Terms of Reference (ToR) for iDE's Resilient Market Ecosystem (RME) Approach: A Gender-Sensitive Evaluation of Market Systems Interventions in Nepal

Terms of Reference (ToR) for 

iDE's Resilient Market Ecosystem (RME) Approach: A Gender-Sensitive Evaluation of Market Systems Interventions in Nepal

Introduction

iDE is a global organization that advances market-based approaches in agriculture, finance, and WASH to create income and livelihood opportunities for low-income rural households.

iDE has worked in Nepal since 1992. From irrigation and good-quality seeds to integrated pest management and rural collection centers where farmers can sell their produce, we provide simple innovations that help rural communities escape poverty and adapt to climate change.iDE believes that for entrepreneurs in low-income countries to succeed, they must participate in market ecosystems that are economically competitive, inclusive of all people, and resilient to shocks such as conflict or changing climates. We can overcome critical bottlenecks and develop lasting solutions by listening to all stakeholders - producers, suppliers, retailers, and customers.

iDE Nepal has been pioneering the Resilient Market Ecosystem (RME) approach to support smallholder farmers across Nepal. This approach builds on the foundation of the previously established Commercial Pocket Approach (CPA). It aims to enhance the agricultural value chain by improving market linkages, increasing access to modern farming technologies, and fostering an enabling environment for smallholder farmers.

iDE Nepal invites interested consulting firms or VAT-registered individuals/firms to submit proposals for a consulting assignment.

Detail Terms of Reference (Background, Objective of Study, Roles and Responsibilities and Deliverables) can be downloaded from the following link:

Background

iDE Nepal has been pioneering the Resilient Market Ecosystem (RME) approach to support smallholder farmers across Nepal. This approach builds on the foundation of the previously established Commercial Pocket Approach (CPA). It aims to enhance the agricultural value chain by improving market linkages, increasing access to modern farming technologies, and fostering an enabling environment for smallholder farmers.

Link: Terms of Reference(TOR)

Eligibility Criteria

The consultancy should have experience in qualitative and quantitative research; a clear understanding of research methodology and experience in using different social research tools and techniques. Work experiences in rural and urban areas of the county will be an added advantage. The team leader should have an advanced university degree in agriculture or rural development or social sciences with experiences of having conducted at least five numbers of Evaluations/impact studies preferably of agricultural value chain income generation-related studies.

Payment Schedule:

• 30% of the contracted amount will be released upon the submission of inception reporting including the following deliverables (Methods and tools, Study design {sampling frame, selection, and numbers of KII subjects, etc.} KII and FGD checklists, Quantitative survey instrument and mobile data collection setup)
• 70% of the contracted amount will be released upon submission of the Final data set and Final report.

Government tax regulation will apply and tax deduction at source will be made in each payment.

Intellectual property, Copyright, and Ownership of all prepared information

All arising intellectual property, ideas, materials, processes, or processes formed in contemplation, course of, or as a result of this study shall be passed to iDE Nepal without restriction and shall not be used by the Consultant for any other purpose without express written permission of iDE Nepal.

Copyright of all arising documents, data, information, or reports produced by the Consultant under this agreement shall belong to iDE Nepal and will be passed to iDE Nepal without restriction. Such documents, data, information, and reports shall not be used by the Consultant for any other purpose other than in conjunction with this assignment, without the express written permission of iDE Nepal.

Work Schedule

A detailed plan will be worked out jointly with consultants and the project team. However, the work is expected to commence by October 15, 2024, for an estimated 45-day period, with the final report being submitted by November 30, 2024.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates are requested to complete the form at the link provided below:

Link: Submission Form Link

The proposal must be submitted no later than COB September 25, 2024. For any inquiries about this EOI, kindly kindly reach out to 01-5900132/33 during office hours.

The following documents need to be submitted:

• A brief technical proposal including:
  • An understanding of TOR, proposed methodology to accomplish the deliverable with tentative work and timeline,
  • Updated CV of the team members highlighting the relevant competency and professional experience as deemed by the TOR.
  • Firm profile outlining the relevant experience along with the clientele reference.
• Detailed financial proposal for the assignment. The financial proposal must include service fees as well as all other associated costs required for the completion of the assignment.  
• Legal Registration and renewal documents. Tax Clearance Certificate of FY 2079.80 is mandatory.

Note: Technical and financial proposals must be provided separately. Failure to provide the above documents or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Evaluation process

All applicants will be screened against the qualifications, experience, and competencies set above and the financial quote in the proposal. The contract will be awarded to the firm/individuals evaluated and determined as technically competent to the requirements of the ToR and receiving the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score.

• Technical Criteria- 70% of total evaluation- max. 70 points.
• Financial Criteria- 30% of total evaluation- max. 30 points.

Note: iDE reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without assigning reasons thereof.