Capacity Gap Assessment and Capacity Building Training for RIPA North Supported Last Mile Business Advisory Services (LBDS) Providers

Position:- Capacity Gap Assessment and Capacity Building Training for RIPA North Supported Last Mile Business Advisory Services (LBDS) Providers

Location:- Bishoftu, Adama , Ethiopia

Position Status:Full Time

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use.  Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations.

The current five-year, USAID-funded Resilience in Pastoral Areas (RiPA-North) program is also a continuation of this investment in our resilience portfolio. One of the key component areas of RIPA North emphasizes on diversifying economic opportunities for women and youth transitioning out of pastoralism (TOPs), including capacity development of Business Development Service (BDS) providers.

The LBDS Intervention

RIPA’s last mile BDS capacity development intervention aims to improve the quality and accessibility of business development services for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the RIPA operational areas. The intervention targets both government and private BDS providers and builds their capacity to offer affordable and market-based BDS that can help MSEs grow their businesses, access finance, and create employment opportunities. The intervention also creates a network of local BDS providers who are trained, coached, and mentored by master BDS providers/trainers, and who demonstrate their skills and value to other MSEs through practical assignments.

The Assignment

Mercy Corps is on the lookout for a seasoned Large Business Development Service (BDS) provider with a track record in swiftly assessing capacity needs and delivering targeted training to address those needs. The selected large BDS provider will evaluate the current capabilities of RIPA-backed Last Mile Business Advisory Service (LBDS) providers. Based on the assessment findings, the BDS provider will facilitate training sessions focused on the three most critical topics identified, aimed at LBDS providers in the Oromia, Afar, and Somali Regions. At the assignment’s end, a comprehensive report detailing the assessment findings and training outcomes is expected. To acknowledge the engagement and progress of the trainees, certificates will be awarded post-training.

Objective

The primary goal of the LBDS capacity assessment and training is to enhance the operational capabilities and service delivery of RIPA-supported Last Mile Business Advisory Service (LBDS) providers in the Oromia, Afar, and Somali Regions. Through a comprehensive mini-capacity assessment, we aim to identify critical areas for improvement and address these through targeted capacity-building training. The end result will be a cadre of LBDS providers who are not only more visible within their local communities but also equipped with the necessary skills to be readily recognized and sought after by community members in need of their services.

Qualifications:

• Have ample knowledge of rural development and business development service dynamics of Ethiopia and that of Somali, Afar, and Oromia region specifically. An understanding of the pastoral and agro-pastoral context and business sector dynamics is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating training in the regions and have an established relationship with a wide range of market actors in the federal and regional towns with demonstrated experience in coordinating multiple actors from different regions.
• The team needs to have demonstrated experience in advising and supporting businesses in business networking and meetings.
• Include the CVs of staff/individuals who are previously engaged and intended to be engaged in the training activities with a wide range of skill sets.
• Include references to previous similar activities.
• Excellent proficiency in the English language including producing quality event implementation reports and ability to communicate in at least two local languages (Somali, Oromiffa, Afarri, or Amharic)
• A track record of successful execution of similar
• Previous experience producing similar content for international NGOs focused on development and humanitarian interventions.

Application Instructions:

To apply for the assignment, the offeror is expected to provide the following:

Eligibility:

1. Three links to work samples demonstrating the most relevant previous works
2. Three references (with contact information) from previous clients
3. Detailed list with technical information of the professionals and equipment intended for use for this assignment
4. Brief presentation of the candidate, with CVs and functional responsibilities of the key personnel engaged in the assignment.

Expected timeline:

• The contractor shall commence the work as soon as possible, immediately upon signing the contract.
• A detailed timeline, work plan, and draft outline should be submitted within 10 working days.
• The final product should be delivered to Mercy Corps no later than 15 June 2024.
• Detailed plan and timeline for all phases in pre-assignment, during assignment, and post-assignment.

Legal and Administrative Requirements

• Being an eligible business under Ethiopian laws and regulations and attaching a renewed Business license.
• Be in good standing with any Ethiopian taxation or legal authority; submit a renewed business license, TIN, and VAT registration certificate.
• Application received after the application date may not be considered.

 

Expected Deliverables

The expected deliverables from the large BDS provider selected for the assignments are as follows:

• Mini Capacity Assessment: Conduct an evaluation of the current capabilities of RIPA-supported LBDS providers.
• Capacity-Building Training: Facilitate training sessions on the top three capacity gaps identified for LBDS providers in the Oromia, Afar, and Somali Regions.
• Assessment and Training Reports: Produce a detailed report at the end of the assignment that captures the findings of the capacity assessment and the outcomes of the training sessions.
• Certificates of Participation: Issue certificates to trainees post-training to recognize their engagement and progress.

Payment Structure:

Payments will be disbursed based on the successful delivery of specified products, accompanied by the corresponding invoice.

• Initial Payment (10%): Upon submission of a detailed work plan that outlines the assessment and capacity-building strategy.
• Second Payment (30%): After the delivery of the capacity assessment report and the development of training materials.
• Final Payment (60%): Contingent upon the provision of the final product, which includes a comprehensive report detailing the outcomes of the capacity assessment and training sessions

 

Selection Criteria

The evaluation process includes both technical and financial terms and the applicant should go through both assessments to qualify for the assignment. The technical score weight is 70% and the financial score is 30%. For detailed information, refer to the below table.

 

Evaluation Criteria

I. Understanding of ToR-20%

To what extent the assignment is interpreted well and meet objectives?

What level of understanding of the BDS service in general and for last-mile BDS in particular?

Does the proposed proposal indicate a clear work plan?

II. Methodology and Work plan-30%

Are relevant and appropriate techniques indicated in the proposal that the proposed methodology will allow to achieve the training in the short time indicated? (Clear methodology, tools, within the scope of work given)

Is the total proposed number of days value for the level of effort required?

III. People and Internal System-20%

Are there qualified and dedicated facilitator to undertake the assignment with clear roles and responsibilities?

Is the educational background, work experiences, and current nature of employment of the personnel fit into the stated assignment and time?

Does the individual have relevant and similar experience/concerning business advisory service, rural development, market system development, and value chain development in the pastoral and agro-pastoral area context?

Subtotal

Total Technical Score (70%)

ViI. Financial Feasibility/Budget

Is the proposed financial plan alignment with the detailed activities indicated in the works plan

is the financial plan realistic and allows RIPA to manage the amount of work indicated (proper planning)?

Does the proposed financial plan enable a significant level of engagement of lead technical/professional to ensure the quality of the capacity assessment and training to be undertaken?

Total Financial score (30 %)

 

Reporting

The appointed facilitator, whether a firm or individual, is obligated to provide a comprehensive report that aligns with the specified tasks and deliverables. This report must be prepared in English, ensuring clarity and thorough documentation of the training event’s outcomes.

Application Process

Applicants interested in conducting a rapid capacity assessment and facilitating capacity-building training for RIPA C2-supported LBDSs are required to submit separate technical and financial proposals by June 15, 2024. Submissions must include a full package of valid licenses, detailed resumes, and references, all in English, detailing professional fees, material expenses, and associated administrative and logistical costs. Proposals should be delivered in person or via postal service to Mercy Corps Addis Ababa office, with all documents enclosed in a sealed envelope that includes the applicant’s renewed license and TIN, referencing the scope of work for the assignment. The office is located at Yeka Sub-City, Kebele 08, House No. 377, Hayahulet Gollagul Square – AFRO House Building, Tel. 011-1-110777, P.O. Box 14319.