Consultant – Research study on green business practices for MSMEs – Timor Leste At Mercy Corps

Background:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. Since establishing operations in Timor-Leste in 2007, we have earned a reputation for innovative and high-quality programming. We support communities in Timor-Leste and the most vulnerable within them to become more resilient and food secure for a prosperous and inclusive future.

Since 2019, Mercy Corps’ Circular Economy program has worked collaboratively to reduce plastic waste generation, advance plastic recycling, and create competitive circular economy solutions in Timor-Leste. Supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) such as recycling and upcycling businesses to develop and market their products has contributed to the growth of a sustainable circular economy. Sustainable business practices, especially for MSMEs, are important for continuing to grow of the green economy in Timor-Leste.

Purpose/Project Description:

The purpose of the consultancy is to conduct a research study to identify promising green business practices that will positively impact the sustainability of MSMEs in Timor-Leste. Emphasis will be placed on circular economy principles, the incorporation of green energy, and the active management of carbon and environmental footprints, ultimately fostering resilience and sustainability. The research study findings will be disseminated in a national forum including MSMEs, local and international NGOs, donors, Government of Timor-Leste (GoTL), and relevant stakeholders.

The primary goal of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of green practices among MSMEs in Timor-Leste. The study aims to identify effective approaches to enhance the resilience of MSMEs to climate change and environmental shocks. Additionally, the study seeks to explore the potential challenges and opportunities for MSMEs – especially those led by women or youth – to adopt environmentally sustainable practices in the context of Timor-Leste.

Consultancy activities:

The consultant is responsible for leading and managing the research study, including:

• Overseeing the research methodology, planning, implementation, and research phases.
• Conducting a literature review for environmentally sustainable business practices for MSMEs and identifying opportunities for integration in Timor-Leste.
• Interviewing MSMEs and other relevant stakeholders in Timor-Leste
• Drafting the final report, summarizing key findings and recommendations.

Specifically, the consultant’s work will:

• Identify current environmentally sustainable business practices among MSMEs in Timor-Leste that can be further promoted and expanded;
• Identify effective approaches to enhance the resilience of MSMEs to climate change and environmental shocks;
• Identify business opportunities focusing on green sectors and value chains, and the circular economy;
• Identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration with like-minded MSMEs.

Logistic and Administration Support:

Mercy Corps will assist the consultant for travel (international and local) and accommodation arrangements.

Expected Deliverables:

The deliverables should be in English as follow:

• Draft methodology for the study
• Draft report
• Final report, incorporating Mercy Corps’ feedback.

Timeframe / Schedule:
The consultancy work is estimated for 20 days, and will include both time in Timor-Leste and remote, during the timeframe of March – May 2024. Payment terms will be discussed with the selected consultant.

The working days broken down as follow:

• Literature review and preparation of methodology – estimated 2 days.
• Discussion and agreement on proposed methodology with Mercy Corps – estimated 1 day.
• Conduct research in Timor-Leste- estimated 10 days.
• Analysis of findings and production of draft report – 4 days.
• Debriefing – presentation and discussion of findings with Mercy Corps – 1 day.
• Finalization/revisions of the report and submission – 2 days.

The Consultant will report to:
Circular Economy Program Manager

The Consultant will work closely with:

Director of Programs

Application Procedures:

Interested consultants are invited to submit their application, including:

• Detailed CV with a full description of the profile and experience, including a list of previous work
• Sample of previous relevant consultancy deliverable, such as a research study report
• A financial proposal detailing the proposed anticipated costs in undertaking the assignment

Required Experience & Skills:

• Minimum 5 -7 years of demonstrated work experience in sustainable development, green technologies, economic and market systems development, or other relevant areas
• Prior experience in MSMEs programs, support, or advisory services
• Prior experience conducting similar research studies
• Demonstrable understanding of environmentally sustainable business practices and global best practices
• Knowledge of the circular economy, inclusive recycling initiatives, green energy, and green policy reform advocacy
• Prior research experience in Southeast Asia, with prior experience in Timor-Leste strongly preferred
• Ability to work independently
• Fluency in English

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.