TOR for the documentation and recommendations for further development of Youth Agricultural Innovation Groups (YAIGs) approach in Ethiopia

Background and rationale

Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) is a non-profit foundation headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. The core objective of HRNS is the economic and social development of farming families and communities by strengthening their competitiveness, building modern farmer organizations, creating market linkages and access to support services. HRNS supports gender equality and youth development to unleash their potential as productive members of society and agents of transformation.

The Stiftungs allianz für Afrika (SAfA; Foundations Alliance for Africa) is an initiative established by the foundations: Max and Ingeburg Herz Stiftung, Kühne-Stiftung, Rossmann Stiftung and HRNS. The aim of this collaborative initiative is to pool respective expertise and to contribute to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of development processes. The first project of the alliance is being implemented in Ethiopia. One of the core elements of the first SAfA project in Ethiopia, Youth Agricultural Innovation Groups approach (YAIG approach), is being implemented by HRNS.

HRNS is seeking for a consultant/consultant team/consultant firm (hereinafter: consultant) to facilitate the documentation and further development of the Youth Agricultural Innovation Groups approach (YAIG approach- see Annex ) currently implemented in Ethiopia. 

Background of the intervention

The SAfA project is currently being implemented in selected rural and semi-urban locations in the Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia and is expected to reach over 70 000 youth aged 15-29. The project is reaching youth primarily through group level interventions, combined with training and awareness raising activities targeting the entire community. The main interventions can be divided into the following three components:

Group-based training for youth in agriculture, livestock, and business and entrepreneurial skills as well as asset/input distribution within the Youth Agricultural Innovation Groups (YAIGs) (implemented by Hanns R. Neumann Foundation (HRNS) Ethiopia),

Training on SRHR and provision of youth friendly SRHR services through youth clubs in conjunction with a cascading approach implemented through peer educators (implemented by the German Foundation for World Population (DSW) Ethiopia); and

Trainings in logistics, transport, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management (implemented by Elias Melake Foundation (EMF)).

In addition, all three interventions provide trainings and promote gender equality and inclusion as a cross-cutting component. The main objective of the intervention is to improve the livelihood and perspectives of young people. A main component of the applied holistic approach is to enable young people as members of YAIGs to develop income generating activities. The focus of the assignment then is component 1, the YAIG approach. 

Objective of the assignment

The objective of the assignment is to document and to support further development of the YAIG approach based on an assessment of gaps and risks conducted by the consultant in collaboration with the HRNS team, including its theory of change and underlying processes. The purpose of the documentation is to:

• allow for realistic planning of required resources during project design and implementation,
• allow for implementation progress monitoring, process optimization and quality assurance,
• support replication and scaling also in other project regions in Ethiopia and beyond,
• ensure that the process is understandable, transparent, and fair for the target group,
• establish a joint understanding for project staff at different levels and external audience about process steps.
• In addition, the consultant is expected to propose effective controls throughout the implementation process.

Approach and Methodology

The consultant will be expected to develop a clear approach and methodology including data collection tools to be employed in the assessment. Appropriate samples should be drawn from each type of Agribusiness activities that is, YAIGs that engage in farming activities both rainfed and/or irrigated, livestock/shoat fattening, bee keeping and others engaged in innovative post-harvest processing ( maize shelling)   to support evidence-based conclusions. The decision on sample size and distribution will be made in consultation between HRNS-ET and the consultancy firm. Primary data will be collected based on the agreed tools from different beneficiaries and stakeholders found at project implementation areas. A document review assessing documents and data gathered throughout the project time will also be conducted.

Tasks of the consultant

Review of existing documentation

• The consultant shall conduct a desk review of existing project documents incl. but not limited to the documentation of the YFFS approach in Uganda and other countries, SAfA project proposal, evaluation reports, project reports (incl. project visit reports) and monitoring data.

• The consultant is expected to draft the main components and implementation process of the existing YAIG approach and to identify gaps in the existing approach documentation. The consultant shall also assess and identify potential negative effects of the approach (See Annex). The consultant shall consult HRNS on aspects that are relevant for further assessment.

Conduct stakeholder interviews / project visit

• The consultant is expected to supplement his/her findings by gathering further information about the YAIG process on the ground. This includes:
• Preparatory fieldwork needed to obtain any needed permits,
• Selection and implementation of suitable data collection tools that allow for meaningful conclusions.

Develop YAIG approach documentation

• Based on the available information, the consultant is expected to produce the YAIG approach documentation, including theory of change, the narrative description of the components of the approach, the implementation process incl. quantifiable goals related to implementation and a visualization of the process.
• The consultant is expected to provide an assessment whether identified gaps and risks could be fully resolved during the process and provide recommendations for areas of improvement.
• The materials shall be provided in English.
• The consultant is responsible for facilitating and documenting all required visits, meetings and/or workshops.
• The consultant is expected to participate in regular alignment meetings with HRNS team throughout the process.

Concept for the further development of the YAIG approach

• Acknowledging the fact that YAIG documentation only captures the status quo and potential gaps and risks, the consultant shall propose a concept for further development of the YAIG approach. The consultant shall consult HRNS on the proposed scope of the documentation of the YAIG approach based on the results of the document review and stakeholder consultation on the ground, in particular with regard to the expected components of the approach and their importance for project success. Furthermore, the consultant shall present the identified gaps in the existing approach and its documentation.

• The consultant is expected to propose a concept and timeline for further development of the YAIG approach, particularly in relation to the identified gaps and risks, in collaboration with and with input from the HRNS team. 

Timetable

The contract is expected to cover the period August - October 2024. The consultant shall suggest a detailed timeline for key activities to be undertaken based on the below proposed timeline.

• Announcing the wing consultant- 2nd week of August
• Inception Report – before end of August
• Data collection- before end of September
• Draft report-2nd week of October 
• Final Report- End of October

Deliverables

The consultant shall produce the following deliverables:

• An inception report outlining the understanding of the YAIG approach incl. theory of change and underlying processes based on the existing documentation incl. an assessment of the identified gaps and risks. In addition, instruments and list of persons/groups to be interviewed during project visit and a detailed timetable should be included in the inception report.(The inception report should  be discussed and approved by HRNS before stakeholder interviews / project visit))

• The first draft report with Summary of stakeholder interviews and project visit report incl. presentation of results, implications for the documentation and/or development of the YAIG approach (especially the discussion of the identified gaps and/or risks), and concept and timeline for further development of the YAIG approach. Final documentation of the YAIG approach incl. theory of change, the narrative description of the components of the approach, the implementation process incl. quantifiable goals related to implementation and a visualization of the process. The documentation shall entail an assessment of the status of identified gaps and risks and recommendations for areas of improvement and Concept and timeline for further development of the YAIG approach

Budget

HRNS has allocated a budget for the documentation and further development of the YAIG approach. The consultant is expected to bear the cost associated with tasks outlined under section 5 incl. necessary travel cost and other logistical arrangements. “The payment will be 30% upon submission of the Inception report, 30% upon submission of the first draft report and 40% upon submission of the final report.

For More information please Refer the following link

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Wzxz5mlHxVfkJMMQddM9YL7CFWU1QY-/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114746103207944259252&rtpof=true&sd=true.

The following qualifications are expected from the expert or expert team:

• The consultant/consultant team/consultant firm should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in mixed methods in the implementation or evaluation of rural development projects focusing on youth in Ethiopia 
• Working experience in Ethiopia,
• Experience in facilitation of workshops,
• Background in (Agricultural) Economics, Agriculture, gender and development and other related fields is desirable
• Sample of similar assessments undertaken by the consultant firm
• Reference of previous clients 
• Experience with and understanding of the needs of Ethiopian Youth in rural areas.
• Strong communication and technical methodical consulting skills, commitment, and an independent, structured way of working with a strong service orientation,
• Strong analytical skills and strategic-conceptual thinking, with very good oral and written communication skills (English).
• Understanding of local languages spoken at the project implementation area (Amharic & Afan Oromo)
• Renewed business licenses and registration, and TIN Registration Certificate

How To Apply

Please prepare your technical and financial proposals using the following templates, seal them in separate closed envelopes and submit at HRNS-Ethiopia 

country representative office during office hours within  10 workdays from the bid announcement day.

 Please send your proposal and budget to HRNSETADS@HRNSTIFTUNG.ORG  (sending to proposals to  email 

addresses listed below would lead to 

disqualification) on or before 2nd of August,2024

Our office is located around Megenagna Egziabher Ab Church and for further information only please contact; Tesfaye (mobile 0911316560, email:  

tesfaye.wolde@hrnstiftung.org) 

Abebaw Abebe (Email: abebaw.abebe@hrnstiftung.org mobile 0994013426) or Chalachew Gebeyehu 

(email:-chalachew.gebeyehu@hrnstiftung.org), Mobile 0995018311)