Conduct a feasibility study "Support the Resilience of Women-Led Home-Based Businesses: Leveraging Natural-Based Solutions" via ReliefWeb

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Conducting a Feasibility Study to enhance the project concept and identify the scope of Implementation for the project on “Support the Resilience of Women-Led Home-Based Businesses: Leveraging Natural-Based Solutions”

Background

About Horizon for Green Development**:**

Horizons for Green Development (HFGD) is a Jordanian non-profit organization established in 2014, operating both locally and regionally, and is committed to empowering communities through sustainable development and uniquely focusing on the pivotal Food-Water-Energy Nexus. As the global climate landscape evolves, we remain resolute in our mission to alleviate water shortages, amplify renewable energy utilization, and fortify food securities. Our multifaceted approach spans from Democratic Governance to pivotal sectors like Agriculture, Environment and Energy, Water and Wastewater. Within these realms, our expertise shines in Agribusiness, Agricultural training, Civic engagement, civil society reinforcement, and Water resources management, tailoring solutions that suit distinct needs. Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive organizational community is unwavering. We strive to cultivate an environment where every staff member thrives, embedding continuous learning, challenging exclusionary thinking, and enhancing cultural competence. To ensure equity remains at our core, we invest in the holistic growth of our team and uphold transparency. Furthermore, sustainability and unemployment are importantly addressed as we aim to mold Jordan into a regional exemplar of green development.

Project Context:

Supporting the resilience of women-led home-based businesses is crucial in Jordan, the world’s second-largest refugee-hosting country, where economic pressures and natural resource constraints are significant. While the international community has provided aid to address the Syrian refugee crisis, there remains a challenge in matching resources with increasing needs, particularly concerning workforce inclusion. Jordan grapples with high unemployment rates (19% nationally) and escalating poverty levels, affecting 16% of Jordanians and 78% of Syrian refugees who live below the poverty line. Many Syrian refugee men find employment in agriculture as hired farm laborers, while women predominantly engage in home-based activities like food processing due to familial responsibilities and prevailing socio-cultural norms.

The seasonal and informal nature of agricultural work exposes refugees to unstable living conditions, often leading to child labor as families seek additional income. Women-headed households are particularly vulnerable due to limited livelihood opportunities and competition for jobs. Moreover, Jordan faces severe water scarcity, with demand outstripping supply twofold annually, exacerbated by inadequate water resource management. Since the onset of the Syrian conflict, northern governorates such as Mafraq, Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa—home to 90% of Syrians living outside refugee camps—have seen steep increases in unemployment and a 40% rise in water demand compared to the national average of 21%.

Similarly, in other targeted regions, many Jordanian livelihoods depend on agro-business, particularly fruit and vegetable cultivation, offering significant potential for socio-economic empowerment through enhanced on-farm practices and improved conditions for decent work. Developing the home-based business (HBB) sector can further bolster year-round income opportunities.

In Jordan, as well as in similar contexts globally, women engaged in agro-business encounter specific challenges and require tailored support. These include access to resources, education, training, decision-making power, and market access, as well as addressing inadequate working conditions that fail to meet standards. Home-based businesses present a viable solution for mothers who face challenges leaving their children at home, enabling them to work within the supportive environment of their own households.

1. Objective(s) of the Feasibility Study

1.1 General Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of enhancing and scaling women-led home-based businesses in Mafraq and Al Balqa’a Governorate to improve economic resilience, address unemployment and poverty, and mitigate challenges. The feasibility study shall provide a solid basis for enhancing the project concept by clarifying requirements, opportunities and risks and offering guidance on optimizing the concept, where necessary. In particular, this involves an assessment of the feasibility of the project and a systematic review of the extent to which the project approach can plausibly achieve the planned improvements under the existing prevailing circumstances.

2.2 Specific Objectives:

• Assess the current needs of women-led home-based businesses in Mafraq and Balqaa Governorate.
• Identify key challenges and opportunities related to Home made products, market access, and working conditions.
• Evaluate potential interventions and resources required to support and scale these businesses.
• Develop actionable recommendations for stakeholders and policymakers.
• Market accessibility and e-marketing analysis and recommendations.
• Determine the feasibility and viability of implementing the proposed project and produce necessary recommendations and guidance on project planning to achieve the project objectives.
• Produce a complete feasibility report with generating recommendations for the adjustments required to the specific project concept, including impact matrix and project measures, which should be formulated as concretely as possible. As the project will work with 60 women-led home-based businesses, Participants will range from 25 to 55 years old, reflecting a diverse group of experienced and emerging women entrepreneurs.
• Preparation of a baseline study of the project indicators

1. Scope of work

The consultant/consultant firm shall perform the following tasks as part of the feasibility study:

2.1 Project Description: The study will focus on women-led home-based businesses in Jordan, particularly in the northern governorates of Mafraq, and al Balqa, with significant agro-business activity. The study will consider the socio-economic, and cultural contexts impacting these businesses, present the context of the planned project at all relevant levels (micro-, meso-, macro-) and incorporate essential, project-relevant data on the initial situation. Please check Annex 1

This foundation is used to develop an analysis evaluating the extent to which the proposed approach can contribute to solving the problem for the beneficiaries and other stakeholders. Furthermore, a critical examination of the project should be provided, with respect to the OECD DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability (see below). (https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/development-co-operation-evaluation-and-effectiveness/evaluation-criteria.html )

Furthermore, recommendations for adjustments to the specific project concept, including impact matrix and project measures, should be formulated as concretely as possible. The stakeholders involved, opportunities and risks, as well as suggestions for the range and scope of monitoring on out-come and impact measurement, should be considered.

2.2 Scope of Work:

• Economic Analysis: Assess the economic impact of home-based businesses on women and their communities, to assess the economic impact of home-based businesses led by women on their individual livelihoods and their broader communities. This involves understanding how these businesses contribute to economic stability, employment, and local economies.
• Market and Resource Accessibility: Analyze barriers to market access and resources for women-led businesses, such as lack of market knowledge, competition, and geographical constraints, and to identify strategies for overcoming these barriers.

2.3 Structure of the study

The guiding questions below are to be used for orientation purposes to assist in designing the content of the study and of which those questions, relevant for data collection, data analysis and evaluation, shall be prioritised:

1 Purpose and use of the feasibility study

• What is the project objective (outcome) that will be assessed for feasibility? How conducive is the context (sector, components, and project regions) with regard to the projects’ objective?

• What additional questions should the feasibility study address concerning the design and implementation of the intended project?

• How does the feasibility study fit into the project plan in terms of shared learning?

2 Methodology

• What participatory methods, tools, and resources will be used for data collection and analysis?

• Which, and how many stakeholders will be involved? What are their backgrounds and interests?

3 Initial situation and problem analysis, on macro- meso- and micro-levels

• What current problems and needs of the beneficiaries have been identified relevant to the proposed project? Which of the causes of these problems will be prioritised and addressed in the project?

• What needs have the target groups expressed to address these problems? What expertise and skills do the target groups have and what skills are they lacking?

• What existing local potential, structures (institutions, networks, umbrella organizations etc.) and social mechanisms can be built on? What gaps have been identified in the system?

• Are there any approaches or results from previous development measures? If yes, how can they be extended?

• What other circumstances, for example conflict dynamics, must be taken into account?

4 Local project partner in the partner country

• How is the ability of the local project partner Horizons for Green Development to implement the envisaged project assessed? To what extent does the local project partner have experience with the implementation of public grants?

• Are the partners’ resources and strengths, both individually and at an organisational level, well understood?

• What relevant professional, methodological and political competencies, both at an individual and an organisational level, will be further developed?

• What is the local executing agency’s own contribution to the project?

5 Beneficiaries and other stakeholders (on a micro-, meso- and macro-level)

• How are the direct beneficiaries selected, and by whom? What criteria exist for selecting these beneficiaries?

• What is the composition of each beneficiary? How homogeneous or heterogeneous are the beneficiaries with regard to factors such as gender, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, language, and capacity, and to what extent must the project take this into account?

• What potential does each beneficiary have for self-help? How well are the beneficiaries equipped for self-help? How can local problem-solving capabilities be improved?

• Do the beneficiaries and other stakeholders have a common understanding of the problems, prioritising process and objectives of the project? Do the interests of other stakeholders align? Do any conflicts of interest exist?

•How strong is the various stakeholders’ support for the project, for example, in terms of their own contribution? In what ways might they influence the project? What contribution will the target groups make to the implementation of the project in order to ensure the sustainability of the project?

6 Baseline

Establish a baseline for the indicators in the project’s impact matrix. The project matrix will be shared with the contractor upon conclusion of the contract

2.4 Evaluation of the planned project based on OECD DAC Criteria

It is expected that the study evaluates the planned project based on OECD DAC criteria. The guiding questions on the criteria are for orientation purposes to assist in designing the content of the study, and can be weighted according to the study’s particular focus:

Relevance – To what extent is the planned project doing the right thing?

• Will the planned project approach address a key development problem or a significant develop-mental bottleneck in the partner country or region?

• Are the focus, priorities and objectives (approach) of the planned project clearly defined and aligned with the beneficiaries?

• To what extent do the intervention objectives and design adequately take into account the specific needs of the beneficiaries and any structural obstacles in the project region, partner/institution, or policy programs?

• Are the norms and standards of the approach compatible with those of the beneficiaries?

• Is the project designed to be conflict-sensitive (Do No Harm Principle)?

Coherence – how suitable is the intervention?

• How consistent are the planned activities with human rights principles (inclusion, participation), and any conventions or relevant standards/guidelines?

• To what extent do synergies and connections exist between the planned project and other interventions by the same stakeholder (organisation) and other stakeholders?

• What similarities or overlaps exist between the beneficiaries and projects implemented by other stakeholders in the same context? To what extent does the intervention add value and avoid du-plication?

Effectiveness – which project approach is best for achieving the objectives?

• Are the cause-effect relationships (including assumptions) plausible? What negative effects might arise?

• Is the chosen methodological approach suitable and sufficient for achieving the project objective? Are alternatives required?

• At what level (multi-level approach) do you anticipate implementing additional measures to in-crease effectiveness?

• How will changes be measured? What indicators (fields) are most suitable?

Efficiency – is the proposed project’s planned use of funds a cost-effective method to achieve its objectives?

• To what extent can the planned measures be implemented with the envisaged funds and personnel in the proposed time period?

• To what extent can the envisaged spending be allocated cost-effectively, and are the investments, operating expenses and personnel in proportion to the intended goals?

Impact (significance) – what contribution does the planned project make to achieving higher-level development policy impact?

• What particular contribution does the project objective (outcome) make to the overall objective (impact)?

• To what extent does the planned project build structures, set examples and have a broad impact? On what levels will norms or structures be changed?

Sustainability – to what extent will the positive impact remain once the project has ended (without additional external funding)?

• How can the sustainability of the results and impact be ensured and strengthened (structurally, economically, socially and ecologically)?

• What long-term capacities will be established in the beneficiaries to enable them to continue the implemented measures independently?

• What positive changes (role behavior, mechanisms, networks, etc) will be of long-term benefit to civil society?

• What personal risks for those implementing the project, or institutional or contextual risks, may influence the sustainability of the project? How can these be minimised?

Recommendations

On the basis of the main findings, and the evaluation according to the DAC criteria, what concrete suggestions can be made or incorporated into the project concept in its specific context? Examples:

• What components, if any, are missing from the project concept to make the cause-effect relationships more coherent and to sustainably achieve the planned objectives? What planned components are not suitable or may have a negative impact, and for what reasons?

• Can the assumptions of cause-effect relationships be supported?

• What findings and project-relevant data from the study are suitable for inclusion in the project logic (impact matrix of the project proposal)? What are the recommendations for possible impact monitoring and data collection indicators?

1. Deliverables

• Detailed feasibility report with findings, analysis, and recommendations in terms of socioeconomic interventions, provide a snapshot of the current conditions affecting women-led home-based businesses, including economic and social factors, outline the specific challenges that women-led home-based businesses face, such as economic constraints, and resource limitations.
• Demographic and Economic Data: Present key data in an easy-to-understand format, such as charts or infographics, to illustrate the context and needs.
• Summery Action plan with direction of the interventions.
• stakeholders and policymakers identification as a list with rapid SWOT analysis report
• Report in two Languages Arabic and English.

4. Methodology

• 4.1 Approach: The study will apply a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, and field visits to gather comprehensive data on women-led home-based businesses.
• 4.2 literature desk review: Primary data will be collected through interviews with women entrepreneurs, local authorities, and other stakeholders. Secondary data will include existing reports, studies, and statistical data related to economic, social, and environmental factors.
• 4.3 Analysis: Data will be analyzed to identify key challenges, opportunities, and feasible interventions. Comparative analysis will be used to assess best practices and potential models for scaling.

Time frame of the assignment

Timeline up to 7 weeks from the date of signing

• 5.1 Schedule: The study is expected to be completed within 7 weeks, with the following key milestones:
  • Week 1-2: Project initiation and planning.
  • Deliverable: Inception report with outline of the consultant’s understanding of the project, proposed methodology, and detailed work schedule.
  • Week 3-4: Data collection and field visits.
  • Week 4-5: Data analysis and report drafting. Deliverable: Draft feasibility study report
  • Week 6: Review and finalization of the report. Deliverable: Final feasibility study report with incorporated feedback received on the draft report
  • Week 7: Presentation and dissemination of findings.
• Any additional day of delay will incur a charge of 250 JOD.
• Phases: The study will be conducted in distinct phases: initiation, data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination.
• Report Format: The final report will include an executive summary, methodology, findings, recommendations, an action plan necessary documents like cleaned data set (Excel file preferable), all transcripts, voice records (if any), data collection instruments.
• Review and Approval: The draft report will be reviewed by the project team and key stakeholders before final approval and dissemination.

Qualification and Experiences of the consulting firm/consultant

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

1. Extensive experience in economic studies, particularly socio-economic development, women’s empowerment, and small business support. Experience with home-based businesses and refugee or displacement contexts will be considered highly valuable. Track Record on conducting similar types of study or evaluation.
2. Proficiency in conducting field surveys, data analysis, using numerical software such as SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)
3. Familiarity with the regional context, including relevant policies and regulations.
4. Knowledge of local dynamics and ethical considerations in data collection.
5. Strong communication and report-writing skills.
6. Ability to work independently.
7. Good interpersonal communication, easy presentation and report writing skills in English is desired.
8. Commitments to deliver the final products in line with the set TOR within the agreed timeline.
9. Dual language speaker ( AR&EN)
10. IndependencyOther Terms and Conditions

• 7.1 Budget: The consultant/firm should include the budget in his/her offer covering personnel, travel, data collection, and reporting expenses including translations and report design, and all taxes.

1. 7.2 Resources: Resources needed include data collection tools, analytical software, and logistical support for field visits.

• The selected consultant /firm will implement the work in coordination with Horizon focal person. The consultant will inform the focal person of the schedule/program prior to implementing the assigned task.
• Terms of payment, 10% advance payment upon signing, then 50% second payment upon report semi-final version, and 40% final payment upon receiving the final report with all supporting documents
• All reports and documents prepared during the assignment will be treated as the property of Horizon and Helvetas.
• The reports/documents or any part, therefore, cannot be sold, used and reproduced in any manner without the prior written approval of Horizon.
• Representatives of Organisation Horizon and Helvetas reserve the right to monitor the quality and progress of the work during the assignment.

1. Application process

Interested consultants/firms are requested to send their proposal within the mentioned deadline as per the following process:

A brief Technical Proposal that contains –

• Cover page with contact details of the applicant (1 page maximum)
• Table of content (1 page)
• Introduction and understanding of the assignment (maximum 1 page)
• Description of relevant thematic and skill related experience and expertise of the firm/consultants for the mandate (maximum 2 pages)
• Resumes of the Consultant(s) and company profile in case of firms OR
• Resume of the Consultant and 3 references in case of individuals
• Methodology (including proposed work plan, sample frame, tools & methodology and approach, possible list of stakeholders to interview, the timeline of each level of tasks (maximum 3 pages)

Financial Proposal (with necessary breakdown) will be sequential to the technical proposal containing a detailed budget (financial part) for the study, which must include tax and VAT. This should detail consultants’ itemized fees, data collection and administrative costs.

Application/proposal should be presented in the English language of Calibri/ font with a font size of 12. Interested and qualified consultants/firms are asked to submit their Technical and Financial Proposals to Info@horizondge.org please write “Proposal for Conducting Feasibility Study 01/2024” in the subject line. The proposals should be submitted by 06 November 2024. We are only able to consider electronic submissions. The selected proposal will commence on November 15, 2024.

TOR:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cj84w7CODu2BcFKAJ2TLue7PtzbezJby/view?usp=sharing

Annex 1:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WM6_o9gJWNDB_zFvTmFQgVmz9XApdAbJ/view?usp=sharing

How to apply

1. Application process

Interested consultants/firms are requested to send their proposal within the mentioned deadline as per the following process:

A brief Technical Proposal that contains –

• Cover page with contact details of the applicant (1 page maximum)
• Table of content (1 page)
• Introduction and understanding of the assignment (maximum 1 page)
• Description of relevant thematic and skill related experience and expertise of the firm/consultants for the mandate (maximum 2 pages)
• Resumes of the Consultant(s) and company profile in case of firms OR
• Resume of the Consultant and 3 references in case of individuals
• Methodology (including proposed work plan, sample frame, tools & methodology and approach, possible list of stakeholders to interview, the timeline of each level of tasks (maximum 3 pages)

Financial Proposal (with necessary breakdown) will be sequential to the technical proposal containing a detailed budget (financial part) for the study, which must include tax and VAT. This should detail consultants’ itemized fees, data collection and administrative costs.

Application/proposal should be presented in the English language of Calibri/ font with a font size of 12. Interested and qualified consultants/firms are asked to submit their Technical and Financial Proposals to Info@horizondge.org please write “Proposal for Conducting Feasibility Study 01/2024” in the subject line. The proposals should be submitted by 06 November 2024. We are only able to consider electronic submissions. The selected proposal will commence on November 15, 2024.