Expression of Interest (EOI) for Consultancy

Expression of Interest (EOI) for Consultancy

Design and Implement MaUKa Initiative

1) Overview

dZi Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization working with rural communities in Nepal to achieve prosperity by eliminating barriers to basic needs, fostering opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and building their capacity to catalyze transformational change. dZi’s 2024-2029 strategic plan builds on years of experience, adapts to evolving policy and development landscapes, and sharpens our focus on partnerships, local ownership, and long-term sustainability beyond external investments.

The MaUKa Initiative (Mahila Uddhyamshilta Karyakram or Women's Entrepreneurship Program) aims to accelerate income increases and market access for key farmers in hard-to-reach farming communities in Nepal. This project will build upon our established agriculture program, focusing on improving economic resilience and food security. The initiative will provide specialized entrepreneurial training and small grants to launch agriculture-based businesses, with a primary goal of establishing at least 15 new agriculture businesses and increasing farmers' income by 300% over the next two years.

2) Objectives

The overall aim of the project is to empower farmers economically through entrepreneurship and employment. Sub-objectives include:

1. Boost agricultural entrepreneurship, focusing on women
2. Expand employment and income in farming
3. Enhance women's financial leadership in agriculture

3) Key Components

The illustrative project components to achieve the objectives include:

a) Entrepreneurship training and support: This component would focus on developing entrepreneurial skills and providing resources to help farmers, especially women, start and grow their businesses. It would include:

• Business plan development workshops and assistance with business registration processes.
• Mentorship programs pairing new entrepreneurs with experienced business owners.
• Access to microfinance or small business loans.

b) Agricultural skills enhancement: This component would aim to improve farming techniques and productivity, leading to increased employment and income. It would involve:

• Training on modern farming practices and technologies.
• Introduction of high-value crops or livestock.
• Support for adopting climate-smart agricultural techniques.

c) Women's financial empowerment: This component would specifically target women farmers to enhance their financial leadership and decision-making capabilities. It would include:

• Financial literacy training tailored for women.
• Leadership development programs.
• Networking events and peer support groups for women farmers.

d) Market access and value chain integration: This component would focus on connecting farmers to better market opportunities, thereby increasing their income potential. It would involve:

• Training on post-harvest handling and value addition.
• Facilitation of contract farming arrangements.
• Support for forming or joining agricultural cooperatives.

Since this is a pilot initiative, the consultant is expected to conduct a rapid market assessment and then adapt the key components that best suit the context and help achieve the results.

4) Deliverables

4.1 Inception Report that should, at least, include a detailed implementation plan with timelines and milestones, GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) integration strategy, entrepreneurship development and employment creation strategy, financial empowerment plan for women farmers, and progress tracking matrix aligned with expected outcomes.

4.2 Mid-term Progress Report that should, at least, include a comprehensive status update against the inception report, analysis of project milestones achieved, identification of challenges and proposed solutions, and an updated timeline for remaining activities.

4.3 Final Project Completion Report that should, at least, include, a detailed overview of project completion against expected outcomes, documentation of all completed training, workshops, and programs, analysis of project outcomes and impact, lessons learned and best practices identified, and post-project sustainability plan.

5) Location: The project will be implemented in the Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality, in Khotang District, Koshi Province.

6) Timeline: The estimated duration of this assignment is 120 days between February 1 to September 30, 2025. The days and duration can be extended contingent on progress toward results.

7) Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)

The consultant is expected to incorporate GESI principles throughout the project implementation, several approaches can be adopted. First, conduct a rapid GESI analysis at the project's outset to identify specific barriers and opportunities for women and marginalized groups in entrepreneurship and employment. Based on this analysis, develop a GESI action plan that outlines targeted strategies for each expected outcome. Ensure diverse representation in project teams and decision-making processes, with a focus on including women and members of marginalized groups. Implement gender-responsive budgeting to allocate resources equitably. Design training programs and support services that are accessible and tailored to the needs of women and marginalized farmers, addressing potential barriers such as time constraints or cultural norms. Establish mentorship programs pairing experienced women entrepreneurs with new participants. Regularly collect and analyze gender-disaggregated data to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. Finally, engage local stakeholders and community leaders to challenge existing gender norms and promote inclusive practices in agricultural entrepreneurship and employment.

8) Conflict Sensitivity/ Do No Harm

The consultant is expected to incorporate Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm principles throughout the project implementation. To do so, the consultant may conduct a quick conflict analysis at the project's inception to understand the local context, identify potential dividers and connectors, and assess how the project might interact with existing tensions. This analysis should be regularly updated throughout the project lifecycle.

Furthermore, design project activities with a conflict-sensitive lens, ensuring fair and transparent selection processes for participants, particularly when choosing the 15 farmers for entrepreneurship training and the 30 for employment opportunities. Pay special attention to gender dynamics and potential tensions that may arise from focusing on women's empowerment. Similarly, the consultant will ensure that the implementation of a continuous monitoring and evaluation system that tracks not only project outcomes but also any unintended consequences on local dynamics is integrated into the project plan. This should include regular consultations with diverse stakeholders to gather feedback and adjust activities as needed. Additionally, provide conflict sensitivity training to all project staff and partners to ensure a consistent approach across all project components.

Lastly, when promoting increased incomes and enhanced financial leadership for women, be mindful of potential shifts in household power dynamics. Engage with both men and women in the community to foster understanding and support for women's economic empowerment, mitigating the risk of backlash or increased domestic tensions.

9) Collaboration and Sustainability

To promote collaboration and coordination among local government, private sector, and other stakeholders to achieve the expected outcomes, the consultant is expected to adopt several approaches. Firstly, establish a multi-stakeholder steering committee comprising representatives from local government, private sector companies, agricultural organizations, and women's groups to oversee the initiative and ensure alignment of goals. Secondly, develop public-private partnerships (PPPs) that leverage the strengths of both sectors, with the government providing policy support and regulatory frameworks while private entities contribute expertise, resources, and innovative solutions. Thirdly, create a shared digital platform for information exchange, project tracking, and coordination among all stakeholders, facilitating transparent communication and decision-making. Furthermore, organize regular stakeholder forums and workshops to foster dialogue, share best practices, and address challenges collectively. Implement a mentorship program pairing experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders with participating farmers, especially women, to provide guidance and support. Lastly, establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and conduct periodic reviews to assess progress, ensuring accountability and allowing for adaptive management of the initiative.

By adopting these or other more creative approaches, the initiative can create a collaborative ecosystem that maximizes the potential for achieving the expected outcomes in entrepreneurship, employment, and women's financial empowerment in the agricultural sector.

10) Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria

a) Qualifications

• Advanced degree in agricultural economics, business administration, international development, or a related field. Specialized training in gender-responsive programming and women's economic empowerment.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in designing and implementing agricultural entrepreneurship programs. 
• Proven track record in developing business training curricula for rural communities
• Demonstrated experience in promoting women's economic empowerment, particularly in agricultural settings
• Familiarity with employment creation strategies in the agricultural sector
• Expertise in conducting gender analysis and developing gender-responsive interventions
• Proficiency in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems for development projects
• Strong skills in financial analysis and business planning for small-scale agricultural enterprises
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working in rural contexts

b) Evaluation Criteria

1. Relevance of proposed approach (30%)
2. Technical expertise (25%)
3. Stakeholder engagement plan (15%)
4. Costing and relevance (30%)

The selection process should prioritize candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of gender dynamics in agriculture and have a proven track record in promoting women's economic empowerment

12) Submission of EOI

Interested Nepalese organizations/firms and/or individuals meeting the qualification may submit their EOI including (1) the technical and cost proposal- not more than 5 pages, (2) updated organization/ firm/ individual documents including profile, registration, and latest tax clearance certificate as applicable, and (3) evidence of similar assignment, at least three.

Any questions regarding the EOI should be directed to procurement.np@dzi.org before/by January 22, 2025. Please submit your EOI and all required documents electronically to procurement.np@dzi.org before/by January 26, 2025, with the EOI for MaUKA in the subject line.

Please ensure that the attachment should not be larger than 15 MB. Telephone inquiries shall not be entertained. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for further process. dZi will make one or more awards to carry out the whole or part of the assignment as deemed necessary. dZi reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without assigning any reason whatsoever.