Consultant(s) to conduct a participatory assessment of potential initiatives/models/practices on women-led models/initiatives

Consultant(s) to conduct a participatory assessment of potential initiatives/models/practices on women-led models/initiatives that aim toward decent work/sustainable livelihoods for female farmers in the shrimp and rice value chain in the Mekong Delta

The External Affairs and International Cooperation Department of Vietnam Farmers' Union (VNFU), with the support of Oxfam in Vietnam is currently implementing the Project " Improved social protection and decent work for female farmers in the shrimp and rice value chains in Vietnam " (2022 – 2026). The project will focus mainly on 5 provinces: Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, An Giang, Ca Mau, and Soc Trang. The project aims to support 16,800 female farmers and seasonal agricultural workers in the shrimp and rice value chain in Mekong Delta region of Vietnam to have access to adequate labour and social protection, contributing to gender equality and (shock) resilience.

To achieve one of the expected results of the project on developing initiatives to support female farmers and seasonal agricultural workers to promote access to jobs/sustainable livelihoods, the Project Management Unit of VNFU seeks to recruit experienced consultant (groups) to conduct a participatory assessment of potential initiatives/models/practices on women-led models/initiatives that aim toward decent work/sustainable livelihoods for female farmers in the shrimp and rice value chain in the Mekong Delta and five targeted provinces, thereby identifying good models/potential initiatives to promote sustainable livelihoods/ decent work for female farmers and informal workers in the shrimp and rice value chain within the five project provinces mentioned above.

1. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The research aims to achieve the following specific goals:

• Survey, analyze and evaluate the current status and identify/ explore good models/potential initiatives to promote sustainable livelihoods for female farmers and informal workers; and propose potential/ good models and initiatives to increase income and promote sustainable livelihoods/ decent work for female farmers in 5 provinces An Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and Soc Trang.
• Develop plans, roadmaps and suggest solutions, programs/policies to support, deploy and replicate the proposed models in 5 provinces.

2. SCOPE OF WORK:

• The research will focus on assessing the current status and potential of models and initiatives to diversify livelihoods, increase income and create sustainable work for female farmers in 5 provinces including: An Giang, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang.
• Research object: Typical models and initiatives selected for evaluation related to production and processing activities in the shrimp and rice industries.
• Research period: November-December 2023

3. CONSULTANTS REQUIREMENTS

Consultant(s) need to meet the following requirements:

• Consulting team members have expertise in fields such as economics, social sciences, public policy, agriculture and fisheries and/or other related fields.
• Priority is given to candidates with extensive experience and research expertise in the shrimp and rice industries.
• The research team leader has a minimum of 10 years of experience (members have a minimum of 7 years of experience and ensure gender balance among consulting team members) in research, field surveys, planning/processing agricultural planning, agricultural industry research, qualitative and quantitative evaluation research... in the agricultural sector.
• Proficient in analysis and report writing skills.
• Good understanding of policies, sustainable agricultural and rural development issues, environment, climate change, gender equality, ...
• Have knowledge and experience in increasing women's economic empowerment in the agricultural and rural sectors.
• Have skills and experience working with farmers/farmer groups, businesses, and state agencies in localities, including provinces in the Mekong Delta.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality outputs on time as agreed.

4. APPLICATION PACKAGE

Interested consultant(s) to send technical and financial proposals via email to: [email protected] or send directly to the Project Management Unit of the Project "Improved social protection and decent work for female farmers in the shrimp and rice value chains in Vietnam” (2022 – 2026) under External Affairs and International Cooperation Department of VNFU - No. 9 Ton That Thuyet, My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi.

Applicant package includes:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) of the consultant/consulting group, profile of the consulting company/unit (if any)
• Photocopy of relevant degrees and certificates.
• Detailed technical proposal, including method, detailed implementation plan, implementation time, and work assignment within the group.
• Financial proposal (including norms/consulting fees)

The title clearly states: Application for consultancy to conduct a participatory assessment of potential initiatives/models/practices on women-led models/initiatives that aim toward decent work/sustainable livelihoods for female farmers in the shrimp and rice value chain in the Mekong Delta.

Deadline for submitting consulting documents: before 5:00 p.m. November 5, 2023.

Note: We regret that only shortlisted candidate(s) will be contacted.

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