Consultant to develop last mile distribution strategy under LNOB Framework (only for Lao PDR based consultants)

Company Description

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working across Africa and Asia. Our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

SNV established its presence in Lao PDR in 1993. It operates under an agreed framework with the government of Lao PDR. We are well positioned within the ‘9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan’ and the ‘National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy’. Our advisory work focuses on agri-food, energy, and water sectors. Three cross-sectoral core themes on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance underpin our interventions in all three sectors. Our work is implemented across the country’s north, south, and central provinces.

Under the Energy sector, SNV Laos has supported the dissemination of domestic biodigester and fuel-efficient Improved Cook Stoves (ICS) to address problems associated with clean cooking since 2006. SNV has been partnering with the Association for Rural Mobilisation and Improvement (ARMI), Research Institute of Energy and Mines (RIEM) and Lao Women Union (LWU) to promote and implement improved cookstoves across the country.

With support from Energising Development (EnDev), SNV started implementing a preliminary Result Based Financing (RBF) scheme in April 2017 to address systemic barriers that prevented producers from innovating, expanding, and diversifying ICS production. SNV recently concluded another four-year EnDev supported ICS project- “Market Acceleration of Advanced Clean Cookstoves in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (2019 July-20223 June)”.

The next phase of the project (July 2023-Dec 2024) has been designed with a view leave-no-one-behind (LNOB) and last-mile distribution support. SNV is seeking a consultant to develop the last-mile distribution strategy under LNOB framework.

Job Description

Rationale

People living in rural and remote areas are not able to reap the benefits of the current market development approach. Due to scattered and low demand, service providers are reluctant to extend their services into those areas where the majority of people belong to vulnerable groups. Lack of local service providers, high transport costs and low purchasing capacity of people are the hindering factors to access to technology. There is a need to develop a strategy to address these issues and make the technology and associated services available to all. 

Objective and Scope of the Works:

The consultant will work closely with SNV and its implementing partner ARMI to develop the last mile distribution and LNPOB approach to make the cookstove technology accessible to all. A brief outline of the LNOB approach is provided in Annex. Consultant will mainly work on the following three areas:

1. Develop Strategy: The consultant will further work to develop a clear strategy which could enable people from LNOB group to access technology. The action plan includes the following, but is not limited to: Assessing the needs; identifying the right technology; financial model; infrastructure development; information and knowledge; capacity development; monitoring & evaluation, etc.
2. Collecting Sales records and Verification: The consultant will work very closely with project field staff to collect the sales records from retailers and verification. Project field staff will collect the necessary information under the guidance of a consultant. Follow the steps provided for “non-targeted intervention” in Annexe 1.

List of working Provinces:

1. Champasak
2. Savanakhet
3. Khammmouane
4. Vientiane Capital
5. Vientiane Province
6. Luang Prabang
7. Xiengkhoung
8. Xayabury

3. Reporting quarterly basis and releasing the incentives to retailers after verification.

Deliverables

• Last Mile Distribution Strategy and LNOB approach
• Retailer’s Format to keep Sales record
• List of identified retailers from each province
• Agreement with retailers to keep the sales record
• Quarterly progress report, includes:
• total sales records in the respective quarter (quarter-wise, village-wise)
• %age of HHs from vulnerable groups
• List of verified households
• Proof of verification of vulnerable households from village authorities
• Proof of incentives provided to retailers

Timeframe

The milestone for the assignment should be completed as per the below timeline. The total duration of the assignment should not exceed 30 working days in total (including travel days).

Budget

The consultant should provide the estimated budget specifying daily remuneration, transport, DSA and other sundry expenses, if any, with their letter of interest. Transport costs will be reimbursed as per actual expenses upon the submission of all bills and receipts.

Budget estimates should include incentives for all selected retailers to keep the record.

Terms of Payment

Payment will be made on a milestone basis. The percentage provided in the below table indicates the budget for each milestone.

Support

SNV will provide the relevant documents and introduce them to relevant stakeholders, project partners and field staff. SNV will support to identification and select the retailers to keep the sales record. SNV and /or ARMI will coordinate at the field and set the time for the visit. SNV and/or ARMI key staff will travel together with the consultant in field. 

Qualifications

The selection of the consultant will be determined based on the previous experience and skills of the proposed consultant, and an interview. He/she will have the following qualifications and competencies:

• University degree in a relevant field
• 3 years of relevant professional work experience in the cookstove sector in Laos
• Proven track record of successful execution of similar works, good presentation/facilitation skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral and ability to interact with individuals at all levels

Additional Information

• Submission of Letter of Interest
• The consultant should submit the letter of interest (LoI) highlighting their understanding of the assignment, number of days, daily rates and total costs including any expenses related to logistical arrangements. A recent CV highlighting similar assignments carried out in the past should be submitted with the LoI. Include any previous works that demonstrate your experiences and achievements.

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