REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS 

Scope of Work 

Individual consultant to provide Business Development Services 

(Individual)

Assignment Locations: Rwanda (Kigali and/or Orora Wihaze target districts: Kayonza, Ngoma, Gakenke and Burera) 

Assignment Period: October-December 2023 

Category: Livestock, MSME, Business Development Services 

Type of contract: Individual Fixed Price Contract

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PROVIDING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO IRONJI TRADE Ltd

I. Project Overview

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded the 5-year Feed the Future Orora Wihaze (Raise Animal for Self-Sufficiency) Activity in October 2019 to develop an inclusive, profitable market with the goal of sustainably increasing the availability of access to, and consumption of animal sourced foods (ASF) in Rwanda. Utilizing a market systems approach, this project will develop partnerships with ASF actors within the market system to pilot and scale innovations that address the constraints in Rwanda’s market for animal sourced foods. Orora Wihaze will adaptively prioritize, and address interventions based on greatest opportunity for market impact. 

II. Mission of Land O’ Lakes V37

Land O’Lakes Venture37 partners with all agricultural players to drive market development, reduce investment barriers and strengthen farmer-to-fork agricultural systems. An additional goal of Land O’Lakes Venture 37 is to facilitate innovative, customized solutions using agronomic knowledge, local insights, robust data, and innovative technology. In Rwanda and through the Orora Wihaze project focusing on production and consumption of animal sourced foods, V37 will work to connect entrepreneurs and businesses to the resources they need to create transformational products and services that fuel long-term growth and profitability. 

III. Background to this Call for Application

Land O’Lakes Venture37 seeks to partner with Ironji trade Ltd to scale up the last mile distribution model for livestock inputs to increase livestock producers’ access to affordable feeds and inputs, thus improving livestock farmers’ production and productivity through improved animal nutrition. Orora Wihaze intends to facilitate the adaptation of a feed’s delivery value chain to local context and producer’s needs.

With this background, Orora Wihaze would like to invite proposals from recognized consultants to carry out business model analysis, needs assessment, training and facilitate in the development of a business plan for Ironji under the activity “The last mile distribution model for livestock inputs.” in Kayonza, Ngoma, Gakenke and Burera Districts respectively. 

IV. Description of Ironji Trade Ltd

Ironji Trade Ltd is a registered tech-startup leveraging technology to make the movement of feeds and livestock products using fast, safe, and affordable transport means. It has the capacity to transport 50 tons of feeds on average per month enabled by a network of 600+ trucks across Rwanda. 

V. Purpose and scope of the consultancy (TA)

The assignment will focus on assessing  Ironji Trade Ltd capacity need in the implementation of feeds delivery by working with CAHWs and Agro-dealers and other stakeholders across the four targeted Districts. The service provider will be engaged in collection of relevant data and carrying out thorough analysis of strength and weaknesses for Ironji in the feeds last mile distribution model and their readiness to develop a strategic and sound business plan, as wells as capacity enhancing intervention based on the identified gaps and provide technical assistance to the company for improvement of service delivery and business performance.

VI. Key activities

• Introductory meeting with Orora Wihaze technical team for understanding the scope of work and expected deliverables.
• Reviewing the existing company documents, including the business strategy/strategic plan, business plan among others. Conducting an operational and needs assessment for Ironji and their stakeholders (feeds Suppliers and distributors) focusing on the Last mile feeds logistics and distribution model. This includes analyzing the needs of existing and potential actors, namely Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs), Ironji drivers, agrodealers and feedmillers and producer as end users.
• Development and presentation of inception report routed from the need assessment findings and a summary of training materials content and business management tools relevant to feeds and ASF commodities transportation and engagement of different stakeholders Business model.
• Develop and lead the validation session of training and coaching materials and other business management related tools with Ironji Trade Ltd Orora Wihaze technical team.
• Provide capacity building, mentoring, and coaching to Ironji Trade Ltd including co-creating business plans using the business canvas model, pitching skills, market analysis, marketing strategies, customer/partner relationship management, negotiation & business analysis skills, resources mobilization and management, Corporate and resources management. Develop Ironji Trade Ltd’s business strategy that aligns with the mission and findings of the market analysis.
• Develop Ironji Trade Ltd’s strategic plan that outlines strategies, initiatives and action plans for achieving the defined business goals.
• Develop a comprehensive, well written professional business plan that contains: an executive summary, business model, basic business information, current business situation, strategic analysis and plan, market analysis and plan, information on operations, research and development, management and organization, forecasts and financial data, investment plan, financing, risk analysis, business controls.
• After completion of the assignment, the Consultant will submit final report, Ironji Trade Ltd’s strategy, strategic plan and business plan to Orora Wihaze technical team and Ironji Trade Ltd for validation. 

VII. Deliverables

Reports and deliverables

1. Application instructions for Qualified Candidates

Interested individual consultants are encouraged to send their applications to email; ProcurementROW@landolakes.com  not later than October 30, 2023 at 6:00PM Kigali time. The title of the email must include: “Technical Assistance for Ironji Trade Ltd’’:

• A Proposal with (i) brief description of why the individual considers themself as the most suitable for the assignment, (ii) a detailed clear methodology on how they will approach and complete the assignment
• The Proposal should also contain (iii) personal CV indicating education background/professional qualifications, all relevant experience, consultant contact details, (3) professional references and (iv) a financial proposal.

1.1. Organizational arrangements

Orora Wihaze will contract one consultant who will undertake the assignment as described in this ToR. The consultant will report Senior Policy Development Specialist (SPIDs) and copy the Intervention Porfolio Manager (IPM), the related remuneration is handled by procurement department. The Consultant will spearhead the assignment and will be responsible for the submission of the deliverables as requested. All deliverables submitted by the consultants should be approved by IPM and SPIDS.

1.2. Duty Station

The duty Station is in Kigali and limited travels to the respective districts.

1.3. Required Expertise and Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A degree in business management, marketing, agri-business, agricultural economics, or related field
• Deep understanding of the Rwandan MSME landscape
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in providing BDS (submission of at least 5 relevant certificates of completion)
• Demonstrated knowledge of general business management and retail marketing, particularly for MSMEs in the livestock sector
• Individual Consultants and Firms must be registered in Rwanda

Other Qualifications

• Strong understanding and proven experience in business
• Demonstrated knowledge in livestock value chains in Rwanda, preferably goats/sheep, pigs, chickens, fish
• Advanced computer literacy, including strong Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills
• Willingness to travel outside Kigali for necessary site visits as needed
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and provide regular feedback on progress 
• Experience in working and engaging with MSMEs 
• Knowledge and experience working in underserved areas of Rwanda   

1.4. Payment Modalities

The consultants shall be paid the consultancy fee in accordance with Orora Wihaze’s procurement procedures upon completion of the following milestones:

• 25% after completion, submission, and acceptance of inception report. The inception report details consultant’s plan of action and timeline for conducting the assessment.
• 25% after completion of, submission, and acceptance of training materials and capacity building reports
• 50% after submission of final assignment report approved by Orora Wihaze technical team. 

Payments for multiple milestones may be combined at the discretion of the procurement department. Payment is subject to 15% withholding tax for individual.

2. Evaluation Criteria

The expert will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Quality of proposal - 30%
• Experience and proven capabilities – 30%
• Firm’s relevant knowledge, qualifications, and skills – 20%
• Cost proposal - 20%