Sustainable Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP)

GAFSP GRANT No. TFOA2869

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (RE-ADVERTISED)

(CONSULTING SERVICES– FIRMS SELECTION)

Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Sustainable Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP)

Grant No.: GAFSP GRANT No. TFOA2869

Assignment Title: Partner Organization (PO)-Consultant Firm

       (Required 4 Partner Organizations)

Reference No.: CF3 – CF6

The Government of Timor-Leste has received financing from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) through the Sustainable Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP). The project aims to increase the productivity and marketed production of smallholder agriculture in selected municipalities/special regionwithin certain watersheds in Timor-Leste, namely, Lautem (Raumoco watershed), Ainaro/Covalima (Belulic watershed), Liquiça/Ermera/ Bobonaro (Loes watershed), and Oecusse (Tono watershed). During the initial stages of SAPIP implementation, an independent firm, Partner Organization (PO) (Community Based Organization–CBO, Non-Government Organization-NGO), will be hired to assist the Project Management Unit (PMU) in facilitating the implementation of the following project components:

• Component 1. Integrated watershed/sub-watershed agriculture development planning
  • Formation and Strengthening of Watershed Management Councils (WSMCs);
  • Preparation of Watershed Agricultural Development Plans (WADPs);
  • Preparation of Sustainable Community Agriculture Development Plans (SCADPs); and
• Component 2. Smallholder organization, advisory support and training
  • Identification and assessments of farmers' groups;
  • Support the development and capacity-building of farmers' groups;
  • Facilitation of "farmer-to-farmer learning" through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), demonstration plots and training activities; and
  • Other training (such as how to develop a business plan, products, nutrition, etc.).

The purpose of this assignment is for the selected POs to focus on four (4) selected watersheds where implementation will take place in 6 municipalitiesand 1 special region Oecusse (RAEOA).The selected POs will be responsible for facilitating planning and farmer mobilization activities in support of the implementation of SAPIP in the 44 targeted Sucos (villages).Up to four (4) POs may be recruited for this exercise, each covering one watershed. As such, the Services of the POs (“the Services”) will support activities under Components 1 and 2, mentioned above, which are expected to inform the prioritization of investment support to beneficiary farmers.

It is expected that the POs should already have a strong physical presence in the municipalities or region they are interested in supporting or will be in partnership (joint venture) with a local PO. The POsare also expected to provide their own facilities, including transport and necessary office facilities, for the team to implement the relevant activities.

The Services are expected to be completed within six (6) months. For the deliverables, please refer to the Terms of Reference.

The Project Management Unit (PMU) of SAPIP, now invites any eligible PO (“Consultant”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested PO Consultant should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The short-listing criteria are:

1. The PO Consultant should meet the following: Legally registered (able to provide evidence); Prior experience working in watershed-based community; Prior experience of implementing development agencies activities; Experience in managing donor’s funds; Should have good past records in programming, execution, reporting and M & E of activities and funds (able to provide evidence).

1. Key Personnel: The key personnel of the team should comprise of one (1) Team Leader and four (4) facilitators with the following qualification:

Team Leader: (a) Graduate in any discipline; (b) minimum 5 years of working experience in grass root organizations; (c) Prior experience working in watershed-based community; and (d) Prior experience of implementing development agencies activities.

Facilitator 1: (a) Graduate in any discipline; (b) minimum 3 years of working experience in grass root organizations; (c) Prior experience in conducting assessments and leading planning exercises with communities; and (d) Prior experience of implementing development agencies activities.

Facilitator 2: (a) Graduate in any discipline; (b) minimum 3 years of working experience in grass root organizations; (c) Prior experience in community development, organizing groups, loan tracking, women’s group; and (d) Prior experience of implementing development agencies activities.

Facilitator 3: (a) Graduate in any discipline; (b) minimum 3 years of working experience in grass root organizations; (c) Prior experience working with youth group, women’s group, linking them to skill development training and improved agricultural practices; and (d) Prior experience of implementing development agencies activities.

Facilitator 4:(a) Diploma in agro-commerce; (b) Minimum of three year working experience with grass root organization; (c) Prior experience working in small business development and linking farmers group to market opportunities; and (d) Prior experience of implementing development agencies activities.

Language: The working knowledge for this assignment will be in Tetum but all reports to SAPIP PMU should be written in English.

The attention of interested Consultant is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 revised in July 2014 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualifications Selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Interested eligible consultants may obtain further information and a copy of the Terms of Reference from the SAPIP PMU project at the address given below during office hours 0800 to 1700 hours.

Expressions of interest of Partner Organizationmust be delivered in written form to the address below (in person, or by mail,  or by e-mail) by5^th January  2018.

(For Partner Organizations that alreadysubmitted their Express of Interest no need to re-submit)

Project Management Unit SAPIP

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) – Comoro Dili

E-mail: mica.freitas@maf.gov.tl and maria.rafinda@maf.gov.tl