Terms of Reference

Development of project business plan and sustainability strategy for the project “Green Aregak: Social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities through green agriculture” Emili Aregak Center in Gyumri, Armenia

1.Background

“Green Aregak: Social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities through green agriculture” is implemented by Caritas Aregak Foundation between 01.12.2022 and 31.08.2025 and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Caritas Austria. Set at Emili Aregak Center (EAC) in Gyumri, a holistic and innovative developmental center for people with disabilities (PWD), the project aims to contribute to the socio-economic inclusion and self-reliance of people with disabilities and their families in the larger Gyumri area of Armenia through inclusive and equitable green agriculture initiatives.

Specifically, the project aims to 1) improve the livelihoods and self-reliance of young women and men with disabilities, their families and vulnerable youth, with a particular focus on women, and 2) increase awareness about the social and economic inclusion of PWD and green agriculture in the larger Gyumri area. The main activities include, among others, theoretical and practical training in green agriculture, job coaching, awareness-raising and mentorship for improving PWD’s access to the agriculture-related labor market, gender training for staff, developing a green agricultural development concept for EAC, constructing a disability-friendly passive solar greenhouse as well as outreach activities to promote green agriculture and the socio-economic inclusion of PWD.

Unemployment is high among youth in Armenia and has been further exacerbated by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn. The effects of the devastating earthquake in 1988 are still felt in the economic situation in the Gyumri area, which belongs to the poorest regions of Armenia. Overall, PWD, who constitute at least 6% of the Armenian population, remain largely excluded from participation in society and the labor market due to a multitude of barriers, inaccessibility, stigma and stereotypes. Because of economic and social discrimination, there are significantly fewer opportunities for PWD to work, and they are particularly affected by poverty. Agriculture, one of the core sectors of the Armenian economy, is a great field for PWD, and there is great potential for green and climate- smart agriculture in Armenia.

As part of the Green Aregak project, Caritas Aregak Foundation is seeking to engage an experienced consultant to:

  • Develop a general study of the Gyumri agricultural market;
  • Develop a business plan and sustainability strategy to ensure that Green Aregak can generate enough profit to sustain itself.

 

  2.Objective and Scope

The purpose of the general agricultural market study is to thoroughly understand the agricultural market in Gyumri, what products grow well in the soil-based, passive solar greenhouse environment intended at EAC and what will sell well in the market. The study should include the following components:

  • Analysis of agro-products to determine what can grow in the soil-based, passive solar greenhouse environment in Gyumri
  • Demand analysis on similar products
  • Competitive analysis on similar products
  • Competitor mapping and positioning
  • Description of potential customers
  • Thorough analysis of customer preferences, deci
  • sion-making process and influences
  • Conclusions and recommendations

 

The purpose of the project business plan and sustainability strategy is to provide overall direction to EAC on how to maximize the profitability of Green Aregak while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and social responsibility in line with the mission of the Center. The plan should show clear achievable targets within defined timelines and include the following components:

  • Business model and description of operations/services
  • Financial model calculation, including revenue projections over five years according to different scenarios
  • Sales and marketing strategy targeting potential customers, partners and distribution channels
  • Risk analysis and mitigation
  • Identification of key performance indicators to assess the success of the project
  • Conclusions and recommendations

Methodology
The methodology is to be developed and specified by the consultant/team.

Deliverables
In close coordination with the Caritas Aregak Foundation project manager, the business consultant is expected to deliver the following:
(1)   General Agricultural Market Study:

  • Inception report detailing proposed approach, methodology and overview of secondary data review;
  • Draft and final agricultural market study detailing analysed findings, including a summary and recommendations;

(2)   Business Plan and sustainability strategy:

  • Inception report detailing proposed approach, methodology and situation analysis;
  • Draft and final business plan and sustainability strategy, including a financial and operational plan and a plan for measuring performance

5.  Workplan and Timeline
The assignment is expected to be concluded within two months from the start date.

6.  Required Profile of Consultant

  • Advanced university degree in business, marketing, or any other area relevant to the requirements of the ToR;
  • At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in undertaking similar assignments, preferably in the field of agriculture;
  • Demonstrated experience working with NGOs/civil society organisations or social business;
  • Excellent communication, report writing, research and analytical skills;
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is required

7.  Application Procedure
Caritas Aregak Foundation invites interested and qualified candidates to submit their proposal demonstrating their ability to deliver on this assignment with the subject Business Plan to caritasaregak@gmail.com. The following documents should be submitted as part of the application:

  • Technical proposal, including a brief description of the understanding of the assignment, suggested analysis design, approach, workplan and timeline
  • Financial proposal, including fees and other costs
  • CV

The deadline for submission of proposals is of May 19, 2023, 12:00. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted by May 26.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Technical offer Weight
Experience in relevant sector 60 %
Link to the ToR
Feasibility of time plan
Financial offer 40 %