of those in the poorest quintile in urban areas. According to FAO, agriculture is the largest source of employment for those living in rural areas (FAO, 2017). Agriculture is also an important sector for female employment; 23 percent of women working in Iraq are employed in the sector (WB, 2020).

DRC recently conducted labor market assessment shows high level of unemployment among the returnee’s population in their areas of return. In one of the districts, Al-Khalis of Diyala Governorate, unemployment rate was recorded up to 48%, among which 81% are women (DRC LMA Al-Khalis, July 2021). The reasons for this high unemployment are attributed to lack of jobs in local markets, lack of access to finance to re/start any income generating activities and low level of technical skills. Lack of access to employment and financial hardships are compelling people to adopt harmful coping strategies which puts them into greater risks in longer term.

DRC is a longstanding INGO in Iraq, with an extensive program providing consumption and economic recovery support to conflict affected populations across the country. The beneficiary profile of the economic recovery program includes all categories of population, i.e., IDPs, refugees, returnees, and host communities. The program portfolio on economic recovery is divided into two major areas, i.e., relief and recovery.

1. Relief: Under this, DRC provides consumption support to extremely vulnerable displacement and conflict affected population. The assistance is provided through multi-purpose cash grants to households who are selected based on the criteria measured using proxy means text methodology (PMT)
2. Recovery: Through its economic recovery interventions, DRC uses multiple programming approaches which are further divided into two areas: i. self-employment, and ii. wage employment.

DRC’s program is designed to serve as a bridge between humanitarian assistance and longer-term recovery and development strategies by identifying entry-points to assistance for households at different vulnerability stages: addressing basic needs and reducing reliance on negative coping strategies for extremely vulnerable households, and job creation and income generation for vulnerable households for sustainable livelihoods.

DRC’s Iraq economic recovery program strategy is transitioning toward longer term recovery and development with application of market systems development approaches. Agriculture is one priority sector identified for recovery and longer-term development which has potential to create employment and provide sustainable income opportunities for poor and vulnerable people.

DRC has implemented major economic recovery project in Iraq which were focused on economic relief and recovery activities with response modalities includes are emergency cash transfers, Cash for Work (CfW), business grants to MSMEs, vocational trainings, and facilitating access to job placement opportunities for vulnerable individuals through private sector engagement. Through these projects, DRC has been able to reach thousands of vulnerable communities including IDPs, host communities, Syrian Refugees, and returnees. These interventions have contributed to building the resilience of target communities as they rebuild their homes, recover livelihoods, restore public infrastructure, and restart local economies. Guided by its economic recovery program country strategy for Iraq, DRC is building its future programming with strong focus on market systems development (MSD) approaches for longer term economic empowerment. DRC has recently launched a pilot program with MSD approach which defines its objective as, ‘’inclusive agriculture and food market systems’ growth contributes to strengthen economic and social wellbeing and resilience of vulnerable Iraqi men, women, and youths through increased access to income and employment opportunities’’.

1. Objective of the consultancy

The overall objective of the consultancy assignment is to build the MSD programming capacity, design internal systems and structures, and strengthen technical capacity of DRC’s staff on market systems development approaches.

DRC aims to work with a team of technical experts (trainers and coaches) from reputable training institute with strong expertise on providing capacity building and technical support on market system development.

1. Scope of work and Methodology

OBJECTIVE & SCOPE OF THE ASSESSMENT

The specific objectives and scope of the consultancy work include,

1. Strengthening the conceptional understanding, system analysis, interventions design, implementation modalities and monitoring & evaluation skills and expertise of DRC Iraq’s economic recovery team on market systems development approaches.
2. Conducting analysis of organizational and market readiness to apply market systems development approaches.
3. Provide technical support in conducting detailed market systems’ diagnostics and build analytical capacities of the staff in market system and value chain development work.
4. Provide continuous coaching and mentorship support to program team in implementing the market system development approaches in selected value chains.
5. Technical support to program team in in private sector engagement, establishing partnership relationships and building facilitation skills with systems’ actors.
6. Supporting the development of impactful business models with potential to bring desired changes in selected market system.
7. Developing market systems tool kit and training of staff in application of toolkit through mentoring, coaching and simulation exercises and using other practical means.
8. Staff developed the capacities to identify and work with relevant market players in potential market systems.
9. Staff developed clear understanding of linking vulnerabilities, poverty, gender inequalities to market system development.

METHODOLOGY

Applicants needs to provide details on proposed methodology of capacity building. DRC will give preference to mix methodologies, i.e., in-person delivery of trainings with remote coaching support over an extended period in early phases of project implementation cycle. The proposed methodology at application stage at minimum will include.

1. In-person training plan with detailed coverage advance level MSD learning modules to be covered and practical work.
2. Frequency of coaching and mentoring plan, duration, and specific topics to be covered. In addition, flexibility on providing ad-hoc and need based technical facilitation will be given preference.
3. Brief description of methodology of conducting system level diagnostics.
4. Development of market system facilitation and implementation toolkit with development of practical tools and templates to be used in program’s implementation.
5. Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as mentioned below:

Phase

Expected deliverables

Indicative description tasks

Maximum expected timeframe*

Phase 1

Preparations

Inception meeting

Inception meeting and inception report with DRC’s senior management program team on the overall process of capacity building project. The inception reports include detailed work-plan and methodology of delivering the outputs of the assignment.

5 working days

Phase 1

Capacity building

MSD Training

• Organisationnel MSD’s programs readiness assessment report
• 10 to 12 Key DRC staff are trained in conceptual, implementation, and monitoring tactics of MSD as described in scope of work section.

15 working days

Phase 2

Phase

Study

Technical support in MSD study

Provided technical support to program team in detailed study of selected market system and produced a market-readiness report with recommended interventions, design modalities, and MSD framework refined/improved based on the study findings.

20 working days

Phase 3

Toolkit

Market system tool kit

Market system toolkit (tools and templates) developed for DRC and contextualized to be used throughout program implementation stages and training providing on application of tools.

20 working days

Phase 3

Capacity building

Coaching and mentorship sessions

Coaching and mentorship sessions delivered to program staff during the implementation phase.

30 working days

Phase 4

Framework

MSD MEAL framework

Revised MSD MEAL framework developed together with program team.

10 working days

*Timelines here are indicative and the applicants are expected to adjust these timeline as per scope of each deliverable planned.

The Consultant will provide the documentation by email/ in person.

1. Inception meeting minutes and inception report with DRC’s senior management program team on the overall process of capacity building project. The inception reports include detailed work-plan and methodology of delivering the outputs of the assignment.
2. Approximately 10 to 12 DRC staff are trained in conceptual, implementation, and monitoring tactics of MSD as described in scope of work section.
3. Organizational MSD Capacity assessment report
4. Provided technical support to program team in detailed study of selected market system and produced a report on market-readiness for MSD programming with recommended interventions, design modalities, and MSD framework refined/improved based on the study findings.
5. Market system toolkit (tools and templates) developed for DRC and contextualized to be used throughout program implementation stages and training providing on application of tools.
6. Coaching and mentorship sessions reports delivered to program staff during the implementation phase.
7. Revised MSD MEAL framework developed together with program team.
8. Duration, timeline, and payment

The consultancy period initially is expected to be of six months, starting from last week of October 2022 till end of March 2022. Applicant needs to provide tentative schedule of activities required to complete the overall scope of the work. The overall estimated working days should not exceed 100 working days dedicated and divided to deliverables and scope of work as per this TOR.

1. Proposed Composition of Team

Consultant is expected to provide the list and composition of the team with their experience and expertise as per the requirement of TOR. At minimum DRC expects to have a focal person for consultancy administrative coordination and technical team member for technical part of the required services.

1. Eligibility, qualification, and experience required

Essential:

Applicant, organizations/institutes or firms, with individuals specialized and highly experts in market system development with proven experience of MSD work in different context. The proposed team for this assignment is expected to have strong technical expertise and practical experience required to deliver the scope of work and deliverables tailored to needs and professional capacities of the target group. The consultancy service provider should have:

Eligibility:

• Demonstrated availability of existing MSD training programs packages.
• Demonstrated capacity through experience and successful negotiation of working with private sector companies in MSD programs.
• Strong facilitation and capacity development techniques proven through existing training delivery approaches.
• Only registered reputable companies/firms can apply with team of experts with proven experience and expertise.

Qualification:

• Individuals with a minimum master’s degree in business management, economic development, social-sciences, development studies or equivalent.
• Qualified and certified trainers in MSD trainings.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years of proven experience in Market System Development, value chain development, systems diagnostics, and development.
• At least 5 to 8 years of experience in delivery of training services on MSD and VCD.
• Proven experience of 5 to 8 years in providing coaching and mentorship to programs with MSD approaches.

Skills and knowledge:

Strong technical skills and experience on MSD programs, institutional capacity building and organizations system development, and provision of technical assistance.

• Expertise and proven capacities in designing MSD toolkits comprised of all necessary tools required in entire MSD program cycle. An indictive list of tools to be part of toolkit to be provided in the proposal.
• Evidence of past similar assignments
• A good understanding of Iraq and/or Middle East economic and political context
• Demonstrated technical skills and knowledge of MSD data analytics, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Individuals with proven capacity and experience of developing successful business models in MSD programming.

Language requirements:

• Written and spoken fluency in English
• Working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage

Desirable:

• Familiarity with the local context, security situation and agriculture sector development in Iraq or Middle East.

1. Technical supervision

The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:

1. Economic Recovery Coordinator as the focal point of contact for all technical matters
2. Economic Recovery Project Manager for field level information and facilitation of field work
3. Location and support

Iraq- Diyala Governorate (40%)

Iraq-Erbil (MSD in-person training)-(20%)

Remote (40%) for technical coaching and mentorship.

Address of the work assignment.

The Consultant will provide her/his own computer and mobile telephone. For in-person training in country and field work in area of assignment, DRC will provide the transportation, lodging, and other field and logistics arrangements.

1. Travel

Following travels will be required for this assignment,

1. Travel to Iraq (Erbil) for delivery of in-person training.
2. Travel to field location (Diyala Governroate) for the deliverables mentioned in TOR.

DRC will provide in country local transportation, lodging, access to project sites and other logistics needed as per the scope of work detailed above.

Consultant will cover cost of international travel, visa fees, insurance, in country food and transport cost for personal use. Therefore, consultants are expected to make adequate provision of these cost in the financial proposal.

1. Submission process

Refer to the invitation to bid.

1. Evaluation of bids

Refer to the invitation to bid.

Only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview with the panel to ensure their understanding of the consultancy services. (optional).

How to apply

Interested consultants to contact [email protected] to get RFP full package.

Email submission

Bids can be submitted by email to the following dedicated, controlled, & secure email address:

[email protected]

When Bids are emailed, the following conditions shall be complied with:

• The RFP number shall be inserted in the Subject Heading of the email

• Separate emails shall be used for the ‘Financial Bid’ and ‘Technical Bid’, and the Subject Heading of the email

• shall indicate which type the email contains

  • The financial bid shall only contain the financial bid,
  • The technical bid shall contain all other documents required by the tender, but excluding all pricing information

• Bid documents required, shall be included as an attachment to the email in PDF, JPEG, TIF format, or the same type of files provided as a ZIP file. Documents in MS Word or excel formats, will result in the bid being disqualified.

• Email attachments shall not exceed 4MB; otherwise, the bidder shall send his bid in multiple emails.

Failure to comply with the above may disqualify the Bid.

DRC is not responsible for the failure of the Internet, network, server, or any other hardware, or software, used by either the Bidder or DRC in the processing of emails.