Resource Mobilization Training At African Agricultural Technology Foundation

Background

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organisation technology transfer organization that embraces a mission of making available, to smallholder farmers, agricultural technologies that were previously not accessible to them. AATF facilitates public-private partnerships and works in 24 African countries with governments, private and public technology owners and developers, seed companies, other value chain players and African farmers to identify, access, adapt and commercialize technologies that address farmers’ key problems and empower them to generate wealth and health for their families and communities. AATF also works to address some of the obstacles to technology access and transfer across the food value chain from research, production, processing through to market linkages. More information about AATF is available at www.aatf-africa.org.

AATF is currently implementing a new institutional strategy for the period 2023-2027. Over the years, the organization has grown both in terms of number of projects, level of activities and staffing. AATF is also executing an aggressive fundraising program in order to effectively implement the strategy and to diversify its donor base. In connection with this there is need to continuously kit staff with relevant skills to help build an institutional fundraising culture so that they can contribute effectively to resource mobilization.

Purpose of the Assignment

AATF is therefore seeking the services of a consultant/firm to work with the Resource Mobilization team to provide relevant staff training on fundraising. The trainings aim to improve their knowledge and skills in fundraising to enable them to support the resource mobilization function more effectively. The consultant will provide the participants with practical skills they need to improve their resource mobilization abilities including in proposal writing.

Overall, at the end of the training staff should:

• Have a common understanding of what RM is.
• Know why organizations need to invest in RM – the need to spend money to raise money.
• Understand that RM is a team effort, and everyone has a role to play.
• Understand the key principles, strategies and best practices for successful fundraising.
• Have an overview of various types of funding sources and mechanisms.
• Be aware of strategies for cultivating donor relationships, especially those that they engage with in their course of work.
• Understand how to manage donor expectations and reporting; and
• Have an overview of the components of a good proposal and how to develop them.

Scope of Work

• Pre-assessment of staff knowledge and capacity in resource mobilization to determine opportunities and gaps to inform the training program.
• Staff training on resource mobilization:
  • The consultant will develop and deliver training on fundraising/resource mobilization for all staff based on the gaps identified in the pre-assessment; and
  • Provide additional in-depth 2 days’ training during the year for select key staff involved in resource mobilization with relevant technical skills in proposal writing.

Required Skills and Competencies

• The lead consultant should have at least a master’s degree in development, business administration, project management, finance, grants management, agriculture, and/or any other relevant discipline;
• The prospective consultant should have a proven track record in fundraising and resource mobilization for an NGO or not-for-profit organization;
• Possess not less than five years of experience in conducting and facilitating similar assignments;
• Good knowledge of global agriculture sector trends and funding, especially in SSA in line with AATF’s area of work
• Strong understanding of agricultural development issues and needs of farmers in SSA; and
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

Tasks and Estimated Time

1. Three (3) days of preparation for the training including pre-assessment.
2. One (1) day onsite in person training for all staff – on a date to be determined in January 2025.
3. Two (2) days in-depth training for key technical staff -dates to be determined in 2025.

   Deliverables

• Assessment report on staff fundraising resource mobilization knowledge, strengths and gaps.
• Final programs for the 1-day general staff training after discussion with the AATF RM team.
• Proposed 2-day training program for identified technical staff during the year.
• Teaching materials used: Slide decks, other reference materials.

Submission Requirements

The following information should be submitted together with the proposal:

• A technical proposal – not more than 8 pages covering the one (1)-day all staff training and the two (2)-days key technical staff training.
• A financial proposal including applicable taxes – of not more than 2 pages covering costs for the 1-day all staff training and the 2-days key technical staff training. The day trainings may be held at a venue outside Nairobi and therefore will require travel. AATF will cover the costs of meals and accommodation during the two trainings.
• Consultant’s profile including CVs of key personnel who will be involved in the training
• List of at least 3 past or present clients for which the consultant has already conducted a similar assignment.
• 3 references from past or present clients.
• Any other information to support your proposal.

Evaluation and Award of the Consultancy

AATF shall evaluate the proposals and award the assignment based on technical and financial feasibility. AATF reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received without giving reasons and is not bound to accept the lowest or the highest bidder.