Invitation of Firms for SCORE4Climate Training and Gender-Sensitive Enterprise Development Support at Addis Ababa, Adama, and Hawassa

Terms of Reference for engaging Professional Service Providers for SCORE4Climate Training and Gender-Sensitive Enterprise Development Support in Addis Ababa, Adama, and Hawassa

1. BACKGROUND

Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE), as one of the components of the ILO SIRAYE Advancing Decent Work and Inclusive Industrialization Programme, has a primary objective of introducing and expanding interventions designed to enhance enterprise productivity, competitiveness, gender equality, occupational safety and health and the environment. The SCORE intervention has direct contribution to Decent Work Agenda of the ILO and its social partners in general and contributes directly to policy outcomes 3,4, and 6. The SCORE intervention also has direct link to SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption).

Gender-sensitive enterprise development is a critical component of the SCORE Programme. By ensuring that men and women have equal opportunities for training, advancement, and participation in decision-making, the Programme creates more inclusive workplaces. Addressing gender disparities in enterprise development not only economically empowers women but also brings broader social and economic benefits. Gender diversity in workplaces fosters varied perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and enhancing problem-solving capabilities. Through its focus on gender equality, SCORE training aims to improve working conditions and productivity while contributing to broader social and economic development goals.

Alongside gender equality, environmental sustainability is central to SCORE Programme’s objectives. Climate action is increasingly essential for SMEs, which are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, impacting their ability to contribute fully to economic and social development. As environmental regulations and legislation continue to grow globally, SMEs must demonstrate a commitment to climate action to stay competitive in an evolving green economy. Given that SMEs represent the largest share of global employment and account for the majority of enterprises worldwide, their capacity to address climate challenges is crucial in ensuring decent work for all. To support SMEs in overcoming barriers to environmentally sustainable practices, SCORE Programme prioritizes building their capacity to adopt resource-efficient and clean production methods, contributing to a circular economy.

From 13-16 January 2025, the ILO SCORE component successfully conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) on SCORE4Climate and gender-sensitive enterprise development. This initiative was designed to build national capacity and equip trainers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively integrate SCORE4Climate and gender-sensitive enterprise development practices into selected enterprises in Ethiopia. The training focused on key areas such as resource efficiency, climate-smart practices, workplace cooperation, gender equality, and inclusive business strategies. Following the successful completion of the ToT, this Terms of Reference (ToR) aims to establish clear parameters and guidelines for the subsequent Training of Enterprises (ToE). The ToE will serve as a critical follow-up activity to ensure the practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the ToT.

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE TOR

The objective of the ToR is to engage qualified training and consulting firm based on relevant experience, competency and value for money principle.

The service provider will support:

• ILO SCORE trainers (those who participated in the SCORE4Climate ToT) to practice, adapt, embed and sustainably implement SCORE4Climate and gender sensitive enterprise development.
  • This effort will be an extension of the service provided to new enterprises that have just been selected to implement SCORE.
  • The new enterprises require further guidance and technical support to fully implement SCORE4Climateand proceed towards increasing the number of SMEs receiving SCORE services
  • The service provider will deploy SCORE trainers who attended SCORE4Climatefor training and coaching services on SCORE4Climiate, while providing technical support to other trainers and partners to implement all SCORE.

Specifically, the service provider undertakes the following:

• Provide technical and financial support to SCORE trainers to implement training and advisory services in SMEs in Addis Ababa, Sidama, Oromia regions. The service package includes interventions identified for:
  • SCORE4Climate and gender sensitive enterprise development
• Provide technical support to the trainers embed and continue delivering SCORE to SMEs in their respective regions

3. Procedures for implementing SCORE ToE Cycle

• Service provider will follow up the delivery of SCORE4Climate guiding the trainers throughout the ToE cycle.
• Undertake regular visits to enterprises supported by trainers. This includes advising trainers on their engagement with enterprises.
• Objective evaluation of trainers for certification, using ILO SCORE Templates.

4.TARGET GROUP

The ultimate target group for SCORE intervention will be:

• Domestic Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) already selected by SCORE trainers that attended the ToT. The target group can be SMEs working in trade, manufacturing (including agro-processing and horticulture) and service sectors/sub-sectors. Priority will be given to enterprises engaged in textile and garment manufacturing including aligned activities such as packaging, transport and other logistics related the sector.
• Supply chain actors such as input providers, product distributors and buyers

5. SCOPE OF WORK

• Provide technical support to at least 40 trainers to implement SCORE ToE cycles in 80 enterprises
• Make sure all trainer and enterprise data are ready and up to date for SCORE M&E database, provide orientation on the use of M&E database when necessary.
• Make sure all progress and final reports are prepared and submitted on time to the satisfaction of the ILO
• Providing continuous support to trainers in updating the M&E platform

6. SCORE MODULES TO BE IMPLEMENTED

The service provider will offer ongoing support to SCORE Trainers for the implementation of the SCORE4Climate module. This support will include continuous supervision and guidance on effectively utilizing the module. Additionally, the service provider will ensure that the Performance Improvement Consultative Committee (PICC), which will be established as part of the SCORE Training Programme, promotes gender-sensitive enterprise development. This involves assisting selected enterprises in adopting practices that are inclusive and equitable for all genders. All training and support will be delivered in person through regularly scheduled visits, allowing for direct interaction and personalized assistance for the enterprises.

Modules, among others, will include the following.

• SCORE4Climate

7. SELECTION CRITERIA

The service provider should be registered consulting entity that meets the following criteria.

1. Availability of at least four Certified SCORE Expert trainers with proper certification from ILO’s SCORE Programme.

2. Should have hands-on experience in implementing SCORE at enterprise level, especially:

   1. proven experience in providing training and consultation services on productivity, quality, sustainability, and lean (resource efficiency)
   2. workplace cooperation, occupational safety and health, women leadership development, factory improvement toolset and business continuity planning including introducing SCORE Training Programmes in enterprises of different size and sectoral focus.

3. Should have experience in providing technical support to other SCORE trainers, institutions and other business development service providers.

4. Should have legal personality to engage in training and consulting services.

5. Availability of gender balanced team within the company to implement SCORE especially for the gender sensitive/ inclusive enterprise development practices.

6. Proven experience in creating strong worker-manager improvement teams within enterprises

7. At least three-year experience of training facilitation and coaching specific to productivity and quality improvement, resource efficiency, gender equality and other working conditions such as workplace cooperation, quality management, lean production, OSH, etc.

8. Should be willingness to sign ILO confidentiality and self-declaration forms.

   8. EXPECTED OUTPUTS/OUTCOMES

   A. Outputs

Expected results (beneficiaries) Target Number

SCORE trainers supported 40

Enterprises recruited and supported 80

Gender sensitive practice implemented 40

SOPs developed and practiced 30

B. Outcomes

• 40 SCORE trainers delivered training to 80 enterprises, Each SCORE trainer delivered the training and implemented the module to a minimum of two enterprises.
• Ensured SCORE gender sensitive enterprise development practice is embedded in the enterprises that received ToE.

9. DURATION

The period of the contract will be from 17th March 2025 to 20th June 2025.

10. DELIVERABLES and TIMEFRAME

Deliverable 1: Submission of detailed Action Plan within 5 days after the signing of the contract by 7th March 2025.

Please note that The action plan should be the basis for guiding implementation of all activities under the contract and among others should focus on:

• SCORE Global M&E database update
• Guiding SCORE trainers in preparation to deliver SCORE ToE
• Supporting the delivery of SCORE4ClimateToE to enterprises.
• Regular enterprise visits.

Deliverable 2: submission of first technical and financial progress reports on the accomplishment of the below activities Not later than 15th April 2025:

• assigning SCORE experts to guide trainers
• Introducing detailed action plan to trainers
• Supporting trainers to implement modules on SCORE4Climiate
• supporting trainers to enter data in the Global SCORE M&E Database System

Please note that key milestones towards quantitative and qualitative improvements in sustainable practices and implementation of gender sensitive enterprise development are expected to be incorporated.

Final deliverable: submission of Final technical and financial reports after full implementation of the ToE cycles, based on the below outline Not later than 20th June 2025

Please note that Key milestones should be incorporated same as above together with enterprise exit strategy and evaluation of trainers for SCORE certification. And

The final technical report shall be prepared based on the below outline:

1. Executive Summary (1 page)

2. Introduction (1 page)

3. Enterprise problems identified

4. Solutions to the problems (quantitative and qualitative results achieved, with visual displays/evidence)

5. Systems put in place (such as SOPs, guidance notes, etc) to ensure sustainability

6. Exit strategy to guide partners to further expand outreach on their own

7. Challenges faced

8. Lessons learned

9. Recommendations for future improvement

10. Annexes (Case studies, baseline basement data, end line assessment results, SCORE trainer evaluation report, etc.).

11. Evaluation Criteria

    Selection Criteria with requirements and Weight out of 100%

    1. Availability of Certified SCORE Expert Trainers (4+ with ILO certification**)** 20%

• The firm must have at least four certified SCORE trainers with proper certification from ILO’s SCORE Programme.

2. Hands-on Experience in SCORE Implementation 30%

• Proven experience in implementing SCORE at the enterprise level, including training and consultation on productivity, quality, sustainability, lean, workplace cooperation, OSH, and gender inclusion.

3. Technical Support Experience 20%

• Experience in providing technical support to other SCORE trainers, institutions, and business development service providers.

4. Gender-Balanced Team 20%

• Availability of a gender-balanced team to implement SCORE, especially for gender-sensitive/inclusive enterprise development practices.

5. Training Facilitation and Coaching Experience (3+ years) 10%

• At least three years of experience in training facilitation and coaching specific to productivity, quality, resource efficiency, gender equality, workplace cooperation, lean production, OSH, and related areas.

The above technical Evaluation criteria accounts for 70% of the total evaluation and firms who scored a minimum of 60 points will be considered for the next financial Evaluation process, which accounts for 30% of the total Evaluation. Firms with the highest point out of 100 will be selected for the work.

12. Application Requirements

• A Renewed Business License
• Technical proposal with feasible methodology for conducting the Work.
• Financial proposal Outlining all the estimated costs for executing the work

How to apply

• Interested consulting firms are expected to send their financial and technical proposal through the email address: addis_procurement@ilo.org by outlining their previous work experience, core team, and methodology on how to approach the work together with the timeline for accomplishing the deliverables not later than 25th February 2025; 05.30 PM EA