Terms of Reference

Title: Developing Green Skills to Promote Green Entrepreneurship at the Local Level in Thatta

Project Title: 'Restoring Social Services and Climate Resilience' project,

Donor: Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

1. Background

Pakistan is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries, facing increasing threats from hydro-meteorological disasters such as floods, cyclones, and droughts. District Thatta, in particular, experiences recurring natural hazards intensified by climate change, resulting in widespread infrastructure damage, loss of livelihoods, and social disruption.

Despite past reconstruction efforts, long-term sustainability has remained elusive due to reliance on high-carbon materials and top-down, handout-based models. In response, Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) proposes a new, community-centered approach aligned with sustainable, low-carbon development principles. This concept focuses on skill-building, green entrepreneurship, and local ownership for long-term resilience. This initiative is part of the 'Restoring Social Services and Climate Resilience' project, funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). The project aims to restore basic social services, enhance climate resilience, improve food security through climate-resilient livelihoods, and build local capacity for climate-resilient planning. It targets 21 villages across UC Bijora and UC Garrho in District Thatta, benefiting 50,000 community members.

2. Objective of the Initiative

To equip vulnerable communities in Thatta with practical green skills for climate-resilient construction, and to support the creation of local green entrepreneurs who can lead the replication of sustainable living practices.

Following the training, a series of community-led activities were initiated to ensure practical application and knowledge dissemination. Trainees began by constructing smokeless stoves in their own homes and mobilized at least three neighboring households to replicate the model, fostering peer-to-peer learning. Additionally, handwashing basins were built both at homes and communal toilet facilities, encouraging hygiene practices through hands-on implementation and promoting behavioral change. Participants also engaged directly with real-time construction projects to reinforce their learning. In preparation for the monsoon season, communities assessed and strengthened vulnerable homes using lime-stabilized techniques to enhance climate resilience. These activities are expected to result in 25–30 trained local artisans skilled in low-carbon, climate-resilient construction; the establishment of functional green micro-enterprises; widespread replication of fuel-efficient stoves and hygiene infrastructure; increased community resilience to disasters; and improved health outcomes through reduced indoor air pollution, particularly benefiting women and children.

3. Target Group

• 25–30 men and women from two targeted Union Councils of Thatta
• Selected based on their interest and capacity to learn or apply basic construction skills

Priority will be given to individuals with a willingness to work as skilled or unskilled laborers in SCF/PPAF-related activities

4. Key Components and Activities

1. Capacity Building on Green Construction

• Training of Trainers (ToT) model with a 5 day program (including travel)
• Focus on bamboo structures, clay-based materials, lime stabilization, and sun-dried bricks
• Gender-balanced, participatory methods with hands-on practice

2. Promotion of Smoke-Free Living Practices

• Construction of fuel-efficient smokeless stoves (Chulahs) by trainees
• Health, hygiene, and environmental benefits emphasized
• Potential for trainees to replicate stoves and become community-based trainers

3. Support for Green Entrepreneurship

Provision of technical and asset-based support to promote local enterprise:

• Workshop Setup (for tools, training, and production)
• Drawings and Designs for stove and kiln construction
• Construction of:
• Field Kilns (for small terracotta products)
• Wood Kilns (for larger products)
• Village Workplaces (prefabricated bamboo log pavilions)
• Supply of required materials and equipment

4. Extended Supervision & Monitoring

• Four months of on-the-job mentorship
• Real-time communication and guidance through a dedicated WhatsApp group
• Continuous technical oversight of kiln operations and product quality

5. Methodology

• Hands-on, experiential learning
• Use of local knowledge and materials
• Gender-sensitive approach ensuring equal participation
• Group discussions, role plays, field visits, simulations

6. Duration

7 days (including 5 days of training and travel time)

Criteria for Submission of Technical and Financial Proposals

Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) invites consultant/firm for the implementation of activities outlined in this ToR. Interested parties must meet the following criteria and submit all required documentation by the specified deadline:

1. Eligibility Criteria:

• The consultant/firm must be a registered business entity (Company/Firm/Individual with valid registration with the relevant authorities.
• The consultant/firm must have a valid NTN (National Tax Number) and/or relevant taxation documents.
• Preference will be given to vendors with prior experience working with non-profit organizations, particularly in the fields of green construction, capacity building, or community-based projects.
• consultant/firm should not be blacklisted or under litigation with any government or donor agency.

2.General Requirements

All technical and financial proposal  must be submitted with the following documentation:

• Company /individual Profile (maximum 3 pages) including relevant past experience
• Copy of company/firm registration certificate
• NTN certificate and/or other tax registration documents

3. Technical Proposal

• Technical proposal must contain the detailed agenda od 5 days training or key component that will be covered
• Evidence of previous similar assignments (work orders, completion certificates, etc.)
• List of key personnel or team members (if relevant)
• Delivery timeline or implementation plan (if applicable

4. Financial Proposal:

• All budget must be in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) and inclusive of all applicable taxes.
• The financial proposal should clearly mention unit cost, quantity, total cost, and any applicable terms (e.g., payment schedule).
• The financial proposal should clearly outline the total cost of the consultancy, including logistics for participants for a 7-day period, training materials, stationery, and any other related expenses.

5. Submission Guidelines:

• Both Technical and Financial Proposal must be submitted in the given email
• Deadline for submission: 05 June 2025
• Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• Proposals must be submitted to [email protected]:

6. Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

SCF reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without assigning any reason. The decision of the procurement committee will be final and binding.