Request for Proposals (RFP): Consulting Services for Incubation of Small Nutrition-Sensitive Businesses

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: MBA/MSc/MA
Experience: 5 years
Location: Nairobi
Job Field: Agriculture / Agro-Allied, Consultancy, Project Management

Purpose of the Consulting Engagement:

The objective of this consultancy is to assist Concern in developing a tailored, gender-responsive accelerator platform for small businesses in informal settlements within Nairobi City County (specifically Mukuru Njenga, Mukuru Reuben, Viwandani, and Mathare). The focus is on reviewing the business ecosystem, determining a gender-transformative business incubation strategy, and identifying policy gaps at both the National and County levels to support the growth and equal participation of small businesses in these settlements.

Objectives and Specific Tasks for the Consultant(s):

1. Review of the Ecosystem:
   • Analyze food value chains and estimated market values.
   • Map business chains, employing Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) and Value Chain Analysis approaches.
   • Identify social demographic characteristics of small business owners, with a focus on gender and intersectionality.
   • Assess available financial facilities for small businesses.
   • Identify enablers and barriers of operating small businesses in urban informal settlements.
2. Develop Gender-Transformative Business Incubation Approach:
   • Recommend options and approaches for a business incubator fostering sustainable, gender-transformative enterprises.
   • Establish quality improvement criteria for the graduation of small businesses.
   • Identify and recommend financial options for the scale-up of small businesses.
3. Policy Gap Analysis:
   • Review legislative and regulatory frameworks affecting small businesses in urban informal settlements.
   • Recommend key policy gaps for creating an enabling business environment for small enterprises.
   • Provide evidence-based recommendations on policy foundations related to gender, entrepreneurship, and informal urbanism.

Expected Deliverables:

1. Inception report outlining the approach/methodology and execution program.
2. Submission of data collection tools along with the inception report.
3. Preliminary report.
4. Final report, including an executive summary and clear conclusions/recommendations.

Lines of Communication:

The consultant will collaborate closely with the Programme Director and Health and Nutrition Coordinator.

Timeframe:

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 30 days.

Essential and Desirable Experience/Qualifications:

The consultancy team should be multidisciplinary, with at least one consultant having an Agribusiness background. Key qualifications include:

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Economics, Business related disciplines, or Development Studies.
• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in agribusiness research/practice.
• Familiarity with the Kenyan urban context, particularly the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP).
• Experience with gender mainstreaming, M&E, advocacy, and participatory tools.
• Past experience in crop value chain development.

Required Documentation with Proposal:

• Certificate of Incorporation (firms) or National ID card (individual).
• Valid Tax Compliance Certificate.
• PIN Certificate.
• Company/Consultant’s Profile.
• CVs of key staff.
• Certificate/reference information from previous similar contracts with NGOs/UN agencies.
• Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, or provisions for safety during engagement.
• Copy of Certificate of Good Conduct or proof of application.
• Confirmation of the gender ratio for the engaged team.
• Detailed work plan with milestones.

Method of Application:

Interested candidates meeting the requirements should submit proposals by email to Consultancies.Kenya@concern.net with the subject line “SR104349 – Consultancy for Incubation of Small Nutrition-Sensitive Businesses in Nairobi City County” by 6th December 2023.