TechnoServe is seeking proposals from qualified consultants for the following scope of work. For information on timeline, application requirements, and evaluation criteria, please review the full Request for Proposals P0025250 here. Please submit your proposal for this consultancy to buy+UG+P0025250@tns.org by November 12, 2023.

SCOPE OF WORK
Consultancy for the Horticulture Market Acceleration Project (HortiMAP) Carbon Footprint Measurement
Expected start date: December 1, 2023
Subject: Scope of work to conduct greenhouse gas emission / carbon footprint surveys for the HortiMAP in selected sites of Central, Eastern and South Western Uganda
1 Background

1.1 TechnoServe

TechnoServe is an international nonprofit organization that promotes business solutions to poverty in the developing world. It is headquartered in Rosslyn, VA and operates in 29 countries worldwide. TechnoServe's mission is to work with enterprising men and women in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries. It does this by linking people to information, capital, and markets. With more than 50 years of proven results, TechnoServe believes in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

1.2 Project background

TechnoServe Uganda, in partnership with Wageningen University and Research (WUR), BidCapital Partners, and PUM Netherlands, is implementing the Horticulture Market Acceleration Project (HortiMAP) in 33 districts spread across three Ugandan regions; Mt. Elgon region in the Eastern, Kigezi region in the Central, and the Lake Victoria crescent in the South West. The project is employing two approaches, one direct through internal staff and the other facilitative through SMEs, to deliver unique solutions in the form of products, services, and opportunities that solve crucial constraints faced by smallholder and entrepreneurial farmers involved in the sector with focus on 12 horticulture value chains; Tomato, Pepper, Eggplants, cabbage, water melon, pineapple, passion fruit, mangoes, avocado, Okra, carrots and onions.
HortiMAP seeks the services of an experienced consultant to undertake the measurement of green-house gas / carbon emission measurement in the three regions of the project operation.
Specifically, the objective of this consultancy is to calculate the carbon footprint of producers participating in HortiMAP to understand the project’s positive impact on the environment through its support to farmers and their consequent adoption of regenerative agricultural practices. The same also applies to the businesses the project is working with and their consequent adoption of regenerative business practices. With the aim of informing the project’s improved management to learn lessons and strengthen regenerative outcomes, as well as assessing the project’s final impact, the survey should consist of the following:
• Calculation of gas emissions across the entire value chain but especially among participating producers’ greenhouse gas emissions based on 1) on-farm productive practices, including soil management; 2) transportation and processing of agricultural products, and 3) emissions by relevant agribusinesses within the scope of the project’s target value chain actors
• Projection of long-term emissions reduction potential within the target value chain
2 Methodology

The assessment should rely on measurement and modeling methodologies that are consistent with industry standards, localized emissions factors consistent with the Project’s productive context, and project-specific data, such as the comprehensive baseline survey. We anticipate that data collection and analysis will include, but not be limited to the following:
● Review published data, available research, and existing tools and/or frameworks related to emissions factors, and other relevant data points to inform rigorous estimates of carbon footprints within the target value chain and geography
● Review of existing tools and literature related to carbon footprint reduction resulting from shortened supply chains
● Key informant interviews with value chain actors in the targeted geography
● Field survey using the available carbon footprint measurement tools.
● Interviews with key HortiMAP project staff
● Review of project materials and data
The deliverables include:
● An inception presentation that details:
1. The methodology, emissions indicators and factors, and other frameworks to be used for the carbon surveys, and
2. A work plan for implementation
● A database of sector- and geography-specific emissions factors for carbon footprint calculations, and documented assumptions related to those data points
● One final report detailing the results of the carbon footprint calculations
● Presentation to Project leadership on the outcomes of the consultancy, with a focus on recommended adaptations to program design, future measurement initiatives, and impact potential for emissions reductions
2.1 Period and Location of Performance

The Assignment will be carried out specifically in selected sites in Kigezi, Mt. Elgon and Lake Victoria crescent sub-regions of Uganda. The Baseline measurement is expected by February 28th 2024 and the potential End-line measurement by November 30th 2024.

3 Required Skills & Experience

A competitive bid for the contractor role will demonstrate:
● Experienced climate change and environment consultant with expertise in measuring calculating carbon footprints for agricultural value chains at the smallholder level
● At least 7 years of relevant experience required in areas related to climate change, climate smart agricultural development, carbon accounting, soil surveys, environmental and socio-economic development; with experience in Africa, particularly Uganda, preferred
● Experience with smallholder agriculture and agribusinesses, and experience with carbon avoidance and sequestration for both farming and business emissions
● Ability to facilitate and relate to stakeholders at multiple levels
● Sensitivity to cultural/historical context in the data collection process
● Track record of environmental impact measurement, with specific experience in carbon footprint calculations
● Proven ability to work within limited time constraints in the preparation of high quality documents
● Expertise/experience in the agriculture sector required
● Proven analytical and quantitative skills.
● Advanced degree in Agriculture; Agricultural Economics; Environmental Science or a related discipline
● Excellent writing skills, advocacy, communication and presentational skills
● Strong computer skills, including MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
● Ability to work independently, flexibly, and responsively to deadlines
● Proficiency in English

4 Evaluation of Proposals

The evaluation of each response to this consultancy will be based on the criteria set out below. At the sole discretion of TechnoServe, the top proposals may be selected for follow-up questions.
● Experience and past performance (as demonstrated in the applicant’s proposal and based on the reference check) – 35%
● Work plan & approach (tailored to HortiMAP’s unique design and context) – 35%
● Cost proposal – 30%
TechnoServe reserves the right to award the contract to the consultant or firm whose proposal is deemed to be in the best interest of TechnoServe and the Donor. The consultant or firm with the winning proposal will be notified in writing. Applicants who are not selected will also be notified.
TechnoServe will organize interview meetings with the pre-selected bidders for an in-depth presentation of the proposals. TechnoServe will not award a contract to any bidder where there is indication of a lack of business integrity.
5 Reporting

The Consultant will report to the Director of HortiMAP and designated staff.

6 Duration of assignment

This consultancy will be undertaken within six months from the effective date of contract signing.

7 Requirements/Skills.

The consultant will be expected to meet the following requirements.
a) The Consultant should possess at least a postgraduate degree in Business management, cooperative management or related fields from a recognized and reputable institution.
b) Have at least Ten years of proven experience in formation and capacity building for community based farmer groups, producer organizations and cooperatives.
c) Experience in agriculture marketing, financial inclusion and provision of business development services to producer organizations will be an added advantage.
d) Experience working with a cross-section of stakeholders, including Public and Private sectors, development partners, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community based organizations (CBOs).
e) Availability to start on short notice.
f) Ability to deliver and complete the assignment within six months by the end of April 2024

8 Application Process and Deadline

All suitably qualified Individuals are invited to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) with a 2-page proposal highlighting technical understanding, methodology, covering the points outlined in the TOR and accompanied by the following application documents:
• Letter of motivation outlining motivation and how experience, skills, qualifications, and professional fit with the required service description.
• Curriculum vitae or Résumé with full details of experience, achievements, qualifications, and names
• Contact details of three (3) references
• Work Plan and Budget, please clearly separate the personnel/consultancy cost from the direct event costs for activities such as workshops and meetings
• All costs/fees should be presented in Uganda Shillings

Expressions of interest (EOI) should be addressed to Annette Bogere at abogere@tns.org by 15th November 2023.