1.0 Introduction

1.1 About VSF-GERMANY

VSF Germany is an international Non-Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. In the region, VSF Germany implements activities in Southern Sudan, Northern Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. With focus on livestock health, agriculture, value chain and marketing, food safety, natural resources management, Peace and Conflict, Good governance, Disasters & Emergency but also developing the capacities of communities and governmental institutions, VSF Germany works towards food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities.

1.2 About livestock sector in Somaliland

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 informal channels, where rules and regulations, if any, are hardly observed.

1.3. Brief about the Project

In July 2019, VSFG received funds from BMZ to upscale project-“Securing livelihoods of agro-pastoralists through setting up and strengthening of livestock sector value chains, promoting infrastructure and generating income project”. The project was previously implemented for 3 years in Salaxley, Dacarbudhuq and Cadaadley districts of Maroodjeex region. The up-scaling project now is for 18months (1 July 2019- December 31, 2020) and targets Wajaale and Gabalay districts of the same region.

The purpose of the project is to strengthen dairy and meat value chain for income and food safety in agro-pastoral systems and is being implemented in collaboration with Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development (MoLFD) and other stakeholders of Somaliland. The overall aim of the project is to “improve livelihood of dairy and meat-producing agro-pastoralists and members of the milk and meat value chain through increased income and all year improved access to animal products at local markets for approximately 61,680 consumers.

The overall coordination and policy guidance of the project is by MoLFD in Hargeisa. In addition, the project will collaborate closely with other key stakeholders-at producer, trader and consumer levels while strengthening public and private partnership (PPP) particularly in the dairy and meat sectors.

1.4 .Expected results

Result 1: Hygienic conditions and practices in the dairy and meat value chain improved, leading to higher revenues on markets and, hence to increased income for the producers.

Result 2: Resilience of food vulnerable households strengthened to avoid or overcome hunger crises through improved access to different hygienically improved animal protein.

Result 3: Capacity to regulate and provide services in dairy and meat sectors enhanced

VSF Germany is looking for a consultant (individual/Firm) to conduct baseline survey in the project locations.

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 dairy and meat value chain in the target districts, which will be used for tracking and measuring progress of the project results from of the interventions over time. It will also help VSF Germany and 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 and 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 objectives of tasks are to:

Assess the current situation of the project areas, in terms of livelihoods, 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.

· Systematically assess different stages of milk harvesting, handling, slaughtering, meat production, processing, transport and selling.

· Examine the risks milk and meat handlers and consumers are exposed to along the value chain based on test results from qualified laboratories in Hargeisa.

· Establish concrete criteria and standards for monitoring system milk and meat quality.

· Identify simple but reliable equipment, which should be used and tests to be conducted at producer and vendor levels to ensure milk and meat quality (freshness) and safety to consumer.

· Identify ways for disseminating results of hygiene laboratory tests of milk and meat to local authorities and traders for awareness creation and support.

· Identify avenues for the project to support the public sector in dissemination of milk and meat hygiene and quality standards to milk producers and consumers.

· Assess the capacity of local producers and vendors (individuals and groups) who rely on milk and meat trade for income for resilience of their livelihoods.

· Map out similar/relevant initiatives implemented by other actors working in the same areas and recommend ways of building synergy in the dairy and meat value chain.

3.0. Methodology and Process.

· In the assessment, VSF Germany expects the consultant(s) to employ both quantitative and qualitative methods for collection of data/information, using Participatory Tools and Techniques for data collection, which may include but not be 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 MoL strategies for development of airy and meat value chain.

· The consultant(s) will interact with staff of VSFG, MoL 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, milk/meat traders, Livestock professional Association, CBOs, consumers, etc.) who play significant role in dairy and meat value chain.

· The baseline information will be collected from two districts mentioned above (1.3).Total population of survey will be determined by the consultant as a sample of 1,028 households (6,168 people) targeted beneficiaries who are Agro-pastoralist and small scale peri-urban producers of meat and milk, milk and meat vendors /processors, Animal Health Service providers, staff of MoLFD, Ministry of Health and Local Government authorities, and youth and women who get employed in the dairy and meat value chain. The sample should be disaggregated by categories sex, and age of respondents, and defined criteria of inclusion and exclusion. It is envisaged the sample size for quantitative survey should be determined using a statistically acceptable methodology that meets a threshold of social science research. For qualitative data, 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 timeframe and preliminaries

The duration of the assignment is 25 working days, which could also be discussed between both parties. It is expected that the whole task should be finished within FOUR weeks of the assignment. The consultant(s) should develop and share tools for data collection (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: 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: A draft report, and power-point presentation of the findings of the whole study submitted to contracting authority not later than 20 days of the assignment for feedback before finalizing the report.

Output 3: A systematic baseline database, including pictures, and delivers with final report.

5.2. Reporting and presentation:

Main body of Draft and /or Final report should not be more than 30 pages, comprising of:

· Executive summary (2-5 pages)

· Introduction

· Methodology

· Rational of the assessment

· Limitations/challenges of the methodology

· Findings

· Conclusion

· Recommendations

· Annexes.

Key contacts and reporting:**

Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability (MEA) unit under VSF Germany’s Regional Programme/Country Director will be the contact point. At Field level, VSFG Office in Hargeisa, the consultant will work closely under supervision of Technical Advisor/Project Manager.

6.0. Mode of payment**; will be in two installments

1^st installment: 20 % of the total amount after submission of an inception report

2^nd installment: 80% of the total amount after satisfactory completion of the task and approval final report.

The payments will be made in A/C payee cheques/or direct bank transfer in the name of the consultant or firm named in the contract. VSF Germany will deduct withholding 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) VSF Germany as prescribed in the contract will provide required logistics support.

b) All documents prepared during the assignment will be property of VSF Germany.

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 VSF Germany and the consultant in writing.

e) 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 VSF Germany.

· The work schedule may be staggered due to compelling reasons, which both parties must as sent 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.

· VSF Germany 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 a technical and a financial proposal in a single electronically. The technical and financial proposals should be properly marked and should include the name and detailed contact of the consultant /firm.

9.1. The Technical Proposal

Should be in the provide: Title of the survey, Understanding of the Task, Technical aspect of the proposal, Methodology, Operational plan, Proposed team with detailed CV’s of the team members who will undertake the task as annex to technical proposal.

For a firm applicant, provide company profile as annex to technical proposal, the Lead consultant and contract for the firm/bidder.

NB: The costs of long meetings such as focus group discussions will be borne by the VSF-G directly (venue, food if required, etc).

9.2. The Financial Proposal

Should be broken down in details to include: Consultancy fees, Questionnaire development cost, Communication, Data processing & analysis cost, Reporting cost (stationeries, printing, etc)

9.4. Validation of the Proposal

All cost should be quoted in USD and will remain valid up to sixty days (60) from the day of proposal submission.

10.0 Competencies Required:

i) 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’ overall experience in conducting baseline surveys for livelihoods and resilience building initiatives.

· Demonstrated experience of working in donor funded projects under public sector and /or NGOs.

· Demonstrated minimum of 3 years’ experience of conducting baseline surveys in the in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas.

· A good understanding of livestock, Food security, livelihoods, and women empowerment through IGA programmes.

· Experience in Somalia, particularly Somaliland, is a plus.

ii) 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 gender and women’s rights issues.

· Mastery of written and spoken English.

Note: Applicants who do not meet the minimum eligibility criteria shall not be considered.

11.0. Confidentiality:

Confidentiality of all the processes during the assignment must be ensured at all times/levels

Note: All the outputs – baseline reports, database, etc. produced by this assignment(electronic, hard copies, etc) will be disseminated in part or completely without express and written authority from VSF-Germany to a third party.