Consultant for Business Literacy Assessment

USAID’s Feed the Future Nepal Knowledge-Based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture in Nepal

 (KISAN) II Project – seeks Consultant

 KISAN II invites applications from experienced Nepalese individuals to conduct a rapid assessment of KISAN II’s Component 4: Increased ability of vulnerable communities to act on business opportunities within selected market systems (also known as Business Literacy Program). Applications must be submitted electronically via email to contact@deprosc.org.np by 10 January, 2022 and with a subject line – Consultant for Business Literacy Assessment, 2022. KISAN II is seeking an expert in curriculum development and/or business development.

The project will not pay any costs associated with the preparation or submission of application. The final award is contingent upon donor approval.

 

Background

USAID’s Feed the Future (FTF) Nepal Knowledge-based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture in Nepal (KISAN II) is operating in twenty-five Hill and Terai districts in Lumbini, Bagmati, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces. The project’s overall goal is to increase resilience, inclusiveness and sustainability of income growth through agricultural development, working closely with the Government of Nepal (GON). KISAN II works with the private sector to catalyze agricultural productivity, promote competitive market systems, ensure conducive enabling environment, and boost business and literacy skills for households in its zones of influence (ZOI).

 

Component description

KISAN II’s Business Literacy Program (Component 4) aims to increase the ability of vulnerable communities so that they can act on business opportunities, particularly within selected market systems. To date, the business literacy program (BLP) has enhanced literacy and business skills of nearly 62,000 project households, helping them engage in agri-entrepreneurship. KISAN II’s BLP includes 3 main activities:

  1. Development of training materials
    • 6 training modules have been developed, along with training accessories
  2. Selection and training of trainers
    • Over 1200 trainers have been selected and trained
  3. Delivery of business literacy training at community-level
    • BLP training at communities – 56,000 trainees have already graduated and an additional 6,000 to be graduated by January 20, 2022.

 

Objectives of study

Major objectives of the study are:

  • To assess the appropriateness of BLP training contents to integrate them into the market system.
  • To assess how BLP participants have increased their agri-entrepreneurship and how BLP training has enhanced the resilience of vulnerable participants.
  • To compare production and income of KISAN II’s BLP and non-BLP training graduates.

 

Scope of Study

  1. The study will assess the appropriateness of KISAN II’s BLP “long course” (includes Literacy & Numeracy, Nutrition, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship Skills and Access to Finance) and “short” course (Business Development) contents for participants to scale up business opportunities.
  2. The study will assess how business literacy training has contributed to training graduates to avail business opportunities within the market systems that KISAN II works in – by making a comparison with non-BLP participants.
  3. Provide recommendations to enhance the resilience of vulnerable beneficiaries and promote agri-entrepreneurship through similar trainings in future.

The consultant will work in close coordination with KISAN II MEL team.

 

METHODOLOGY

  1. Review available information of 240 participating households, relevant KISAN II reports, 2021 Annual Farm survey questionnaire and BLP training modules.
  2. Finalize methodology (e.g., sampling methods for selecting participants trainers, staff, stakeholders), timeline, proposed final report table of contents with proposed number of pages.
  3. Draft questionnaires for interviewees for KISAN II review.
  4. Meet with relevant KISAN II staff at central and cluster levels.
  5. Select and interview 240 BLP and non-BLP training graduates along with 12 trainers, 12 staffs and 12 private sector grantee representatives. The consultant may mobilize enumerators as applicable.
  6. Information received from participants, trainers, staffs and grantee representatives will be dealt qualitatively.
  7. Prepare draft report and present to KISAN II.
  8. Incorporate feedback, finalize the report and submit.

 

Considering the prevalent COVID-19 risks, the consultant may also use virtual platforms for some subset of interviews (to be decided with KISAN II upon starting assignment).

 

Duration

This contract will be effective from late January till March 15, 2022 for 35 total days, with suggested breakdown below:

 

Tasks Type Days
Preparation, review of data, reports, and Annual Farm survey questionnaire 2021, BLP training modules, preparation of questionnaire Desk work 9
Interview with KISAN II participants, trainers, staffs and grantees

Interact with KISAN II and DEPROSC management

Field visit

Official visit

13

1

Drafting report Desk work 7
Presentation of report Meeting 1
Finalization of report and submission Desk work 4
Total 35

Final report should be submitted by March 15, 2022.

 

Facilities

  • Consultant fee will be as agreed considering different proposals received.
  • Travel costs at the field will be as per actual days as per KISAN II norms.
  • Travel facility is available only for field visit.
  • Communication and top up facilities will be available for consultant.

 

Payment

  • Payment will be made as per the contractual agreement signed by both parties.
  • 33% upon finalization of all questionnaires.
  • The 2nd or last installment at the submission and acceptance of the final report.

 

Selection process

Weightage of Technical and Financial Proposals will be 80 and 20, respectively.

 

Technical proposal must contain following documents:

  • A completed and signed technical application with workplan based on ToR – not exceeding 10 pages
  • Proposed – Table of Contents for the final report with number of pages.
  • CV with at least two references.

 

Financial proposal must contain following documents:

  • Proposed consultancy remunerations for 35 days.
  • Remuneration history of last 3 years.
  • Tax clearance document.
  • Cost for enumerators, if applicable.

 

Evaluation criteria of technical and financial proposals

S. N. Aspects of Evaluation Max. Points
1 Consultant’s experience in conducting similar assignments 35
2 Methodology and work plan 20
3 Proposed Table of Contents for the final report 10
4 Comments on TOR 5
5 Proposal quality (sequencing, procedures, presentation, etc.) 10
6 Financial proposal 20
Total 100

 

Deliverables

The consultant will prepare and submit following deliverables: 

  • Questionnaires
  • Draft report and presentation.
  • Final report incorporating comments and suggestions.