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 of 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:

To make it successful, and significant of agribusiness planning and Support businesses/traders to develop appropriate and suitable business plans. 10 participants per each value chain for a three-day training and further coaching targeting to develop eight business plans, provide mentorship and follow up of selected businesses/traders to implement their businesses and will continue to support mentorship support to ensure implementation of the business plans and proper functionalization of these businesses.

The project requires to develop a standardized and comprehensive training package and technical support to traders that is both gender-responsive and focused on improved business methods, e.g. market promotion strategy better utilization of resources, marketing, resources allocation.  

1. Objective of the assignment:

1. Development of eight business plan for participants involved in various value chain activities and agribusinesses.
2. Designing and delivering comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of participants.
3. Mentoring beneficiaries throughout the business plan implementation process, providing ongoing support and follow-up to ensure successful execution and continuous improvement and proper functionalization of these businesses.
4. Fostering market linkages between traders, processors, and other stakeholders to targeted agribusinesses.
5. Proper mentorship and follow up support to refine training approaches and ensure optimal outcomes and functionalization.

1. Expected outcomes:

•  Delivering a comprehensive training program that equips beneficiaries with the essential skills and knowledge required to successfully manage and grow their businesses and enterprises.
• Engaging farmers, businesses, and traders to participate in agribusiness activities.
• Sessions on business management topics such as business planning, marketing, financial management, operations, customer service, and entrepreneurship and agribusiness activities with better utilization of resources.
• Developing eight business plan and Ensuring implementation of these business plans.
• Follow up and mentorship of previous supported agribusinesses.

2. Working Area:

The business plan Expert will cover both Nangahar and Laghman provinces treatment areas based at the ActionAid office in Nangarhar province.

3. Scope of work:

Providing sustainable access for smallholder farmers to domestic markets by reducing dependency on illicit revenues, development of business plan, training and mentorship of business plans.

4. Deliverables:

• Develop business plans template appropriate for agribusinesses.
• Support in development eight business plans.
• 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.

5. Methodology of work:

During the initial phase of the work, the business plan development 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 development expert establish a shared understanding regarding the extent and caliber of the expected work.

6. Time frame:

The business plan development expert is to be ready to commence work immediately upon contract signing, with a total assignment duration of 3 months.

7. Remuneration and Payment Schedule:

The payment will be made through bank transfer on a monthly basis and the applicable tax will be deducted as per the Govt rules. 

8. 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 development 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.

9. Profile of business plan Expert:

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

• Individual business plan Expert to apply.

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Agribusiness or BBA with at least 5-7years 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.
• 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.
• Proven presentation training and instruction skills.
• Excellent in writing reports.

1. 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 Jan 30, 2025