TERMS OF REFERENCES FOR PROJECT ASSESSMENT  

Project: Sustainable Livelihoods Horticulture Value Chains Project (HVC) 

1. Background, rationale, and purpose of the project assessment 

Oxfam is a global movement of people, working together to end the injustice of poverty and inequality that keeps people poor. The movement is organized as a confederation of 20 affiliates working across the world as Oxfam International on goals that support the shared vision of a world where people are valued and treated equally, enjoy their rights as full citizens, and can influence decisions affecting their lives. Oxfam’s reputation and expertise in Rwanda puts it in a strong position to take forward a strategy that contributes to its overall vision – a just Rwanda without poverty – and to implement interventions in line with its mission – to ensure that poor men, women, and youth enjoy equal rights and benefit from fair and inclusive development.

Oxfam in Rwanda in partnership with COCOF, DUHAMIC-ADRI, and DUTERIMBERE ONG, is implementing a 4-year project entitled “Sustainable Livelihoods in Horticulture Value Chains (2020-2024)” in the districts of Nyagatare in 6 sectors), Kamonyi (5 sectors), Rulindo (4 sectors), and Nyamagabe (4 sectors). The project is funded by the European Union to unlock the potential of Rwanda’s horticultural value chains (HVC), to sustainably supply safe and high-quality products to the local, regional, and international markets. It is expected that the project will reduce food losses, increase value chain efficiencies, improve food security and promote entrepreneurial smallholders to use climatesmart technologies. The action will directly benefit at least 21,000 persons especially women (of which 55% are women), youth and men across the horticulture value chain.

Oxfam therefore seeks a highly qualified consultancy firm to conduct the annual assessment for the project “Sustainable Livelihoods in Horticulture Value Chains”. The survey will be conducted in Nyagatare, Kamonyi, Rulindo and Nyamagabe Districts where the project is implemented. The main purpose of the survey is to assess the current economic and social situation of the targeted direct beneficiaries and measure progress for identified performance indicators as indicated in the Logframe in annex:1.

2. Objective of the Project Assessment 

This project assessment will measure the performance of the “Sustainable Livelihoods in Horticulture Value Chains Project (HVC)” during its final year, as part of its annual reporting process. It is an important element in the monitoring of HVC project activities and Logical Framework and it will measure progress of project indicators in the project framework and enable Oxfam and partners to measure the intended outcomes. The assessment will also provide quality qualitative and quantitative data information needed during endline evaluation and multiple stakeholders. 

3. Expected deliverables.
   • To gather project information(cumulative) as per updated project logframe for the project in 4 districts
   • Produce a project logframe with updated data on each project level indicator, testing the availability of quality data and highlighting where there might be data gaps, if necessary
   • Assess project effectiveness in its final year.
4. Assessment approach and methodology 

Interested firms are invited to provide detailed technical and financial proposals (including detailed research methodology, techniques of data collection, analysis, sampling framework, and detailed presentation of costs). 

Proposals of interested firms will have to contain an explanation on how collected quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated with national, regional and international statistics/data.  

A comprehensive methodology will include detailed data collection tools, analysis, and sampling framework.  The assessment exercise will entail:

• Desk review and literature review
• Inception report including survey tools (quantitative and qualitative tools) Scientifically acceptable and appropriate data collection methodologies for data collection in line with Oxfam guidelines.
• Management of field researchers and required clearances. o Training of the enumerators (if required) o Pre- testing and translation of the questionnaires
• Data processing (collection, entry, cleaning, verification, and analysis) o Report results writing (draft and final version)  o Presentation workshop of draft reports to Oxfam in Rwanda Programme team for validation. 

5. Duration of the assignment 

The assessment is expected to be completed within 22 working days from the day of contract signature. Interested firms will be expected to present realistic work schedules which should be followed respecting final deadlines. Any delays in the undertaking of the assessment which will not have been cleared prior to implementation will result in penalties to be specified in the contractual agreements. 

6. Contractual obligations 

The assessment will be commissioned by Oxfam in Rwanda. The winning firm will enter into contractual agreement with Oxfam in Rwanda. The undertaking of the assessment study shall be coordinated closely with local implementing partners DUTERIMBERE ONG, COCOF and DUHAMIC ADRI. The winning firm shall therefore be required to liaise with Oxfam in Rwanda designated staff and mentioned institutions’ designated staff while carrying the assessment. 

7. Qualification and required experience for the assignment. 

Interested firms will be evaluated on the following: 

• Have a minimum of five years proven research work experience in rural development, agricultural development, agricultural economics, horticulture value chains development, Statistics and other related fields.
• The team leader should have a minimum of 8 years of working experience in and agriculture/rural development related research. o S/he have solid understanding of gender and experience with gender analysis. o Strong experience in livelihoods action research and surveys o Strong experience in food security, horticulture value chains o Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative Data collection tools, data analysis and report writing o Demonstrated records of similar studies conducted recently.
• Experience in Stata or SPSS use and practical application in social research is required. o Prior work experience in Rwanda is strongly recommended.

8. Application process

Only one proposal per consulting firm will be accepted. Proposals must include the following:  o Cover letter highlighting experience of similar work undertaken, why the consultant(s) are interested in this opportunity and what they can offer. 

• Technical proposal indicating study approach, methodology (sampling techniques) and work plan. o Financial proposal showing a clear budget breakdown at each activity stage and total amount expressed in Rwandan Francs.  o Updated CVs of the research team with relevant work experience, formal education qualifications and 3 referees.  o At least three certificates of completion/proof of completion of recent, similar research/studies. 

9. Additional requirements
   • Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda.
   • A good knowledge of French is required.
   • Proof of RRA and RSSB clearance certificate.
   • Proof of VAT CERTIFICATE
   • Proof of registration certificate confirming legally registered in Rwanda.

10. How to apply 

Please submit your expression of interest, updated CV, technical proposal, and financial proposal to Kigaliprocurement@oxfam.org.uk, with copy to kigali@oxfam.org.uk with subject project Survey for the project “Sustainable Livelihoods in Horticulture Value Chain”, not later than 16^th February 2024 at 12 noon. 

11. Proposed timelines

12. Ethics and safeguarding

Oxfam has a zero-tolerance policy towards inaction against sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse.  Oxfam’s ethics for safeguarding will be emphasized and remain mandatory throughout the process of the undertaking of the mapping study. Engagements and support will aim to create and maintain safe, equitable, and inclusive culture where all those who work for and with Oxfam as well as those in the communities where Oxfam operates are treated with dignity and their rights and voices are heard and respected.  

Consultants will be expected to read, sign, and adhere to the Oxfam Code of Conduct and follow Oxfam’s Ethical Content Guidelines.