1. Introduction
The Micro-Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) has since the year 2002 developed a niche in supporting the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises by providing integrated business solutions for sustainable development. The Trust is a multi-donor entity jointly founded by the Government of Kenya and the European Union who later relinquished their position to the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya.
Currently, MESPT is implementing the DANIDA Country Programme dubbed the Green Employment in Agriculture 2021-2025 whose thematic objective is “Accelerated decent employment creation in MSMEs and improved competitiveness of targeted value chains in agriculture which contribute to transforming the economy towards greener and more inclusive growth”. MESPT is also implementing Danida Market Development Partnership Program (2020 to 2026) whose objective is to spur job creation by enhancing the competitiveness of the banana subsector in Taita Taveta county.
Further, MESPT is implementing the AGRIFI program in Kenya whose objective is to strengthen the capacities of actors along selected value chains through the Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training -ATVET system approach. Activities under this will inter alia include supporting the upgrading, development and upscaling of agriculture and agri-business value chain-based training curriculums under ATVET. Under the second result area, the project will increase the capacity of private sector to implement and enforce standards on SPS. Furthermore, the project supports Counties in testing and surveillance and enforcement of Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary regulations.
2. Background and Rationale of the assignment **
Resource mobilisation is a key MESPT function with the objective of facilitating the delivery of MESPT’S strategic agenda and her sustainability. In line with this MESPT is developing a concept note for speculative funding purpose that seeks to Improve the livelihoods of displaced persons/ refugees and host communities through economic and financial inclusion.**
Refugees in Kenya face many challenges; these includes; (a) Movement restrictions, which are a source of frustration for refugee entrepreneurs (e.g. business owners must pay intermediaries to obtain goods, which adds costs, and makes it difficult to ensure quality and safe movement of goods); (b) the negative security narrative surrounding which discourages some private and national actors from investing in the area; and (c) restrictions on land access that limit agricultural activities.
Despite these constraints, refugees have managed to establish livelihoods in diverse sub-sectors. Majority have embraced small-scale agricultural production. There are opportunities to build on existing growth, development, and value chains in host refugee counties. The Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) have the potential to provide stronger socio-economic inclusion and integrated livelihood options for both refugees and host communities.
3. Objective of the consultancy
The objective is to develop a project that will improve the capacity of refugee farmers/pastoralists to practise environmentally sustainable and climate-smart agriculture as a business in inclusive value chains (VCs). This is expected to increase resilience and income amongst refugees and result in jobs being created within sustainable agri-enterprises. Specifically, the intervention/ project will target either Dadaab or Kakuma refugee camps in Kenya.
The Consultant will take the lead in putting together a compelling, evidence-based concept note for submission to potential donors. Most specifically the assignment will seek to analyse opportunities for environmentally sustainable and climate-smart agricultural value chains development among Refugee Farmers/Pastoralists.
4. Scope of the assignment
The consultant is expected to undertake the following:
- Undertake a desktop search/ review of available secondary data on the subject area.
- Conduct Personal Interviews and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with well targeted but relevant groups and actors (refugees, community reps, key sector players, financial institutions, government, camp officials, markets, opinion leaders, farming community etc.,)
- Data analysis.
- Review and validate key findings concept note with key stakeholders on site.
- Preparation and presentation of refined concept note to MESPT management.
- Sharing final compelling, evidence-based/ acceptable concept note incorporating MESPT management input not later than 22nd November 2021
5. Expected Deliverables
· Upon signing of contract, the consultant is expected to produce a detailed workplan of the activities to be undertaken with clear timelines and outputs in line with the TOR.
· Write and submit to MESPT a draft concept note by 17th November 2021.
· Work with relevant MESPT team to edit and finalize.
· Submit a complete concept note to MESPT by 22nd November 2021.
6. Outcome of the Consultancy
A completed, comprehensive concept note with all related documents.
7. Duration/Indicative Schedule/Level of Effort
The level of effort for this assignment is estimated to be up to a maximum of 10 days.
8. Budget
The maximum available budget for this assignment is KES 300,000 and the suitable candidate will be selected based on their technical proposal.
9. Reporting
The consultant will work closely with the relevant team(s) and report to the Chief Executive Officer, MESPT or any other officer as may be guided.
10. Resources
The Consultant will be paid the amount mentioned in clause 8 above. MESPT will also prepare a contract for the exercise and will retain 5% Withholding Tax as required by Kenya Revenue Authority.
MESPT will meet travel costs for the consultant to the site and while on the site as well as logistical costs such as taxi hire and meeting costs with interviewees.
11. Payment
The payment plan to the Consultant will be as follows: -
a) 30% upon submission of an acceptable inception report and detailed activity workplan
b) 30% upon submission and presentation of an acceptable draft concept note with all the required details.
c) 40% upon incorporation of comments, completion, and submission of the final acceptable concept note with all the required details.
12. Ownership and Beneficiaries of the proposals
All documents produced under this assignment shall be the sole property of MESPT and may be used for any purpose whatsoever without the need to consult with the author.
13. Qualification and Competencies
The consultant will bring to the concept development process previous experience from developing and writing successful integrated, multi-sectoral, proposals and concept notes. In addition, the consultant must possess the following: -
· An advanced university degree (preferably master’s degree) in, development studies, business management, agribusiness, natural resources management and other related social sciences/ disciplines.
· Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in proposal + concept note development and/or project management in Sub-Saharan Africa.
· Strong program design skills, including capacity to prepare logical, coherent, and consistent documents such as log frames and budgets.
· Ability to work efficiently and effectively with project members in various locations and from multiple organizations.
· Ability to integrate different experiences, methodologies, and approaches from a diverse range of stakeholders, organizations, and technical experts from multiple sectors.
· Excellent English speaking/writing skills required; prior experience of facilitating multi-stakeholder proposal writing sessions.
14. Tender Evaluation (Technical)
The applicant whose technical proposal has highest technical evaluation score will be considered for award of a contract at the set budget for this assignment.
How to apply
15. Application Process
Interested applicants should send detailed technical proposals with a CV and examples of previous work and a covering letter explaining how their experience addresses the requirements of the TOR to the email address tender@mespt.org by 4th November 2021 before 2.00PM.
request for any clarification through procurement@mespt.org
https://jobcenterkenya.com/consultant-for-concept-note-development-refugees-economic-empowerment/
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