Terms of Reference for a short-term consultant to carry out a Stakeholder Analysis for USAID Agricultural Inputs

FEED THE FUTURE NEPAL USAID AGRICULTURAL INPUTS  

(USAID AGRICULTURAL INPUTS)

Terms of Reference 

To hire a short-term consultant to carry out a 

Stakeholder Analysis for USAID Agricultural Inputs

1. PROJECT BACKGROUND

Feed the Future Nepal USAID Agricultural Inputs (USAID Agricultural Inputs) will increase the availability, accessibility, and use of agricultural inputs and technology to improve Nepal’s agricultural productivity. The focus on seed, fertilizer, irrigation, and mechanization market systems will improve resilience, competitiveness, and inclusion in the agriculture sector. USAID Agricultural Inputs will help more than 200 lead firms, agrovets, input suppliers, local machinery service providers, and Government of Nepal to catalyze agricultural productivity, efficient input supply chains, competitive market systems, and a stronger enabling environment that will benefit 200,000 farmers in Sudurpashchim, Lumbini, Karnali, Bagmati, and Madhesh provinces. USAID Agricultural Inputs will contribute to the following objectives:

Objective 1: Demand and supply responsive and financially viable seed system improved

Objective 2: Soil fertility management and fertilizer distribution system improved

Objective 3: Climate adaptive and sustainable irrigation management system improved

Objective 4: Agricultural mechanization enhanced

USAID Agricultural Inputs integrates four major cross-cutting themes that underpin the technical approach. These cross-cutting themes include gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), expanding digital technology, access to finance, and environmental compliance. Focusing on GESI, USAID Agricultural Inputs prioritizes highlighting women’s agency, and promotes equity among its private sector partners to ensure appropriate and transformational participation of women, youth and marginalized groups in program activities.

2. RATIONALE

In August 2023, USAID Agricultural Inputs developed a preliminary Communications and Outreach plan. USAID Agricultural Inputs now plans to conduct a detailed stakeholder analysis for the overall life of the activity to identify key target audiences, tailor key messages accordingly, and select the most effective tools and channels for outreach. A particular focus will be placed on reaching and engaging women, youth, and marginalized groups.

3. OBJECTIVES

The objective of the assignment is to engage a short-term consultant to:

1. Identify and understand key audiences of USAID Agricultural Inputs.
2. Identify key topline and detailed messages.
3. Select the most feasible tools/channels to effectively reach these stakeholders.
4. Develop a concise and specific communications and outreach plan.
5. Identify monitoring and evaluation plan to assess effectiveness of the communications and outreach plan.

4. METHODOLOGY/TASKS

1. Review USAID Agricultural Inputs' Communications and Outreach plan, FY2025 Annual Work Plan, GESI Analysis and Action Plan, relevant FY2024 annual survey data, and other relevant documents to understand its overall goals and objectives and identify key target audiences and messaging.
2. Develop a stakeholder analysis plan and report outline.
3. Conduct consultative meetings with technical leads and the program team to gather input on key stakeholder groups. 
4. Meet with relevant key stakeholders to gain their insights. 
5. Draft a stakeholder analysis report, incorporating input from technical leads, the program team, and stakeholders.
6. Develop a concise and specific Communications and Outreach Plan for the life of the activity. 
7. Conduct a presentation of the key findings and recommendations.

5. LEVEL OF EFFORT AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The total level of effort for this assignment will be 25 days to be carried out over two months. The anticipated start date of this assignment is December 2, 2024.

6. TECHNICAL DIRECTION

The Consultant will work under the direction and reporting to the USAID Agricultural Inputs’ Director – Communications and Outreach.

7. DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE

The Consultant shall submit the following deliverables:

1. Stakeholder analysis plan and report outline within one week after signing the contract within a week of the date of the start date. 
2. Draft a stakeholder analysis report, incorporating USAID Agricultural Inputs' team feedback and insights of stakeholders within two weeks after submitting the stakeholder analysis and plan within 45 days of the contract start date. 
3. Develop a concise and specific Communications and Outreach Plan for the life of the activity within 48 days of contract start date.  
4. Presentation on the findings and recommendations to the USAID Agricultural Inputs team within 53 days of the contract start date. 
5. Submit final versions of stakeholder analysis report and Communications and Outreach Plan within 60 days of the contract start date.

8. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• 50 percent payment will be made upon completion of deliverables 1 and 2.
• 50 percent payment will be made upon completion of deliverables 3-5 and acceptance by the USAID Agricultural Inputs Director - Communications and Outreach.

9. LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENT AND LOGISTICS

This assignment will be undertaken in Kathmandu and may require travel to a few USAID Agricultural Inputs working districts.  All costs related to travel to the working district(s) will be managed by USAID Agricultural Inputs in accordance with the organization’s policies.

10. REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS

This assignment will be carried out by an individual consultant. Interested consultant should possess the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

1. Master’s degree in management and communications.
2. At least seven years of experience in communications and outreach roles.
3. Proven experience in conducting stakeholder analyses, preferably for development projects and/or USAID-funded initiatives.
4. Proven experience in developing and implementing Communications and Outreach plans.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Nepali and English.

11. SELECTION CRITERIA 

The selection of the consultant will be made based on the applicant’s relevant experience conducting stakeholder analysis and developing and implementing Communications and Outreach plans.

12. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested consultant should submit: 

• Letter of interest also mentioning how the consultant plans to undertake this assignment.
• Detailed CV including a summary of experience aligning with requirements mentioned in the TOR. 
• Proposed gross daily rate. The selected consultant shall submit a copy of the contract/ agreement, or other proof of two latest assignments verifying the proposed daily rate upon selection.
• PAN registration certificate (copy of VAT certificate is a must if the total consultancy value exceeds or equals NRs. 500,000). Note - Tax will be deducted at source as per Nepal government tax rule and regulation.
• Any other relevant document(s).
• For official travel outside of Kathmandu Valley, the Consultant's travel cost will be reimbursed as per USAID Agricultural Inputs norms.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Winrock International seeks to cultivate an environment where all candidates relish equal employment opportunities devoid of discrimination, misconduct, fraud, and abuse. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility and Localization guides our practices not just in hiring, but also in staff retention, growth, and policy implementation. This commitment signifies that we value diversity in all its forms including age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and cultural background. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry of the communities in which we live and work.

DISCLAIMER

Issuance of this notice does not obligate USAID Agricultural Inputs to award a consultancy service, nor will pay any costs associated with the preparation or submission of application. Furthermore, USAID Agricultural Inputs reserves the right to reject any and all applications, if such an action is considered to be in the best interest of the project.