AGROPRENEURS ZONE: APPLY FOR IFAD VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

1.0 Introduction

The Federal Government of Nigeria received a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) towards the cost of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), and intends to apply part of the proceed towards procurement of goods , works and services. The VCDPIs a six years Intervention programme presently being implemented in six states of Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Ogun, Niger and Taraba and three Local Government Areas each in all the States while two more Local government Areas are expected to join in the programme implementation based on performance.

The programme has the following components: (a) Agricultural Market Development which Includes (Support to value addition and market linkages, Support to Infrastructure) (b) Small Holders Production Enhancement which includes [Support to farmers organization, Support to small holders production] and (c) Programme Management and Coordination.

The VCDP States Programme Management Units (SPMUs) Intend to expand/update their respective data base of service providers on the above mentioned Areas. Eligible Individual consultants, consulting and contracting firms are invited to indicate interest in working for the programme.

Eligible individuals/firms are invited to indicate interest as service providers in any of the following State Value Chain Development Programmes (i) Anambra (ii) Benue (iii) Ebonyi (iv) Niger (v) Ogun and (vi) Taraba

2.0 Programme Objective and Target

The Programmes objective is that the incomes and food security of poor rural households engaged in production, processing and marketing of rice and cassava in the Programme Area are enhanced on a sustainable basis.

3.0 Consultancy

The respective SPMUs hereby invite eligible/qualified individual consultants and firms to express interest in offering their services in the following specialist areas;

3.1 Agricultural Production Services

Qualification and Experience

The consultant must have a strong institutional capability with a team of such experts/professionals as Agronomists, Soil scientists, Extension specialists with strong entrepreneurial skills and degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics and other related fields, A first degree in Agriculture/field crop production/Agronomy (or related fields). Holder of an advanced degree in relevant -fields will be an added advantage; Must have demonstrated ten (10) years minimum work experience in field crop production/agribusiness/value chain development.

3.2 Market Enterprise and Development Advisory Services

The requisite qualifications of the Consultant/ firm shall include the following:

A team of experts with minimum of first degree in Agriculture Economics, Economics or Business Administration or Marketing (or equivalent) and be computer literate. An advanced degree in relevant field will be an added advantage;

Proven track record in product and market development issues with capacity to handle transactions from farm gate to contract deliveries and ability to motivate, inspire and achieve results will be an added advantage. Experienced off-takers firms are also needed.

3.3 Agro Processing and Quality Enhancement Services

The requisite qualifications of the Consultant shall include a minimum of Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma in Agricultural/Food Engineering or Food Science and Technology. Advanced degrees will be added advantage. Strong background in engineering and technological aspects of agro processing and agricultural product handling (storage, preservation and packaging)

3.4 Market/Value Chain Infrastructure Services

The consultant shall have a minimum of first degree in civil highway, Irrigation; water, structural, agricultural engineering, land surveying, building, quantity-surveying, land surveying, architecture with registration with relevant professional bodies. A minimum of five years’ experience in rural/market. Infrastructure construction and management in developing countries in any of the field mentioned above, especially in Nigeria is required.

3.5 The Monitoring & Evaluation/Information System Services

The consultant shall have a minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation of agricultural projects in developing countries especially in Nigeria. The firm or individual shall have sound technical background in agriculture and rural development projects and be conversant with the participatory impact assessment of such projects especially in the aspect of M&E and knowledge management. A master or higher level University degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics or other relevant fields is required.

3.6 Procurement Advisory Services

The requisite qualification of the firm/individual Consultant shall include a first degree in Engineering, Business Administration. Sciences, Humanities, Law or Marketing (or equivalent) and be computer literate. Holder of an advanced degree in relevant field will be an added advantage; Five (5) years minimum experience in the field or procurement with the private or public sector. Experience in IFAD or any other international financial Institutions is required.

3.7 Financial Management Services

The requisite qualifications of the Consultant shall include a Masters or higher level University degree in Accountancy, Agricultural Economics, Business Management, Finance, Economics or other relevant fields. A professional qualification (ACA, ANAN, ACCA) with at least 6 years of post-qualification experience. A minimum of 5 years' experience in management team of donor funded projects. Strong working knowledge of both national and international accounting procedures

3.8 Knowledge Management and Communication services.

The consultant shall possess a first degree in Mass Communications, English or relevant social sciences, humanities (or equivalent) and be computer literate Holder of an advanced degree in relevant field will be an added advantage, Five (5) years minimum experience in the field of knowledge management and communications. Proven track record and evidence of work in International Development and/or private sector. Good oral and verbal communication skills;

3.9 Rural Institution, Youth and Gender Advisory services

The consultant firm shall possess a master or higher level University Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Education and other relevant discipline. Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience including at least 2 years in implementation of projects integrating strengthening of Farmers organization and gender issues. Knowledge in participatory approaches and gender mainstreaming.

4.0 Non Consultancy Services

4.1 General services

(i) Security services

Provide security services to the office accommodation of the VCDP-NPMU on every hour basis. The firm must be registered with the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps and certified to carry out security function in the country. It must have a minimum of five years’ experience handling corporate security arrangement-

(ii) Catering / Hospitality Services.

Provide feeding and hosting during/of events such as trainings, workshops, meetings, and supervision missions especially in programme areas of Abuja, Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Ogun, Niger and Taraba states. Hotels must have various categories of halls and located in the state capitals. It must be decent, accessible, and adequately secured. The hotel must be certified by the relevant agencies to operate in Nigeria.

(iii) Cleaning Services

Carry out general cleaning of entire office accommodation (including refuse/waste disposal handling) using approved standards with environmentally friendly chemicals and methods. The company must have a minimum of five years’ experience in handling corporate cleaning services assignments.

(iv) Information Communication Technology services

Provide an efficient internet service / connectivity within the office premises of the VCDP. Support the networking of the various platforms of the VCDP using a central server system. Provide regular upgrade and maintenance of ICT equipment. The firm must have a minimum of three years’ experience in providing ICT support backbone to corporate organisations

(v) Printing and publishing services

Support the VCDP in producing printing materials such as files, doziers, fliers, manuals, magazines, banners, certificates, log / records books, store receipts, vouchers etc. and branding Items.

5.0 Goods

Capable firms with experience in the supply of agro equipment and machineries for cassava and rice production/processing, agro inputs (fertilizers, agro-chemicals, seeds and seedlings). Stationeries, computer consumables and general office items etc.

6.0 Works

Firms with requisite experience in agro buildings construction and rehabilitation, land development activities, water supplies and reticulation, farm roads repairs/rehabilitation, small scale irrigation schemes, markets and related structures, small scale flood and erosion control schemes.

7.0 Criteria for Evaluation

The following criteria will be used in evaluating the consultants/firms;

· Adequacy of the assignment

· Qualifications and years of Experience

· Participation in similar assignments in IFAD and other donor propels

· Financial Capacity

· Adequate knowledge of the terrain

· Availability of competent staff

· Availability of equipment/machinery to deliver service

Eligible firms are encouraged to express interest in providing services as only firms will be qualified to compete for certain assignments instead of individual consultants. Consultancy firms and contractors should submit their corporate profile indicating certificate of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission and documents satisfying the evaluation criteria. Individual Consultants should submit their detailed curriculum vitae with covering letter indicating area of interest.

8.0 Submission of Expression of Interests (EOls)

Interested companies should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications, capacity and relevant experience in similar and related assignment to render the services. Interested companies may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 8.00 to 16:00 Hours (Nigeria time), Mondays – Fridays.

Three hard copies of Expressions of Interest must be delivered to the State Programme Management Units (SPMUs) of interest as listed in the addresses below and mention the particular interest being expressed at right corner of the envelope.

All submissions should be addressed and deliverer in a sealed envelope not later than 12.00pm on 6th March 2017 to the address:

1. Anambra SPMU