1.            ABOUT MERCY CORPS 

Registered in Tanzania since 2011 and operational across over 40 other countries, Mercy Corps is a leading global organization which envisions a future where everyone can prosper. This vision is powered by the belief that pathways to possibilities are possible and jointly we can alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. In Tanzania, Mercy Corps has implemented programs ranging from food security, livelihoods, good governance and peacebuilding enabling target communities to improve production, increase income and overall improve livelihoods.  

Currently, the country office has advanced into inclusive economic development programming using the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach and food systems transformation where there is focus on climate action and transition into renewable energy. 

2.            ABOUT DREAMS TZ PROGRAM

Beginning in January 2024, Mercy Corps, through its "Delivering Resilient Enterprises and Market Systems in Tanzania (DREAMS TZ)" initiative, aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities in the Katavi and Tabora regions by strengthening market opportunities across different priority sectors with integrated gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) considerations. This four-year program seeks to reduce poverty and accelerate economic opportunities through an approach that combines poverty graduation and market systems development interventions, creating sustainable pathways out of poverty for the target communities and associated stakeholders. Mercy Corps works alongside Village Enterprise and Dignity Kwanza in a consortium partnership to deliver the DREAMS program.

The DREAMS Tanzania Program addresses the challenges faced by naturalized Tanzanians and host communities in western Tanzania. This population lives in deep poverty, without the humanitarian aid that reaches refugee communities, leaving them in a constant state of need and despair. The DREAMS program will empower these naturalized Tanzanians and their host communities by providing financial literacy and entrepreneurship training, business start-up grants, and ongoing mentorship to support their small businesses through their early stages. At the same time, DREAMS-facilitated connections to expanded market opportunities will allow participants to engage in a thriving local economy that will sustain and build their income in the future.

The goal of DREAMS Tanzania is to build the self-reliance of naturalized Tanzanians and their host communities in Western Tanzania (Tabora and Katavi) to address entrenched and extreme poverty. By providing the right support for this population to start small businesses (training, mentorship and capital) and linking them to promising market opportunities through strong connections to market systems actors (incentivizing the private sector and linking participants to profitable market opportunities), the target communities will escape entrenched, extreme, and cyclical poverty and embark on a pathway to economic success. 

Through the combined graduation and market systems development interventions, DREAMS will achieve the following outcomes: 

• Meaningfully increase the wellbeing of 150,000 target community members and transform lives, contributing to improved self-reliance.
• Improve the socioeconomic integration and social cohesion of naturalized Tanzanians within settlement communities through strong market inclusion and enhanced economic integration.

Increase support amongst donors and Government of Tanzania decision-makers for evidencebased approaches to support naturalized Tanzanians self-reliance. 

3.            PURPOSE AND RATIONALE FOR THE BASELINE SURVEY

The purpose of conducting a baseline study is to establish and collect information for programlevel log frame indicators useful for testing the DREAMS TZ development hypotheses of impact. This information will enable a plausible assessment/comparison of the before and after implementation of the program to determine the change brought by the DREAMS TZ Program—

i.e. evidence of the results. It is also intended to inform adjustments of various intervention areas during                 implementation.

This benchmarking process will help DREAMS TZ to attribute its results and assess the level of change attained at any particular point in time. The baseline findings will help demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of DREAMS TZ in delivering results. Therefore, this baseline survey will achieve the objective of establishing a yardstick for program-level baseline information (the "before" picture).

4.            BASELINE SURVEY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 

The DREAMS TZ program is implemented using two integrated approaches: Market Systems Development (MSD) and Poverty Graduation. The Poverty Graduation Model approach will apply to the poverty graduation stream of the program, while the MSD approach will apply to the market systems component. The DREAMS TZ results management system (M&E Plan and Guide) follows the Donor Committee for Enterprise Development (DCED) Standard for Results Measurement. Within this framework, the DREAMS TZ intends to establish credible results for stakeholders, including the public and the funder.

It is anticipated that the baseline survey will adopt a mixed-methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques alongside participatory methods. The consultant will cocreate the survey with the DREAMS TZ team and undertake it with their guidance. The baseline survey will establish the benchmark for all log frame indicators. The benchmarking process will assist the program team in measuring and comparing results achieved against the baseline values for the indicators throughout the program’s life.

5.            SAMPLING STRATEGY AND SAMPLE SIZE 

The population for the study is estimated at 150,000 individuals from three districts in the two regions of Western Tanzania: Tabora and Katavi. The population will be drawn from Kaliua (Tabora), Nsimbo, and Tanganyika districts (Katavi). In selecting the sample size, the consultant will need to avoid or minimize sample selection bias and ensure the sample is representative of the target population. The consultant will also be required to propose a sample size that is sufficiently large and scientifically appropriate for the DREAMS Program.

The sampling strategy will follow a two-step process: stratification and simple random sampling. Stratification will focus on value chains (e.g., poultry, maize, rice, honey, etc.). Upon contracting and after the kickoff meeting, the consultant will agree with the client on the stratification strategy.

The second part of the sampling strategy will be simple random sampling. Respondents from the population will be randomly selected to take part in the baseline survey. Given the scope and geographical locations of the respondents, the sample will primarily consist of individuals from the three districts.

To recap, there will be two sets of samples: the primary sampling point will be the strata representing value chains. Sub-strata will be gender-based, with randomly selected female and male respondents. Individuals will then be randomly selected from these strata, giving equal chances for each member of the population to be included in the study.

In addition to the above sampling strategies, the consultant will need to consider the following issues regarding sampling and sample size: 1) choice of indicative indicators for evaluation precision, the level of precision, and the finite population correction factor.

6.            SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE BASELINE SURVEY

The baseline survey includes the following scope. Interested firms are required to submit proposals outlining how they will undertake this assignment against the following criteria:

1.            Literature review: Review secondary literature, including the DREAMS TZ ProDoc, Log frame, and other relevant literature.

2.            Survey design, including sampling: Design the baseline survey methodology covering sample size and sampling strategy in consultation with the DREAMS Tanzania team. 

3.            Survey instruments: Finalize and pre-test the research tools in one or two communities and adopt them. This includes training the survey team on the instrument and data entry procedures.

4.            Survey implementation: Collect data in the field using various methods.

5.            Data processing and analysis: Review secondary data within the target subsectors and value chains, perform data entry, and analyse the data.

6.            Reporting and data sets:  Prepare reports and data sets.

7.            Results dissemination: Hold an internal session to review and discuss the results, with a plan for using the findings to improve project performance, including establishing baseline figures for the indicators.

8.            Project resourcing: Budget and staffing.

7.            DREAMS TZ LOG FRAME INDICATORS

This consultancy will aim to address the following DREAMS TZ Log frame indicators by establishing baseline values for each. The successful consultant will be required to update the Log frame, in consultation with the program team, and include the established baseline values for each of these indicators.  The table below outlines these indicators at different levels of the Log frame. 

TIMELINES 

The table below shows the sequence of activities to be followed by the applicants aspiring for this consultancy work. 

9.            DELIVERABLES 

The consultancy firm should provide the following on completion of the study:

1.            An Inception report which will include, but not limited to: (i) brief findings of the desk review; (ii) the survey instruments; (iii) refined survey approach, including methods for identifying respondents, data collections and analysis; (iv) a refined work plan with clear timelines.

2.            Draft report (10,000 words maximum, excluding annexes): A detailed report summarizing the methodology, process of data collection, method of analysis, any limitations (if any) and a comprehensive section on findings of the study and the interpretation of the same, as well as practical recommendations to Mercy Corps. The format for the draft report will be agreed with Mercy Corps at the outset of the consultancy. 

3.            Presentation: The consultant will present the survey’s findings to the Mercy Corps team for discussion upon delivery of the draft report.

4.            Final report (10,000 maximum, excluding annexes): The consultant will produce the final report a week after receiving and taking into consideration review by the Mercy Corps team. 

The following data sets and material will be required on completion of the study: 

o             Hard copies of the completed questionnaires, if any.

o             Raw data in a Compact Disk/soft copy form (Virus Free Flash Disk) o Cleaned quantitative data in Excel and SPSS in soft copy

o             Analyzed quantitative data with findings in Excel/SPSS categorized by the disaggregation requirement specified in the TOR.

10.          CONSULTANT MANAGEMENT

The consultant will report to Mercy Corps’ MEL Manager, and work closely with the program implementation team. The MEL Manager will monitor and track the progress of the various activities under the consultancy. 

11.          CONFIDENTIALITY AND AUTHORSHIP 

Ownership and copyright of all data, drafts and final products of the survey will be the sole and exclusive property of Mercy Corps. The consultant will submit all original documents, materials, and data to Mercy Corps. Therefore, all the outputs of the survey will not be disseminated in part or whole without express authority from Mercy Corps. The consultant shall not produce information in these materials in any form (electronic, hard copies, etc.) to a third party without written permission from Mercy Corps. 

12.          ADMINISTRATION AND PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

The consultant, with support from the DREAMS MEL Manager, will be responsible for sourcing the required enumerators. The consultant will make necessary arrangements pertaining to the consultancy, including organizing for enumerator’s training and transport costs within the regions. 

Applicants are therefore expected to submit their financial proposals, inclusive of withholding tax, for the entire exercise. All withholding tax amounts will be deducted from the total amount at source (i.e. by Mercy Corps) as per the Government of Tanzania regulations. 

The payments will be effective to the successful bidder upon the achievement of the corresponding milestones and for the following amounts.

13.          SKILLS, EXPERIENCES AND COMPETENCES 

Mercy Corps is searching for a consultant who meets the following requirements:  Academic Qualifications and Professional Experience

1.            A PhD or a master's degree qualification from a recognized university in any of the following areas: social sciences, economics, statistics, development studies, or any related field.

2.            At least 7 years demonstrable experience in leading teams in conducting baseline studies, evaluations, or impact assessments for similar themed food security and economic opportunity resilience programs.

3.            Experience with Market Systems Development (MSD) and Poverty Graduation approaches, particularly in similar socio-economic contexts.

4.            Deep understanding of gender dynamics, especially in the context of market systems development and poverty graduation approaches, and how these dynamics impact program outcomes.

5.            In-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural, economic, and political context of Tabora and Katavi regions of Tanzania. Preference will be given to those who have conducted similar surveys in the two regions.

Research and Methodological Skills

6.            Solid methodological and research skills, demonstrated through a list of research pieces and evaluations.

7.            Strong skills in designing and implementing mixed methods research, including both qualitative and quantitative techniques.

8.            Proven ability to design and implement gender-sensitive data collection tools and methodologies that ensure the inclusion and representation of both women and men.

Communication and Collaboration

9.            Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with program teams, stakeholders, and community members, using participatory approaches to gather input and ensure ownership.

10.          Demonstrated working relationships with regional and district-level actors including local government, private sector, and civil society organizations.

11.          Excellent skills in report writing, data visualization, and presenting complex information in a clear and concise manner to diverse audiences, demonstrated by a list of published articles or reports.

12.          Proficiency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili.

14.          SUBMISSION DETAILS 

Interested consultants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for assignment delivery. The EOI should include: 

1.            A technical proposal detailing the consultant’s understanding of the terms of reference (15 pages maximum). This should include, but not limited to:

▪              An outline of the approach and methodology, including a justification on the methodology proposed and clearly indicating the sample frame.

▪              Information on how inclusive participation, safeguarding & ethical standards in the research process is ensured.

▪              A detailed work plan.

▪              Details on division of work within the survey team, if applicable

▪              Consultants’ CV, experiences and references (as an annex)

2.            The financial proposal detailing all the costs that the consultant anticipates in undertaking the consultancy.

3.            One copy of a relevant sample report.

All interested parties and qualified consulting firms are encouraged to apply through the email below tz-procurement@mercycorps.org before 17:00 Monday, 09th December 2024 East African Time. If you have any questions, kindly flag them to the same email address on or before Wednesday, 4th December 2024. 

15.          SCORING BASIS

The Mercy Corps Tender Committee will conduct a technical evaluation, grading each criterion on a weighted basis (with each criterion assigned a percentage, totaling 100%). Bidders’ proposals must include all required technical submissions to allow for a thorough evaluation of the listed criteria, with points awarded based on the strength of the submission.

The award criteria will be based on the proposal’s overall “value for money” (including quality, cost, delivery time, etc.). During the scoring evaluation, the Mercy Corps Tender Committee will assign points for each criterion as follows