Burundi: Consultant Agri-Business Incubation Programme

May 7, 2017 | Spark
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The Agri-Business Incubation Program (ABIN) programme on business incubation and entrepreneurship development has been designed as a contribution to some of Burundi’s most pressing concerns: food security and poverty alleviation. In general, there are two approaches that seek a solution to these problems a) investment in farmer level organizations and b) value chain development. Business incubation is an alternative path for agricultural commercialization and agri-business development that can complement other approaches.

The goal of this programme is to increase food availability year-round and employment opportunities in rural regions, in particular those of women and youth, in selected target regions in Burundi. This will be achieved by establishing a network of specialised agribusiness incubation centres in rural areas in Burundi providing services for potential agribusiness entrepreneurs (with a special focus on women and youth) and existing agribusinesses to enable them to innovate, add value, increase production and develop new markets.

However, the implementation of programme activities in 2015 has suffered from the effects of political turmoil in Burundi. This led to a temporary break in field missions to Bubanza and Cibitoke as the security situation in both provinces was considered to be fragile.  Due to such break in the implementation of activities, an extension to the programme has been requested.

Objectives of the mid-term programme evaluation

In May 2017, SPARK will conduct an external mid-term evaluation of the ABIN Programme. This analysis of the programme will cover progress made towards the intended outputs of the project, as well as management structures and operational elements (e.g. overall performance of programme staff, timeliness of reporting, effectiveness and efficiency of programme activities).

On the basis of the mid-term evaluation, recommendations will be drawn up and implemented to modify objectives and project targets, and strengthen project management structures and procedures, where necessary.

Based on the findings of this mid-term programme evaluation, a decision can be made upon extension and expansion to other provinces.

Tasks

The consultant(s) will undertake the following tasks:

  • Conduct meetings with key programme staff of SPARK and local partners.
  • Design the evaluation, including data collection tools for the project and relevant programme indicators and sampling techniques and size.
  • Conduct desk reviews of secondary information and programme documents including the project proposal (including log frame), implementation and M&E plans of the programme, donor regulations, programme financing agreements, programme baseline survey, progress and financial reports, existing data collection and monitoring tools and any other relevant documents.
  • Obtain feedback on data collection tools from key SPARK and partner staff and finalize draft data collection tools to be tested.
  • Collect data from a representative sample of individuals from the target groups and key stakeholders, through information gathering tools including but not limited to – key informant interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
  • Assess progress on and quality of implemented project activities.
  • Data processing (data entry, verification and analysis).
  • Report writing and submission of first draft report for review from SPARK.
  • Presentation of findings and recommendations to and validation by key stakeholders (SPARK, partners and other identified actors working with the project);
  • Finalize the report incorporating feedback and submission of final report.

Expertise required

The evaluator(s) should be (a team of) experienced and independent consultant(s), freelance or from a consultancy organisation, with at least the following expertise:

  • Advanced university degree in International Development, Social Sciences or any other related field
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in international development and project evaluation.
  • Demonstrated experience in agri-business and value chain development in fragile states.
  • Previous professional experience in Burundi is desired.
  • Have an understanding of operating conditions in less stable environments.
  • Advanced analytical and report writing skills.
  • Be willing to travel to Burundi.
  • Fluent in English (both reading and writing).
  • Knowledge of French and/or Kirundi is an advantage

Application

The deadline for submission of applications is 7th of May 2017. All applications should include the following:

  • Cover letter (maximum 1 page) stating the candidate’s availability during the months of May 2017
  • CV’s (up-to-date) of all study team members, including three references with contact details.
  • Technical proposal: Which should include:
  • Brief explanation about the Consultant with particular emphasis on previous experience in this kind of work.
  • Profile of the Consultant to be involved in undertaking the evaluation. Understanding of the ToR and the task to be accomplished, including clear explanation of all qualitative and quantitative methods the consultant is proposing to use and a clear plan for data analysis.
  • Draft work plan including a detailed time schedule.
  • Financial Proposal: Which should include consultancy fees that include VAT, with a breakdown of days*fees per deliverable (excluding: accommodation and living costs; transport cost; stationeries, and supplies needed for data collection; and costs related to other persons that will take part during survey process, workshops).

Interested consultants or firms should submit their applications to vacancy@spark-online.org by 07 May 2017 with reference in the subject of email as “ABIN mid-term programme evaluation”. Further information may be requested and questions may also be discussed per telephone with Nikolaos Koufos at +31 20 7530311. Response to questions will be shared with all interested candidates. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

**Due to a large volume of applications, we cannot respond to every applicant. After the deadline for application we will screen all applications and will invite selected applicants for the first round of interviews. There may be a delay between the deadline and the moment we contact selected applicants

Attachment: SPARK_ToR for Mid Term Evaluation of Agri Business Incubation Programme