1. Introduction
MESPT is a development organization established to support sustainable economic development of smallholder farmers and Agri Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to increase productivity, income and enhance competitiveness for job creation especially for youth and women. MESPT provides business development and financial services geared towards increased business growth and expansion, enhanced access to finance and financial inclusion, increased agricultural productivity, accelerated development, increased adoption of green technologies and growth of MSMEs for decent job creation, increased incomes and capital investment for MSMEs and climate resilience. MESPT has been in existence since 2002. For more information refer to www.mespt.org
In the 2021 – 2025 strategi Plan, MESPT has 4 thematic areas of focus that provide a framework of translating and operationalizing the vision, mission, core values and objects of the Trust. They include; Agri- Enterprise Development where we are working towards facilitating the establishment and growth of 100 sustainable agri enterprises and integrate at least 75,000 smallholder farmers in targeted agricultural Value Chains in Kenya. Through incubation and acceleration of agribusinesses; market access; business resilience and recovery and building the capacity of Farmer Groups and Farmer organizations; the second thematic area is Access to Finance; this is geared towardscontributing to Sustainable financial investments amongst Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for socio-economic development of all target smallholder farmers (40% women and 30% youth) increasing their incomes and livelihoods thus resulting in a more inclusive economic & social development in in Kenya; the third thematic areas is on Agricultural Productivity and Food safety this focuses on enhancing skills and competencies of value chain actors on Good Agricultural and Livestock Management Practices that increase productivity and enhance food safety; and the fourth theme is on Green Transformation that aims atpromoting efficient and sustainable use of natural resources, including energy, water, land, and materials; promotion of green economic opportunities for investment and mainstreaming green economy into all forms of farmer training and Support green technology start-ups.
MESPT is currently implementing a portfolio of 4 projects with a budget value of KES. 2 billion in over 27 counties of Kenya. These projects include;1) Regenerative Ecoregion Foodscape Initiative (REFI) whereMESPT in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is piloting Regenerative agriculture in 5 central highlands counties of Laikipia, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi and Nyandarua. The project is seeking to innovate for market-based solutions that accelerate the increase of adoption of regenerative agricultural practices in the Central Highlands Ecoregion Foodscape. The pilot project started in July 2022 to August 2023 with a budget of $178,000. 2) Spurring Job Creation in Kenya by enhancing the Competitiveness of the Banana Sub Sector, this is aproject implemented in a consortium of three organizations i.e MESPT, ORANA, WANDA in Taita Taveta County and aims to build the agricultural capacity of 2000 smallholder farmers in sustainable agricultural practices and facilitate linkages to local and international markets. The budget of the project is DKK 73,268,212 of which DKK 9,747,780 is provided by DANIDA and the difference is a contribution by the 2 commercial partners. 3) Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP) is a 5-year programme (January 2021 – December 2025) aimed at creating 3,000 decent jobs in selected value chains and targets 40,000 farmers linked to market and 20,000 facilitated to access credit. The total budget of the project is DKK 70,000,000. 4) AgriFI Food Safety Programmeis an EU 6-year (2018 –2023) funded programme focusing on increased agricultural productivity and Food Safety (Sanitary & Phyto-sanitary Standards –(SPS)), Plant and Animal Health in 13 counties. The project budget is Eur.7M.
2. Background and Rationale of the assignment
Resource mobilisation is a key MESPT function with the objective of facilitating the delivery of MESPT’S strategic agenda and her sustainability. In line with this MESPT intends to respond to a call by the DGPB under the ‘Danida Green Business Partnership’ funding window which aims at creating market-based solutions to climate and environmental challenges while contributing to economic growth, job creation and improved livelihood.
- DGBP is open for project applications that combine a good business case with a positive impact on climate change, the environment, economic growth and people’s livelihoods.
- Supports partnerships in developing countries aimed at creating new market-based solutions to climate and environmental challenges while contributing to economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods.’
The programme aims to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular climate change, environmental and biodiversity degradation, and inclusive growth.
The deadline for submission of the concept notes to be considered for this year’s cycle is 1st June 2023, 1PM CEST (Danish time).
3. Objective of the consultancy
The Consultant will take the lead, in conjunction with the resource mobilization function and other identified stakeholders, in developing a compelling, evidence-based concept note for submission in accordance with request for concept note guidelines.
4. Scope of the assignment
The consultant is expected to undertake the following:
- Exhaustively review the call and work with MESPT in developing the most innovative inclusive model based on the two outcome areas provided in the call result framework.
- Work with the resource mobilization function to finalized on the identification and engagement of potential and relevant partner(s) as per the call’s guidelines.
- Organize meetings/workshops (online and physical) with MESPT team + partners for brainstorming and concept development.
- Validate the set framework of geographical areas / activities / target groups / approach, in collaboration with MESPT’s team.
- Take lead during the development of the concept note.
- Submit a compelling, evidence-based concept note to MESPT’s management and partner(s) within the agreed timelines but at least 7 days to the internal deadline for the call which is 1st June 2023.
- Incorporate feedback from MESPT team and partners and submit a final copy by 1st June 2023.
5. Expected Deliverables
- Upon signing of contract, the consultant is expected to produce an inception report and a detailed workplan of the activities to be undertaken with clear timelines, in line with the TOR and the call.
- Write and submit to MESPT a comprehensive draft concept note as per the call’s guidelines and requirement but also include a theory of change, log frame and budget.
- Work with relevant MESPT team to edit and finalize.
- Submit a complete concept note to MESPT.
6. Outcome of the Consultancy
A completed, comprehensive concept note with all related documents/details as per the donor/ call requirements.
7. Duration/Indicative Schedule/Level of Effort
The level of effort for this assignment is estimated to be up to a maximum of 10 days.
8. Budget
The maximum available budget for this assignment is KES 300,000 inclusive of taxes and the suitable candidate will be selected based on their technical proposal.
9. Reporting
The consultant will work closely with the relevant team(s) and report to the Partnership & Fundraising Coordinator at MESPT.
10. Resources
The Consultant will be paid a negotiated amount in accordance with MESPT guidelines. MESPT will also prepare a detailed contract for the exercise and will retain 5% Withholding Tax as required by Kenya Revenue Authority.
11. Payment
The payment plan to the Consultant will be as follows: -
- 30% upon submission of an acceptable inception report and detailed activity workplan
- 30% upon submission and presentation of an acceptable concept note with all the required details as per the call.
- 40% upon incorporation of comments, completion, and submission of the final acceptable concept note with all the required details as per the call.
12. Ownership and Beneficiaries of the proposals
All documents produced under this assignment shall be the sole property of MESPT and may be used for any purpose whatsoever without the need to consult with the author.
13. Qualification and Competencies
The consultant will bring to the concept development process previous experience from developing and writing successful integrated, multi-sectoral, proposals and concept notes. In addition, the consultant must possess the following: -
- An advanced university degree (preferably master’s degree) in natural resources management, development studies and other related social sciences/ disciplines.
- Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in proposal + concept note development and/or project management in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Strong program design skills, including capacity to prepare logical, coherent, and consistent documents such as log frames and budgets.
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively with project members in various locations and from multiple organizations.
- Ability to integrate different experiences, methodologies, and approaches from a diverse range of stakeholders, organizations, and technical experts from multiple sectors.
- Excellent English speaking/writing skills required; prior experience of facilitating multi-stakeholder proposal writing sessions.
Tender Evaluation (Technical)
The applicant whose technical proposal has highest technical evaluation score will be considered for award of a contract at the set budget for this assignment.
How to apply
Interested applicants from individual consultants only should send detailed technical proposals with a CV and examples of previous work and a covering letter explaining how their experience addresses the requirements of the TOR to the email address tender@mespt.org by 3rd May 2022 5.00pm.