Request for Proposals (RfP)

The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund invites Technical and Financial Proposals from interested and qualified firms.

The consultant firm will be selected in accordance with PPAF standard procurement guidelines.

Please submit hard copies of Technical and Financial Proposals in separate sealed envelopes by 28th November, 2022 at the following address;

Unit Head-Procurement

Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF)

Plot 14, Street 12, Mauve Area, G-8/1, Islamabad

Terms of Reference
Consulting Firm for Impact of Matching Grants and Progress against Output Indicator 3.1 through Evidence Collection

1. 1.      Introduction of PPAF:

Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is the lead apex institution for community-driven development in the country. PPAF was registered in February 1997 under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 (now Companies Act 2017) as a not-for profit company. PPAF’s mission is to transform the lives of the poor to create a more equitable and prosperous Pakistan. It has outreach in 147 districts across all four provinces and regions of the country, supporting communities to access improved infrastructure, energy, health, education, livelihoods, finance, and develop resilience to disasters. It serves the poorest and most marginalized rural households and communities across the country providing them with an array of financial and non-financial services. PPAF aims to ensure that its core values of social inclusion, participation, accountability, transparency and stewardship are built into all processes and programmes. For a complete profile, please visit our website at http://www.ppaf.org.pk

1. 2.      Introduction of GRASP:

The Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) is a six-year programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), including the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) as implementing partners. GRASP’s overall objective is to support poverty reduction and sustainable and inclusive economic growth in rural areas of Pakistan. The programme’s specific objective is to support gender inclusive income and employment generation, enhanced productivity and profitability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in primary production, service provision and value addition in and around selected clusters of production. The project is being implemented in 96 Union Councils (UCs) belong to 22 selected districts of Balochistan and Sindh. Targeted value chains are Onion, Dates, Olives, Grapes, Livestock: Sheep (live animals, wool, and meat), Goat (live animals and meat), backyard poultry (and related products) in Balochistan and Onions, Dates, Tomatoes, Mangoes, Banana, Livestock; Cattle (live animals, milk and meat), Goat (live animals and meat) in Sindh province. PPAF has engaged seven Partner Organizations (POs) in 22 districts. PO-wise district list is attached as Annex-I.

As such, the GRASP contributes directly to the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). 

GRASP focuses on selected product lines within livestock and horticulture value chains. The project intervenes in three main ways:

• Improving the eco-system for rural SME development through building institutional capacity and improving the business environment
• Building production and quality of primary products through support to SME agribusiness service providers and business intermediary organizations in rural areas
• Increasing added-value and marketed volumes through developing value chains and supporting SMEs to improve management, increase access to finance, apply sustainable technology to add value and improve quality and reduce waste throughout the system.

2.1              Project Objective, Key Outcome and Output Indicators:

Overall Objective/Impact of GRASP:

GRASP aims to support poverty reduction and sustainable, inclusive economic growth in rural areas of Pakistan. The key indicators for overall objectives are:

• 1% decrease in Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) in each of the targeted province (the indicator is linked with SDG 1).
• 2% decrease in MPI in each of the targeted districts of Balochistan and Sindh.
• 2% increase in economic growth in each of the targeted provinces.
• 3% increase in agriculture productivity in each of the targeted districts in targeted value chains.

Specific Objective/Outcome GRASP:

To support gender inclusive income and employment generation, enhanced productivity and profitability of SMEs involved in primary production, service provision and value addition in and around selected clusters of production.

The key indicators for project specific objective/outcome are:

• 50% of agribusiness and business environment-related policies, strategies or regulations implemented in favor of the competitiveness of SMEs.
• 30% increase in area cultivated by supported SMEs brought under sustainable practices.
• 50% increase in sales turnover of supported SMEs in selected value chains.
• 50% increase in agribusinesses sourcing from producer SMEs within targeted value chains.
• 30% increase in full time equivalent (FTE) jobs supported in assisted SMEs (disaggregated by age, sex and province).
• 40% increase in investment in the targeted value chain by supported SMEs.
• USD 9 million amount of finance accessed by SMEs in selected sectors including green finance.
• 13,852 (Men 80% and Women 20%) SMEs having invested in environmentally sustainable cleaner production technologies.

Project Outputs[1]:

Output 1: Institutional capacity strengthened, and business environment improved for rural SME development.

• 1.1: Number of agribusiness and business environment-related polices, strategies or regulations approved or changed with business sector input in favor of the competitiveness and sustainable practices of SMEs.
• 1.2: Number of SPS-related institutions reporting improved operational and managerial performance.
• 1.3: Number of GoP and provincial staff supervising SPS compliance.

Output 2: Agribusiness service providing SMEs (run by Male/Female) and their Business Intermediary Organizations (BIOs) are capacitated to enhance primary production and quality.

• 2.1: Percentage of targeted SMEs including producers reporting compliance with food safety regulations and sustainability standards.
• 2.2: Percentage of SMEs including producers applying environmentally sustainable cleaner production technologies, water saving, desertification mitigating measures, and climate smart agricultural practices.
• 2.3: Percentage of supported SMEs including producers having made changes to their business operations to add value.
• 2.4: Percentage of ABSPs having reported improved business services to meet producers’ needs.

Output 3: Commercially operating SMEs (Male/Female) are trained in appropriate environmentally sustainable technologies value and enhance marketed volumes.

• 3.1: Number of (commercially operating) SMEs having transacted business as part of national or international value chains (gender-disaggregated).
• 3.2: Number of SMEs accessing finance in support of environmentally sustainable technologies.
• 3.3: Number of SMEs (including primary producers) in selected value chains reporting improved access to market pricing information, knowledge on good agricultural practices, and weather forecasting services through mobile digital technology.

Detailed Results Based Framework (RBF) of the Project is attached as Annex-II.

1. 3.      Rationale and Scope of the Assignment:

In line with annual GRASP M&E workplan, PPAF is planning to conduct an indicator status survey to assess the project’s performance w.r.t select components of the project.

This assignment will be helpful in determining progress against relevant logframe indicators. In this context, the focus of assignment will be to cover following areas of inquiry:

Study 1: Evidence Collection against Output 3.1 indicator:

• This study will collect evidence-based data against output indicator 3.1, draw an analytical analysis of various relevant trainings provided to commercially operated SMEs[2] (as already reported) and utilization of these trainings for sustainable practices in business transactions as part of local and international value chains.

Study 2: Impact of Matching Grants:

This study will collect evidence-based data by following-up with matching grants beneficiaries to ascertain impact and change w.r.t key indicators. The study shall assess the impact of matching grants beneficiaries in terms of matching grant models, identify gaps, compile results and productivity of this component, and suggest improvements to the existing and upcoming implementation.

The following outcome level indicators are to be addressed through this study.

• % increase in sales turnover of supported SMEs in selected value chains.
• % increase in full time equivalent (FTE) jobs supported in assisted SMEs (disaggregated by age, sex and province).
• % increase in investment in the targeted value chain by supported SMEs
• % of total finance accessed by SMEs allocated to green finance
• % increase in area cultivated by supported SMEs brought under sustainable practices
• % of agribusinesses sourcing from producer SMEs within targeted value chains
• % of SMEs have invested in environmentally sustainable cleaner production technologies

% of matching grants schemes provided in combination with technical assistance for green technologies

Both the above studies shall incorporate the context created by current floods on SMEs especially related to GRASP focused value chains and eco-system they operate in.

The consulting firm will review data available in GRASP MIS and /or collected and reported earlier as well as collection of required primary data in field to support its findings. The consultant shall also review and take into consideration key project documentation including work plan, log-frame, baseline study and progress reports, etc.

If required, the consultant itself will acquire NOC/s for data collection in field areas from relevant departments, but not compromising the agreed study /deliverables timeline. PPAF may provide the necessary introductory letters for this purpose.

1. 4.      Indicative Methodology for the Assignment:

The proposed methodology and design of the study will include the following:

• Review of the programme MIS and key documentation including programme agreement, work plans, log-frame, financial documentation, baseline study, and progress reports, etc.
• Compile and consolidate study-wise dataset of the beneficiaries for extracting the appropriate sample. 
• Preparation of brief methodology which should encompass surveys with the target beneficiaries and KIIs with relevant POs’ staff as well as review of project record available the POs.
• On the basis the datasets and documentation review, formulation of the assessment instruments/tools and validate PPAF and its partners.
• Piloting the assessment tools in the sample program/project areas before the actual data collection. The piloting will serve two main purposes: (i) to check the appropriateness of the questions and the length of the questionnaire; and (ii) to ensure the quality and reliability of the tools. The data collection activity starts once the data collection tools are finalized.
• In the event of restricted field access, timely share alternate strategy for field data collection which will be reviewed and approved by PPAF and ITC.
• Processing and analysis of data and compilation of two distinct reports (for components highlighted) containing analysis of findings and recommendations.
• Submission of final two distinct reports based on comments and feedback by PPAF.
• Preparation of 2-3 pager brief and infographics of the two distinct studies.
• Designing of the final reports as per PPAF branding guidelines

1. 5.      Data Quality Control:

To assess data quality, following key strategies should be considered:

• Double data entry
• Spot checking by the consultant
• Sort data to find missing data, outliers, high, or low values.
• Ranges, format and consistency checks

Apart from the above-mentioned processes, reliability, accuracy, precision, completeness, and integrity of the data will be ensured at all levels, throughout the study. Means of verification shall include filled questionnaire forms, pictures from field survey (if beneficiary allows) and recording of KIIs, etc.  

In addition to the above, PPAF will also participate in data quality checks by conducting random spot-checks throughout the duration of fieldwork and providing feedback to the firm.

Data entry will take place concurrently by the consultant.

1. 6.      Indicative Sampling Methodology and Framework:

As per latest records, matching grants have been given to approximately 80 SMEs [55 under PPAF portfolio and 25 under ITC (facilitated by KPMG during the COVID-19 response phase)] in 41 UCs of 19 districts in Sindh and Balochistan while overall target for SMEs having transacted business as part of national or interventional value chains under output 3.1 is 4,609[3] (10% women led).

As part of the sample selection process, the geographical area will be determined first using multi-stage stratified sampling technique to determine the desired sample size. At the first stage of sampling, at least four districts will be selected from each of the programme provinces split based on geographical representation and maximum interventions.

A stratified multistage probability proportionate to the size (PPS) will be prepared and shared by the firm. KIIs will be conducted with selected district’s partner organizations focal persons, ITC, PPAF and FAO teams.

The firm’s proposed methodology and sampling framework will be reviewed and approved by PPAF.

1. 7.      Data Access:

The survey data will be the exclusive property of PPAF. The consulting will clean data  soon after the survey and will share it with PPAF and ITC.

1. 8.      Qualification of the Consulting Firm:

PPAF is inviting proposals from a firm that has the following appropriate amalgam of experience and expertise:

• A company registered in Pakistan with at least 10 years’ experience of proven track record of conducting the evaluations, situational analysis and impact assessment studies regarding integrated poverty alleviation and community development programming.
• Has already conducted 4-5 similar assignments that can be verified through references from previous clients and final outputs.
• Has applied global standards, guidelines and approaches of conducting qualitative and quantitative assessment/surveys/research studies/evaluations.
• Strong track record in qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Strong understanding of the context and situation regarding poverty, livelihood and local governance issues and dynamics in Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

• Understanding/knowledge of the policy agenda on rural economy, local context, recovery and rehabilitation, and multi sectorial development in the fragile security situation areas.
• Has sufficient capacity to suggest and implement a rigorous mechanism to collect data remotely in case of field access constraints due to natural disasters, law and order or other security issues.
• Has adequately staffed and logistically appropriate office establishment (head office or branch office in any of the provinces covered by assignment would be accorded due weightage).
• Has an experienced team of professionals with multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills set.
• Additionally, the team should also include experts in field logistics and supervision, computer specialist in data entry and cleaning, and field supervisors with 2-3 years of relevant experience and knowledge of local languages.
• The consultant team shall include the following key personnel:

a)      Team Leader/Value Chain Specialist (1)

-          Master’s degree in Economics, Business Management, Agribusiness, Research, or related field.

-          At least 10 years of extensive knowledge and experience in handling Monitoring & Evaluation, Impact Assessment; Applied Research and Development; value chain assessment & analysis, data management and surveys.

-          At least 7 years of experience in all or any three of the following area: feasibility studies/marker survey, business planning, market intelligence, value chain assessment & analysis, designing and managing Institutional Development, Programs and Projects Management particular in Supply/Value Chain development, business incubations, including development of tools, assessment methodology and report-writing.

-          Strong understanding of issues related to rural and urban economy and approaches in the development context of Pakistan. Understanding of Sindh and Balochistan is preferred.

b)      Statistical Data Analyst (1):

-          Master’s degree in Development Studies, Statistics, Economics or related field.

-          Extensive knowledge of qualitative and quantitative surveys methodology and experience in field research and /or monitoring and evaluation of large-scale projects, preferably using inclusive, participatory and community demand-driven approach.

-          Demonstrated experience in survey designing, data analysis and synthesis (minimum 5 years).

Strong understanding of rural economy and economic context in Pakistan; similar field experience in Pakistan will be an asset.

In addition, the firm should hire local enumerators, supervisors and key punch operators having 2-3 years of relevant experience and knowledge.

1. 9.      Schedule and Timeline:

The total allocated duration for the assignment is 1.5 months after signing of contract between consultant and PPAF.

1. 10.  Supervision and Reporting:

PPAF focal person for the assignment is General Manager – MER.

1. 12.  Key Deliverables and Payment Schedule:

The payment will be made as per submission and approval of following deliverables:

1. 13.  Selection Method:

The consultant will be selected in accordance with PPAF standard procurement guidelines.

1. 14.  Ethical Considerations:

The consulting firm will make clear to all participating beneficiaries that there is no obligation to participate in the survey. All participants will be assured that there will be no negative consequences if they choose not to participate. The firm will obtain informed consent from the participants. In case if the field staff does not understand participants’ first language, s/he will be taking interpreter/s along. S/He will have to receive prior permission for taking and use of visual still/ moving images for specific purposes, i.e., for report and presentations. The firm will also assure the participants’ anonymity and confidentiality and will ensure the visual data is protected and used for agreed purpose only.

The consultant will hand over all the database/list of beneficiaries and key informants interviewed to PPAF along with the draft/final report. PPAF will hold the ownership of all data collected under this assignment and the firm will have no right to use or quote data/information from the survey without prior written permission from senior management of PPAF.

Annex-I: District-wise Partner Organizations Presence

Annex-II: GRASP Log-frame

*End of the Project target is proposed by ITC