Consultant-To Undertake Agribusiness Training and Agronomy Advisory At Jesuit Refugee Service

1. TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Engaging Consultant to undertake Agribusiness Training and Agronomy Advisory

2. Background

JRS is an International organization with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. We have been involved in livelihoods and education activities for urban refugees in Nairobi for over 20 years with an established presence among both the refugees and local communities. In particular, JRS is implementing an agribusiness project in Nairobi targeting 40 refugees as part of the livelihoods intervention. The project’s objective is to improve the self-reliance of urban refugees through skills training in sustainable agribusiness.

3. Rationale

JRS intends to engage, train and advise 40 beneficiaries in modern farming techniques including;

· Crop production including high-value vegetables and greenhouse farming

· Bee-keeping, honey and wax production

· Livestock farming: poultry and rabbit production.

4. Goal and Objective

The goal of this training and advisory is to introduce and advise all the farmers to modern techniques in livestock keeping, and crop production with a clear focus on organic farming model.

The training and advisory is expected to empower the farmers with knowledge and relevant skills to be able to run a successful farm leading to profitable earnings.

In order to achieve this, we are calling for a proposal from a seasoned agronomist with experience in the mentioned areas to facilitate the training for the farmers.

5. Scope of Work

I. Training of 40 direct farmers in green house and open field crop production techniques including multi-storey gardening.

II. Training the farmers in poultry and rabbit keeping

III. Training the farmers in bee keeping and honey value chain

IV. Training the farmers in farm record keeping and its relevance

V. Training the farmers in organic pest control and seed propagation methods

VI. Assist the beneficiaries draw up a one year farming plan and production and revenue forecast.

VII. Share experience with the beneficiaries and offer them relevant practical advice with examples on how to apply the acquired skills for self-reliance.

VIII. To help identify other successful farms within the region and arrange exchange visit there by the beneficiaries for learning.

IX. Train the farmers on marketing of their produce and customer retention.

6. Proposed Methodology

The consultant will come up with a training program depending with the farmers needs and scope of the project, then arrange to meet the farmers on weekly basis to ensure they are equipped with modern agribusiness skills.

7. Duration:

The training session will be spread and spaced to be undertaken within 4 months from November 2021.

8. Location

The proposed training will take place in Uthiru 87, Focolare compound located less than one kilometer off Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

9. Deliverables

· Prepare and submit training material/content for the participants clearly stating the skills to be imparted in every lesson

· Advisory on best practice in agribusiness project implementation, including tools to record farming activities, season planning, market projection

· Prepare and submit a training plan and schedule

· Progress report for every trainee on practical skill usage for every topic taught

· Production record from the various crops planted in the course of the training by the trainees.

· Share a draft report immediately after the training and a full report (in English) to JRS within two week of completion of the training.

10. Accountability and Responsibility

JRS shall provide for:

· Land

· Farm inputs to be used by the farmers

The consultant will be responsible for;

· Training materials

· Trainer(s) and their transport

11. Required expertise and qualifications.

• Must be a holder of National diploma or higher in agriculture**
• Must have at least 3 years training and facilitation experience in agribusiness**
• Should have a certificate of trainer on the same subject**
• Must have experience in training refugees on agribusiness**
• Must be willing to abide by JRS code of conduct and child protection policy**

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer:

The evaluation for the consultant will be based on Combined Scoring methods – where the qualifications and methodology are given 70% weightage and the financial offer will be given 30% weightage. Only consultants meeting a minimum of 50 points under technical evaluation will be considered for the financial evaluation. The following specific criteria will be assessed:

Criteria

Technical (70%)

· Demonstrated knowledge on Agronomy skills mechanisms/instruments

· Experience and skills in handling Agribusiness projects

· Demonstrates experience and skills in facilitation/consultation and coordination skills

· Relevance of Methodology, and activities presented in the conceptual framework submitted (expected deliverables and timeline, etc.)

Financial (30%)

TOTAL (100%)

Scope of financial Proposal and Schedule Payments:

• The consultant will be offered a lump sum fee inclusive of travel cost

• The payments will be made in installments based upon outputs/deliverables specified in the TOR

Payment Schedule:

• 20% on signing the contract and submission of draft training schedule in English and a comprehensive training module.

•30% on submission of progress report mid-way during training

•50% on submission of final contextualized report in English