1. About ActionAid and CBARD-ALL Project:

ActionAid is a non-governmental & non-profit international organization working towards achieving a world without poverty and injustice in more than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. ActionAid started its activities in Afghanistan in 2002 and was registered in Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan as non-governmental international organization “INGO”. ActionAid-Afghanistan committed itself a long-term work with poor and excluded sections of the society through the Human Rights Based Development Approach, WASH, and Livelihood Programs in multiple provinces of Afghanistan.

Currently, implementing the Community Based Agriculture and Rural Development (CBARD – ALL) project in 12 districts of Nangahrar which consist of (Sherzad, Khogiani, Sarkhrood, Chaparhar, Roodat, Mohmandar, Lalpora, Achin, Dara-e-Noor and Koot) and Laghman including of (Mehtarlam and Qarghai) districts respectively. Under CBARD-ALL, the AAA will establish new orchards and support the existence orchards in targeted districts to provide alternative sources of income and livelihoods to the communities that have been severely affected by the recent ban on poppy cultivation through increasing the high value crop production and market linkages.

2. Background:

The CBARD-ALL project will ensure the successful, and significant of agribusiness planning support to the businesses/traders to develop appropriate and suitable business plans. At least 10 participants per each value chain will be selected and a three-day training will be arranged for them. The further coaching and mentoring support will be provided to implement the developed business plans (five), with proper mentorship and follow up support to the selected and trained businesses/traders to implement their businesses.  

The project requires to develop a standardized business plan template based on the identified value chain which are suitable for small traders and business. A comprehensive training package also required to conduct the training session and guideline for continue the technical support to traders that would be both gender-responsive and focused on improved business methods, e.g. market promotion strategy better utilization of resources, marketing, resources allocation.  

3. Objective of the assignment:

1. Providing technical support in developing the appropriate business plan for the small farmers and traders based on potential value chains.
2. Supporting in preparing the training package on business plan development and orientation on value chain/market linkages
3. Preparing the guidelines on proper follow up support and mentorship process for the field teams for successful implementation of the business plans and trades.

Expected outcomes:

• At least five business plan templates and ensure the individual business plans for trading/business groups
• Develop business plan training module and facilitate the training sessions for the traders/farmers on business plan and value chain/market linkage initiatives
• Conduct business plan training with five trader groups with the essential skills and knowledge required to successfully manage and grow their businesses and enterprises.
• A comprehensive guideline on proper follow up support and mentorship process for the field teams
• Provide follow up support and guide the project teams on implementing the developed business plans and mentor the project participants and frontline staff members in proper implementation of the business plan, market linkages with potential buyers/traders in regional, central and export market for high value crops/processed products 

Working Area:

The business development support expert will cover both Nangahar and Laghman provinces, working districts and treatment areas.

Scope of work:

Providing suitable business development support, planning, and improve sustainable access of smallholder farmers/traders to domestic, regional and central markets by reducing dependency on illicit revenues, and mentorship of business plans.

Deliverables:

• Appropriate business plan template for CBARD-ALL traders and farmers
• Support in developing at least five business plans on different potential value chains.
• Support on developing business plan training module and facilitating the training sessions for the traders/farmers on business plan and value chain/market linkage initiatives
• Provide follow up support on implementing the developed business plans and mentor the project participants and frontline staff members in proper implementation of the business plan
• Design a comprehensive training curriculum that covers the basics and fundamentals of business management upon the needs of CBARD-All participants.

Methodology of work:

During the initial phase of the work, the business plan support expert will arrange a meeting with the technical team of CBARD-ALL in either Nangarhar or Laghman province. The purpose of this meeting is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the activity and business plan. This step holds great significance as it allows for a detailed discussion on the Terms of Reference (ToR), ensuring that both CBARD-ALL and the business plan Expert establish a shared understanding regarding the extent and caliber of the expected work.

Time frame:

The business plan support expert is to be ready to commence work immediately upon contract signing, with a total assignment duration of four months.

Remuneration and Payment Schedule:

The consolidated monthly remuneration will be paid with an amount 40,000 (forty thousand) Afghani inclusive all benefits. The payment will be made through bank transfer on a monthly basis up on successful deliverable assigned for the month. The applicable tax will be deducted as per the Govt rules. 

General Conditions:

• The Assignment shall not be sub-contracted to anyone else.
• A written agreement must be reached for any extension of the assignment's deadline, without altering the scope of work. Nevertheless, the extension period cannot exceed more than one month.
• Confidentiality of all the information will be always assured.
• The initial agreement is executed in duplicate, with each party being provided with one copy.
• The business plan Expert should make sure that she/he can perform the task professionally in contracted time.
• All the deliverable and outcomes would be considered as the property of ActionAid, Afghanistan
• ActionAid preserved the right to terminate the contract for any unavailable conditions within any time after signing the contract.

Profile of business plan Expert:

The profile of the individual business plan Expert needs to meet the qualifications, skills and requirements as below:

• Individual business plan development and business plan training expert to apply.

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Agribusiness or BBA with at least 4-5 years of relevant experience in private sector and developing business plans.
• Extensive experience in business planning, mentorship and agri-business.
• Experience in working with international and development organizations.
• Excellent attention to detail and evidence of quality outputs from previous assignments.
• Fluent in English, Pashto or Dari with good writing skills.
• Skills on training module development, facilitation and good training facilitation skills 
• Good reporting and presenting skills.
• Punctuality and availability to complete the work on time.
• Experience in improved livelihood and alternative livelihood.

• Confidentiality of all the information will be always assured.

Application Process:

• The individual consultant/expert will send the application highlighting the business plan development related works/experiences (along with attaching the business plan template) in English
• Along with the application the consultant will also submit the copy of NID/Tazkira, and details CV
• Consent on the proposed remuneration and time frames
• The application would be submitted through email to procurement.kabul@actionaid.org
• The application deadline is 21^st August 2024