Introduction
1.1 About VSF-Germany (VSF G) and SIF
VSF Germany is an international Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to rural and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. In the Greater Horn of Africa, VSFG implements programmes in Southern Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and Ethiopia. Programmes focus on livestock health, agriculture, value chain and marketing, food security and food safety, natural resources management, Peace and Conflict, Good governance, Disasters risk management & Emergency response, capacity building of communities and governmental institutions., VSF Germany works to building resilience of communities towards recurrent climate related crises and shocks in the region
Founded in 1991, Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a non-governmental organisation of international solidarity with humanitarian, development, and social missions. With global Headquarters in Massy, France, SIF operates in more than 17 countries globally delivering principled humanitarian emergency response, rehabilitation, and development programmes as well as social assistance (France) in respect of cultural diversity and without any discrimination on the basis of origin, religion or gender. SIF Kenya & Somalia Mission was launched in 2012. Initially focused on Kenya, programs were extended in Somalia (Kismayo) in 2014. The Mission provides integrated lifesaving and resilience building interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and poor host communities in Kismayo (Lower Juba Region of Jubaland State) in four key thematic areas: Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL); Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH); Shelter and non-food items (NFIs) and Education / Child Wellbeing.
1.2 About livestock sector in Puntland and Jubaland.
The livestock accounts for about 60-70% of the total GDP and also employs 80% of the workforce in Somaliland: significantly contributing to the national economy. In different Somali communities, livestock producers are regarded as producers of milk and meat, income generators and stores of wealth. Fresh milk and other dairy products are staple food, vital items of trade for daily income but actual local supply below demand in both urban and rural areas in terms of quantity and quality in Somaliland. The below demand milk supply of milk is a function of low hygienic and quality standards since most of the trade is done through in-formal channels, where rules and regulations, if any, are hardly observed.
The study area: Puntland and Juba states; Mudug Region (Garowe and Puntland districts) and Lower Juba Region (Kisimayo districts).
1.3 Brief about the Project
VSF- Germany has been awarded a 36 Months (23rd June, 2021 – 30th March, 2023) project from the BMZ to strengthen food security & nutrition, and meat value chain for income and food safety in agro-pastoral systems.
The title of the project is “*Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience of Crises-Affected Communities in Puntland and Jubaland States, Somalia.* The action is being implemented by VSFG, SIF and SOLO in collaboration with Government Departments and other stakeholders of Mudug (Puntland) and Lower Juba (Jubaland) regions.
The project goal is to “To enhance livelihood and resilience of vulnerable crises-affected communities and institutions through Multisectoral interventions for approximately (120,318 persons) in 20,050 HH households.**
The overall coordination and policy guidance of the project is carried out by Ministries of Livestock (MoL), Health, Water Resources and Education in Puntland and Jubaland States. In addition, the project will collaborate closely with other key stakeholders- in education, health and trade at producer, trader and consumer levels while strengthening public and private partnership (PPP) particularly in the key thematic areas- humanitarian assistance, livestock, agriculture, conflict prevention, DRM and resilience buildings.
1.4 Expected results
Outcome 1: Improved food and nutrition security of 1,970 HH (11,820 individuals) of crises-affected communities through increased availability, access to and utilization of food, and rebuilt sustainable and resilient livelihoods.
Outcome 2: Productive capacities of small-holder livestock producers (13,000 HH, 78,000 individuals) is in-creased through improved governance of animal healthcare services delivery, enhanced animal husbandry techniques and livestock value chain development.
Outcome 3: Affected communities (2,083 HH, 12,498 Individuals) have improved resilience to common hazards and shocks, access to basic services through functional WASH and health infrastructures, and as well as DRR (incl. NRM, DRM) preparedness and response mechanisms.
Outcome 4. Inter- and intra-community conflict incidences are prevented through establishing and strengthening inclusive and sustainable community-based peacebuilding and conflict mitigation mechanisms (benefitting 600 HH, 36,000 individuals).
Outcome 5: 3,000 HH, 18,000 individuals at risk and vulnerable households rendered destitute due to Covid-19 pandemic are protected and have opportunities for economic recovery through business grants and financial services linkages to diversify their incomes**.**
VSF Germany is therefore looking for a consultant (individual/Agency) to conduct baseline survey in the project locations/beneficiaries Garowe and Burtinle districts (Puntland) and Kisimayo district (Jubaland).
The consultant will work closely with Technical Advisor and Ministry of Livestock (MoL) while conducting the study to specific activities under Result 1, Result 2, Result 3, Result 4 and Result 5 and frequently reports the progress to the project Manager.
1.4.1 Who is it for and how will they use the results
The baseline information is primarily aimed to provide benchmark of the actors in the result areas 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 which will be used for tracking and measuring progress of the project resulting from the interventions over time. It will also help VSF Germany and partners as well as stakeholders to align implementation processes to specific needs of various beneficiaries, guide and help to improve quality of project implementation at both beneficiary and organization levels.
2. Purpose of the task
The main purpose is to clearly identify, articulate, and document the existing situation of the people and communities the project targets to work with from the onset of the project. The products of the assessment will provide the benchmarks on which any changes resulting from the interventions and achievements could be measured. The outcome will also inform any modifications that may be made in the course of project implementation in order to realize optimum achievements of results.
2.1 Specific objective of Tasks are as follows:
Assess the current situation of the project areas, in terms of livelihoods, food and nutrition security, productive capacities of small-holder livestock and crop producers, resilience to common hazards and shocks, inter- and intra-community conflicts and vulnerability to Covid-19 pandemic, socio-political and economic conditions, standard hygiene indicators, power relations, information on minority groups and any form of social exclusion, social/cultural practices, policies, local governance issues at village levels, etc.
2.1.1 Systematically assess food and nutrition security in terms of availability, access to and utilization of food, and ways to rebuilding sustainable and resilient livelihoods.
2.1.2 Examine the productive capacities of small-holder livestock, fisheries and crop producers in terms of governance of animal healthcare services delivery, enhanced animal husbandry techniques and livestock, fisheries and crop value chain development.
2.1.3 Establish community capacities for resilience to common hazards and shocks in terms of access to basic services such as functional WASH and health infrastructures, and as well as DRR (incl. NRM, DRM) preparedness and response mechanisms.
2.1.4 Assess the capacity of local communities and institutions to prevent inter- and intra-community conflict incidences in terms of established inclusive and sustainable community-based peacebuilding and conflict mitigation mechanisms.
2.1.5 Establish the at risk and vulnerable households rendered destitute due to Covid-19 pandemic and identify ways of protecting them and opportunities for their economic recovery through economic empowerment and income diversification.
2.1.6 For each thematic area assessed provide concrete recommendation:
i) with clear criteria for improving the existing situation to realize better and sustainable outputs and outcomes,
ii) identify simple but reliable methods which should be used in each thematic area and to implement the recommended actions by the community, local institutions and the project,
iii) identify ways for disseminating results of findings and recommendation to local authorities and communities for awareness and support for implementation.
2.1.7 Map out similar/relevant initiatives implemented by other actors working in the same areas and recommend ways of building synergies with this project.
3.0 Methodology and Process**
· In the assessment, the Consortium expects the consultant(s) to employ both quantitative and qualitative methods for collection of data/information, using appropriate Participatory Tools and Techniques which may include but not limited to in-depth interview, Key informant interview, Focus group discussion, etc.
· Comprehensive desk review of all relevant documents, i.e. related literature, project proposal, and related Government Policy documents including strategies for development of the thematic areas of the project.
· The consultant(s) will interact with staff of VSFG, SIF, SOLO and relevant government departments and other stakeholders on a sample basis.
· The consult(s) will have to fully engage a sample of target project primary stakeholders (i.e. agro-pastoralists, Pastoralists, customary authorities, livestock, fisheries and crop producers, Livestock professional Association, CBOs, etc,) who play significant role in various thematic areas.
· The baseline information will be collected from three districts (Garowe & Burtinle-Puntland) and Kisimayo-Jubaland). The total population of this survey will be determined by the consultant as a sample of 20,050 HH households (120,318 direct beneficiaries) who are pastoralists, Agro-pastoralist and small scale peri-urban producers, Community Animal Health Workers and private veterinary drug suppliers, staff of Ministries of Livestock, Health and Local government authorities and youth and women who are affected by crises and shocks. The sample will need to be stratified by sex, age, and categories and criteria of inclusion and exclusion. It is envisaged the sample size for quantitative survey should be statistically viable for this study. For qualitative survey the participants should be key informants from all sections of key stakeholders (e.g. community members, civil society, policy makers of different departments, government service providers, NGOs).
4.0 Indicative time frame and preliminaries.
· The duration of the assignment is 30 calendar days, which could also be discussed between both parties. It is expected that the whole task should be finished within FOUR weeks from the starting date.
· The consultant(s) should develop and share tools for data collection and Sampling framework (e.g. questionnaires, FGD, etc) with the client for any comment/input before commencing data collection.
5.0 Expected outputs, Reporting and Presentation.
5.1 Output 1: The consult(s) will submit an inception report of execution of the assignment in electronic version, ONE (1) week after start of the consultancy. The report should be very precise and address each specific objective and should include; Executive summary (1-2 pages); Methodology; Limitations of the assignment and way forward for the assessment.
The aim of the inception report is to give a picture of the situation on the ground which may require adjustment of the planned itinerary of the consultant(s) for effective collection of data and information.
Output 2: The consultant(s) will make a draft report and have Power-Point presentation of the findings of the whole study to contracting authority within not more than 20 days of the assignment for feedback before finalizing the report.
Output 3: The consultant(s) will produce a final report with a systematic baseline database and submit within 30 days of the assignment.
5.2 Main body of the report and presentation of draft and /or final report should not be more than 35-60 pages (excluding appendices); clearing showing Executive summary (2-5 pages); Introduction, Methodology, Rationale of the assessment, Limitations/challenges of the methodology, Findings, Conclusion, Recommendations and Annexes.
Key contacts and report:**
· Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability (MEA) unit under VSF Germany’s Country Director/ Technical Advisor (Consortium Manager) will be the contact point. The consultant should report to the Technical Advisor. At the Field level, the consultant will work closely under supervision of the Project Manager.
6.0 Mode of payment: The payment will be done according to the following arrangement:
Installments
Amount
Time line
1st installment
20% of the total amount
Upon submission of and approval of inception report.
2nd installment
30 % of the total amount
After submission of a draft report and receiving feedback from the consortium
2nd installment
50% of the total amount
After satisfactory completion of the task, submission and acceptance of the final report.
The payments will be made in A/C payee cheques/or direct bank transfer in the name of the consultant or firm that signed the contract. VSF Germany will deduct with-holding tax at source as per the rules of taxation governing VSFG operations and it will be deposited directly to custodian of such tax. No other benefits shall be admissible beyond what is stipulated in the contract, nor does it guarantee a regular position in VSF Germany.
7.0 General considerations
a) Required logistics support will be provided by the Consortium (VSF Germany &SIF) as prescribed in the contract.
b) All documents prepared during the assignment will be property of the Consortium (VSF Germany &SIF).
c) Assignment will not be sub-contracted to a third party by the consultant.
d) In the event that, additional time is required to complete the assignment, beyond time previously agreed, without changing the scope of work, such a change shall be agreed between the Consortium (VSF G &SIF) and the consultant in writing.
e) In case of any change made, in the scope of work by the Consortium (VSF G&SIF) because of an increase or decrease in the cost or time required for performance or any part of the work under the contract, equitable adjustment in the contract price, delivery schedule, or both will be entered in writing.
f) Confidentiality of all the assignment will be maintained at all times.
8.0 Expiry of agreement and flexibility
· Considering the initiative as proactive and responsive, activities can be amended and elaborated based on the properly documented negotiation between the two parties.
· The agreement will be invalidated after expiry of duration of the contract unless an extension is made by the Consortium (VSF G &SIF).
· The work schedule may be staggered due to compelling reasons which both parties must assent to, in which case the number of working days will remain the same but actual work done on dates/days different from those indicated in the work plan. Such flexibility will not give rise to additional cost of the assignment on the side of VSFG.
· The Consortium (VSF G &SIF) also reserves the right to amend or change or cancel the agreement at any time if there are compelling reasons to do so.
9.0 Preparation of the Proposal
The consulting firm/bidder shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of the proposal. The consultant shall submit ONE (1) copy of technical and ONE (1) copy of financial proposal in electronic form or in a single envelope. The technical and financial proposals should be properly marked and should include the name and detailed contact of the consultant /firm.
9.1 Validation of the Proposal
All costs should be quoted in USD and will remain valid up to sixty days (60) from the day of proposal submission.
9.2 The proposals must be accompanied by:
· Detailed CV’s of the person or team members who will undertake the task as annex to technical proposal.
· Company profile where the application is made through a firm, as annex to technical proposal.
· All the pages of the financial proposal should be signed by the Lead consultant or person signing the contract for the firm/bidder.
NB: The costs of long meetings such as focus group discussions will be borne by the Consortium (VSFG & Partners) (venue, refreshments if required, etc.).
10.0 Competencies Required:
Qualification and Experiences
· At least a Degree qualification in any of the following areas Agriculture, Animal Production, Veterinary Medicine, Social Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Dairy Technology or any other relevant degree from recognized institutions.
· Must have minimum of 5 years of overall experience conducting baseline assessments for Food/ livelihoods and Nutrition security and resilience building initiatives.
· Demonstrated experience of working in donor funded projects under NGOs and /or public sector.
· Must demonstrate a minimum of 3 years’ experience of conducting baseline surveys in the Greater Horn of Africa particularly in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas.
· Must have good understanding of livestock, Agriculture, livelihoods, health, education, WASH, women empowerment through IGA programmes.
· Experience in Somalia, particularly Puntland and Jubaland States, is mandatory.
Knowledge and skills.
· Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication and reporting skills.
· Excellent technical knowledge on food security and Resilience issues in Pastoral and agro-pastoral systems
· Should have knowledge and experience in youth, gender and women’s rights issues.
· Mastery of written and spoken English.
· Skills and experience in research especially cross-sectional
Note: Applicants who do not meet the minimum eligibility criteria shall not be considered.
11.0 Confidentiality:
All the outputs – baseline reports, data base, etc, produced under this assignment will not be disseminated in part or whole without express authority from the Consortium (VSF-G&SIF). Thus the consultant shall not produce these materials in any form (electronic, hard copies, etc) to a third party without a written permission from VSF Germany.