TERMS OF REFERENCE Feasibility Study for the Proposed Project Micro-enterprises and food and nutrition security for women in rural areas in Samangan, Jawzjan and Herat Provinces 1. Background Welthungerhilfe was founded in 1962 as the National Committee of the Freedom from Hunger Campaign set up by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Non-profit making, non-denominational and politically independent, the organisation is run by a board of honorary members under the patronage of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany. Today, it is one of the largest, nondenominational and non-political German NGOs in development co-operation and emergency relief. Welthungerhilfe s overall objective in Afghanistan is to reduce the level of poverty while improving the livelihoods for the most vulnerable population. Welthungerhilfe's activities in Afghanistan began back in 1980 - immediately after the former Soviet Union's invasion - to provide emergency aid for refugees. Welthungerhilfe works in the areas of emergency relief, durable shelter provision, rural development and basic infrastructure, WASH, natural resource management and disaster risk reduction. Welthungerhilfe, as part of its country programme, is in the process of planning a three-year project in the area of micro-enterprises and food and nutrition security for women in rural areas in Samangan, Jawzjan and Herat provinces of Afghanistan. To assess and analyse the feasibility and relevance of the project, Welthungerhilfe is planning a feasibility study to be commissioned by a consultant. 2. The project framework Project title: Micro-enterprises and food and nutrition security for women in rural areas in Samangan, Jawzjan and Herat Overall objective (Impact): A contribution to strengthening the economic participation of women in Jawzjan, Samangan and Herat Project purpose (Outcome): 2,000 women use the literacy and nutritional skills they have acquired to become more involved in household decisions, and another 500 women use their economic skills year-round to improve the nutritional situation at household level. Results (Output): Output-1: Women are qualified to use their technical, organisational and business management skills and abilities to participate in economic processes. Output-2: Knowledge and applications of locally adapted nutritional practices have been introduced and developed in 30 communities Output-3: Structural barriers to women's employment are reduced. The organisational and sectoral capacities and competences of the partner organisations have been increased Page 1 of 6
List of Activities Output 1 1.1 Studies on value chains and market analyses 1.2 Income-generating measures for women in four sectors 1.3 Business training for women, including business plan development and management training 1.4 Establishment of Enterprise Development Service Centres 1.5 Nine-month literacy courses Output 2 2.1 Development and implementation of a Quran-based nutrition education campaign 2.2 Training for women on food preservation and preparation 2.3 Training for women and men on nutrition and hygiene 2.4 Establishment of kitchen gardens 2.5 Establishment of savings associations for women Output 3 3.1 In-depth analysis of the institutional capacities of two new partner organisations and reassessment of two existing partner organisations 3.2 Project-related training for partner organisations according to the results of the capacity analysis 3. Scope of the feasibility study The overall objective of the feasibility study is to prepare and assess the feasibility of a three-year project in the area of micro-enterprises and food and nutrition security for women in rural areas in Samangan, Jawzjan and Herat provinces of Afghanistan. The feasibility study aims to determine and clearly describe the socio-cultural, political, economic and technical feasibility of the proposed project concept. The feasibility study should analyse relevance of the idea and proposed approaches with respect to the projects urban and rural locations as well as target groups and their needs. The consultant will compile and present the results in form of a comprehensive report of a maximum 15 pages, excluding annexes, that enables WHH to assess the feasibility and relevance of the project design and approach and contributes to the concrete planning of the project approaches activities and processes. Page 2 of 6
The expected outputs of the assignment are as follows: General context analysis and to critically examine the planned project with regard to the OECD DAC-criteria relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, effects and sustainability Elaborate the appropriateness of the suggested activities, any modifications required for the suggested activities, and a catalogue with suitable activities addition to the proposed activities if there is any, according to the findings of the feasibility study Map relevant actors and stakeholders including national and international organizations, public entities and local authorities and role and responsibilities of the stakeholders in the relevant to the propose project Capacity of local implementing partners in order to implement the project effectively and efficiently An analysis of distinct roles of five implementing partners including WHH based on their capacities and capacity development needed for the smooth implementation of the project Pros and cons of the implementation of the project in Herat- a new project intervention area for WHH Detailed analysis of target groups Cost-benefit analysis of the propose interventions based on the expected results including the efficiency with regards to planned resources: stakeholder, staff, budget and activities Confirm/Revision of the present status of indicators of the project outcome and output in the project log frame if necessary Sustainability of the market approach of the project and measures to be taken for realization of the sustainability of the market and market links Detailed risk analysis of main dynamics/factors/tensions identified as most likely to be exacerbated and/or have a negative impact on the project Gender considerations in the project areas with strong traditions / cultures Provide practical recommendations to provide guidance in the project design and implementation as well as anticipating or mitigating potential risks and threats Detailed an analysis on plausibility of the sustainability of the project interventions. Reporting and presenting the progress of the feasibility study and its preliminary results to WHH and, if required, relevant stakeholders A detailed analytical report of a maximum 15 pages is expected as the end of product of the consultancy. Page 3 of 6
4. Deliverables and Timeline Deliverables 1. Inception Report Completed by By 7 th February 2019 That Includes Survey tools finalized (guidelines for FGDs and KIIs, as well as questionnaires for quantitative survey) Inception report outlining preliminary observations as well as detailed methodology and fieldwork plan Activities: Meetings with WHH staff, stakeholders First round of key informant interviews Detailed desk review Development of all tools Training of staff 2. Draft Report That combined with Interview notes and raw data, including database containing information from quantitative survey 3. Final Report in English with 2 hard copies and a soft copy including all the annexes and tabulated raw data By 21 st February 2019 By 27 th February 2019 The final report should address all the outputs mentioned in the scope of the work. 4. Debriefing Consultant should present the major findings of the study to WHH staff at Kabul By 28 th February 2019 5. Methodology The Methodology for the study will comprise of, but not limited to A desk review of all relevant documents, reports, strategy papers, policies and project relevant documents etc. (including but not limited to draft project documents, WHH internal guiding documents, key nutrition policies and strategies, etc. as seem appropriate by the consultant/consultancy firm). Page 4 of 6
Identification of and holding individual meetings and KII with relevant stakeholders at provincial/regional level. Field trip to collect, triangulate and analyse first-hand information Collection of primary data through individual interviews, structured surveys and focus group discussions with target groups Workshop with key staff from WHH and partner organizations to present and discuss findings. Conduct a SWOT/PESTEL analysis of the planned interventions, assess the local development context and reflect on previous Welthungerhilfe experiences in the region/sector 6. Requirements Demonstrated experience in conducting field-based analytical assignments of a similar nature (feasibility studies, evaluations, stakeholder/policy analysis, research papers) Excellent English writing skills Ability to travel to north region to conduct field work Experience in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and obtain information in a tactful and discreet manner Nationalities other than Afghans who apply for this assignment should possess a valid working visa in Afghanistan at the time of application. 7. Timetable of the study The consultant/consultancy Agency is obliged to conduct and to complete the assignment/study in the 28 calendar days and the final report feasibility study to be approved by WHH Afghanistan. Any delay without proper justification and amendment to the contract, the consultant/cy is contractually obliged to pay penalty. Welthungerhilfe is entitled to impose a contractual penalty amounting up to a maximum of 2/1000 AFN of the agreed contract price for every working day 8. Documents submission Consultant/Consultancy Agency that fulfils the requirement shall submit their proposals in PDF format including: a) Application letter, signed by lead applicant; b) Financial offer for the study/assignment as detailed cost components and total sum c) Detailed CV of the consultant/members of consultancy team elaborating on thematic experience d) References e) Proof of valid working visa in Afghanistan (applicable to foreign national applicants only) Page 5 of 6
Please note that applications in formats other than PDF and applications with an application letter lacking a signature will not be considered. These should be submitted to afg.kab.hr@welthungerhilfe.de by 5pm, 23 rd January 2019 Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the service (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate CVs, etc.). Note: TOR is subject to adjustment in scope, activities, deliverables and delivery date after consultation with the selected expert/consultant. Page 6 of 6