RESILAND: Armenia Resilient Landscapes Project (Армения - Тендер #69989741) | ||
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Страна: Армения (другие тендеры и закупки Армения) Организатор тендера: The World Bank Номер конкурса: 69989741 Дата публикации: 15-01-2026 Источник тендера: Тендеры всемирного банка |
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P179988
RESILAND: Armenia Resilient Landscapes Project
Armenia
OP00420703
Request for Expression of Interest
Published
AM-EPIU-516311-CS-CQS
Consultant Qualification Selection
English
Feb 04, 2026 18:00
Jan 14, 2026
Environmental Projects Implementation Unit
Armen Yesoyan
0011, Yerevan, Armenak Armenakyan St., 129 Building
Armenia
Armenia
+374 96 693 911
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES –NGO SELECTION)
REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
RESILAND: Armenia Resilient Landscape Project
Grant No.: TF0C4647, TF0C4643
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Assignment Title: |
Consulting Services for Identification of Small-scale activities and Monitoring implementation in Syunik region |
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Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): |
AM-EPIU-516311-CS-CQS |
The Republic of Armenia has received financing from the World Bank (the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“IBRD”), acting as an Implementing Agency of the Global Environment Facility (“GEF”) and as administrator of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Supporting Armenia Resilient Landscapes Project and International Development Association (“IDA”), acting as administrator of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Supporting Armenia Resilient Landscapes Project) toward the cost of the RESILAND: Armenia Resilient Landscape Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
For the implementation of this assignment/Consulting Services, it is envisaged to engage the services of Non-Government Organization (NGO) (Consultant/Service Provider) to provide support the identification and development of small-scale, community-based activities aimed at fostering sustainable economic development in local communities in an environmentally responsible manner and to contribute to ensuring that such activities are implemented in line with the approved concepts and approaches. This initiative aims to enhance the non-timber forest products (NTFP) industry and community-based ecotourism through strategic actions that benefit both the economy and the environment.
Specific objectives of the assignment are to:
Geographic Coverage: The Service Provider’s activities will encompass both urban and rural areas in the target regions. Below is the list of settlements in Syunik region, however, there could be some changes or adjustments on the list of settlements:
Target Population: The target population is the entire population of the communities included in the program.
The duration of the assignment/contract is 30 months, calculated from the date of contract signing.
The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest in Annex A.
The Environmental Project Implementation Unit now invites eligible Consultants/Service Providers to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Service Providers should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: This activity is open for NGOs only. If other private sector companies submit their EOIs, they will not be considered.
The selected NGO (Consultant/Service Provider) should present a multidisciplinary team with expertise in business development, community mobilization, and natural resource management and shall demonstrate the following institutional qualifications:
Key Experts, whose requirements are specified in the TOR, will not be evaluated at this stage.
The attention of interested Service Providers is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Consultants/Service Providers may associate with other NGO to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.
A Consultant/Service Provider will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualification Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (09:00-18:00).
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below via e-mail NO later than by February 4, 2026, 18:00.
Environmental Project Implementation Unit
Attn: Armen Yesoyan (Acting Director of EPIU)
65A Tigran Mets Ave., 3rd fl.
Yerevan 0008, Armenia
Tel: +374 96 693 911
E-mail: resiland.epiu@gmail.com
ANNEX A
RESILAND: ARMENIA RESILIENT LANDSCAPES PROJECT (P179988)
TERMS OF REFERENCE
for
Consulting Services for Identification of Small-scale activities and Monitoring implementation in Syunik region
1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1.1 The Project Development Objectives (PDO) of the RESILAND: Armenia Resilient Landscape Project are to: (i) increase the area under sustainable landscape management in Selected Locations and (ii) promote sustainable economic activities to communities in Targeted Landscapes in Armenia. RESILAND Armenia follows an integrated landscapes approach to restoring forests and wetlands and will focus on four key aspects: (i) reducing of forest fragmentation and increase in density of tree cover by restoring the forest land degraded due to mining and by forest enrichment planting; (ii) improving management of neglected and abandoned wetlands, (iii) increasing community economic benefits, and (iv) strengthening the institutional foundation for the sustainable management of landscapes, creating green jobs, and increasing community benefits. Project activities are grouped into four interrelated components:
Component 1: Institutional Capacity and Policy Development.
Component 2: Landscape Restoration
Component 3: Promoting Communities’ Benefits.
Component 4: Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Communication.
1.2 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS
The Environmental Project Implementation Unit (EPIU), a State agency under the Ministry of Environment, provides overall management of the Project implementation activities aimed at achieving the planned results.
2. OBJECTIVE(s)OF THE ASSIGNMENT
For the implementation of this assignment/Consulting Services, it is envisaged to engage the services of Non-Government Organization (NGO) (Consultant/Service Provider) to provide support the identification and development of small-scale, community-based activities aimed at fostering sustainable economic development in local communities in an environmentally responsible manner and to contribute to ensuring that such activities are implemented in line with the approved concepts and approaches. This initiative aims to enhance the non-timber forest products (NTFP) industry and community-based ecotourism through strategic actions that benefit both the economy and the environment.
Specific objectives of the assignment are to:
Geographic Coverage: The Service Provider’s activities will encompass both urban and rural areas in the target regions. Below is the list of settlements in Syunik region, however, there could be some changes or adjustments on the list of settlements:
Target Population: The target population is the entire population of the communities included in the program.
3. OVERVIEW OF INDICATIVE ACTIONS
The Project will finance economic activities that create green jobs and enhance benefits derived from landscape restoration, including through agroforestry and the commercialization of traditional NTFPs.
3.1 Major actions and indicators
The Project will implement actions aimed at increasing economic benefits for communities through the creation of green jobs, the development of NTFPs, and ecotourism opportunities derived from restored forest and wetland landscapes. Project Development Objective (PDO) level indicator is “People benefiting from sustainable economic activities in targeted landscapes (sex disaggregated) (number)” with the target of 5000 people (including 2000 people for Syunik region). Sustainable economic activities mean economic activities promoted through the activities implemented under the project such as the development of apiculture or beekeeping, agroforestry, and commercialization of traditional use of NTFPs such as collection and processing of wild fruits, berries, edible and medicinal herbs, edible mushrooms, as well as ecotourism activities, etc. following intermediate outcome indicators will also guide progress:
3.2 Green jobs created
The project aims to create 800 income-generating “green” jobs through interventions in landscape restoration, sustainable agroforestry, ecotourism, and the commercialization of NTFPs. This includes 320 green jobs in Syunik region. Particular attention should be given to ensuring inclusive employment, with a focus on women and youth. The corresponding indicator is “Green jobs created as a result of project-supported interventions (sex disaggregated) (number)”. This indicator will measure the number of people reached by Project interventions that generate income (monetary/in-kind) through “green” jobs, meaning more/better/inclusive jobs to support forest, wetland, protected areas, and ecotourism related interventions or jobs in businesses that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. Beneficiaries are individuals, workers, farmers, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), other target group members, and their household members. The target is 320 jobs.
3.3 New businesses identified
The Project will identify and after that support the establishment/promotion of at least 8 businesses, of which at least 40% is expected to be female headed. These enterprises will focus on value-added forest and wetland products, ecotourism services, and other community-level green economy sectors. This indicator measures number of new businesses either developed (with a business plan) and/or established as a result of Project interventions. New businesses could include, inter alia, development of apiculture or beekeeping, agroforestry, and commercialization of traditional use of NTFPs such as collection and processing of wild fruits, berries, edible and medicinal herbs, edible mushrooms, etc. These could be individual entrepreneurs or MSMEs.
3.4 Specific activities
Specific activities will include:
All activities will incorporate gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches, together with the Leave No One Behind principle and the principle of serving the public good in the Project areas, ensuring that underrepresented and marginalized community members are actively engaged and equitably benefit from project outcomes.
4. SCOPE OF SERVICES AND TASKS
The Service Provider will carry out the following tasks:
Component 3. Improvement of Community Benefits
subcomponent 3.1 Improving community based forestry Management: (a) provide technical assistance for the recommendations to strengthen the legal basis for participation of the forest-dependent selected communities in landscape management of forestry and/or sanctuary; (b) increasing economic benefits through the development of apiculture, agroforestry, and commercialization of traditional use of non-timber forest products such as collection and processing of wild fruits, berries, nuts, edible and medicinal herbs, edible mushrooms that are safe and legally authorized for human consumption; and (c) collect data and conduct community consultation on proposed construction of infrastructure that helps reduce pressure on forest resources: taking into consideration cost effectiveness, level of communities needs and impact on reducing pressure on selected forest.
The initial list of activities proposed by communities and local administration includes water points at the buffer zone for the community livestock, livestock access road, and so on. The development of the NTFPs and other alternatives should be based on the principles of sustainability and will be supported by the system of monitoring wild harvest of fruits, berries, nuts, herbs, edible mushrooms, and others.
The general approach will be strong community engagement; involvement of the private sector; and development of benefit sharing between communities, forestry enterprises, state sanctuaries, and developers.
Task 1. Provide technical assistance
1.1 Assessing and analyzing the legal framework
1.2 Awareness-raising campaigns
Increase awareness and understanding among local communities and stakeholders of the sustainable use of NTFPs, the benefits and opportunities of community-based ecotourism, and the importance of environmental stewardship in Syunik region. Design and implement a multi-channel awareness campaign tailored to the cultural and environmental context of Syunik region, including:
o the value and sustainable harvesting of NTFPs (e.g., berries, mushrooms, medicinal plants).
o benefits of community-based ecotourism and ways to participate.
o environmental stewardship practices that protect forests, land use and wetlands.
1.3 Assessment of existing NTFP resources
Carry out an assessment to identify and map local NTFP resources such as berries, wild edible herbs, mushrooms, wild fruits, and medicinal plants. Suggest mechanisms for computation of the harvesting quotas for sustainable harvesting.
1.4. Assessment of existing and planned resources for wetland’s ecotourism potential
Identify and map the eco-trails, visitor centers and other related infrastructure in Specially Protected Nature Areas, wetlands and rural areas.
1.5 Capacity-building training
Organize training sessions focused on community-based landscape management, targeting both community members and forestry-related institutions. Training context-specific content should integrate:
Training details:
Training modules and topics:
Module 1: Sustainable natural resource and landscape management
The goal of this module is to build foundational knowledge on ecosystems, forest and wetland dynamics, and sustainable landscape practices in target communities.
Key topics:
Module 2: Sustainable use and management of NTFPs
The goal of this module is to introduce best practices for responsible harvesting, processing, and value addition of NTFPs in target communities.
Key topics:
Module 3: Community-based ecotourism development
The goal of this module is to train participants from target communities in creating and managing ecotourism services that support conservation and community income.
Key topics:
Task 2. Design community engagement plan
Design a Community Engagement Plan to support the participation of local communities, MSMEs, and agro-eco companies in green job creation. The plan should outline mechanisms for involving communities in livelihood opportunities related to NTFPs, including agroforestry, wild harvesting and processing of fruits, berries, edible and medicinal plants, edible mushrooms, beekeeping, preservation, sale, and related activities. The plan should also include approaches for capacity building, stakeholder consultations, and inclusive participation in decision-making.
Task 3. Increase Community economic benefits
To increase sustainable economic benefits for local communities in Syunik region by supporting environmentally friendly income-generating activities linked to agroforestry, NTFPs, community-based ecotourism, and green business development - ensuring long-term livelihoods while protecting natural ecosystems.
3.1 Assess green job and livelihood opportunities for communities
Assess the green job potential among existing MSMEs and agro-eco companies, as well as the communities’ potential for start-ups related to NTFPs, including agroforestry, wild harvesting and processing of fruits, berries, edible and medicinal plants, edible mushrooms, beekeeping, preservation, sale and related activities complemented by a gender assessment to identify differences in men’s and women’s access to resources, credit, training, and markets, analyze social and cultural norms shaping participation, and provide recommendations to ensure equitable opportunities and benefit-sharing, with particular attention to enhancing women’s involvement and leadership in green jobs and livelihood opportunities.
3.2 Develop an action plan
Conduct market analysis and identify market development opportunities for NTFPs at local, regional, and international levels.
Develop a comprehensive action plan that includes clear, actionable recommendations to enhance the value chains of NTFPs. The action plan should outline steps for improving the production, processing, and marketing of NTFPs in a sustainable way. Include recommendations to enhance NTFP value chains, including actionable strategies for sustainable production, marketing, and value addition.
Recommend strategies for managing NTFP value chain activities that minimize environmental impacts and promote conservation.
3.3 Undertake Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
Analyze potential socio-economic benefits and challenges of NTFP activities, including employment creation, income generation, and community involvement, complemented by a gender-differentiated analysis.
3.4 Formulate risk mitigation strategies
Develop strategies to mitigate negative environmental and social impacts, ensuring that local communities benefit from these sectors without compromising sustainability.
3.5 Provide recommendations on Policy and Regulation
Provide recommendations to local authorities on policies and regulations that support sustainable NTFP and ecotourism activities.
3.6 Provide business support
Help at least 8 new businesses develop business plans for commercialization of agro-forestry and NTFP products, and other income generating activities that will help reduce pressure on forests, wetland and other natural resources, with specific focus on women-led businesses.
3.7 Deliver capacity-building training
Develop and deliver capacity-building training sessions on NTFP commercialization and marketing for grant beneficiaries and other interested parties, with specific attention to the needs of women participants. Training sessions should cover the following topics:
3.8 Coordination and management and monitoring the implementation of approved concepts, action plans, and recommendations by third parties author supervision of contracted activities (except civil works).
The Service Provider shall support the Client in the coordination oversight and monitoring activities identified in the approved business plans, action plans and recommendations by third parties (except civil works) to be implemented in selected beneficiary communities, including, but not limited to livestock watering points, NTFP processing units, storage facilities, and other structures aimed at reducing pressure on forest and wetland ecosystems.
Technical Oversight (monitoring-oriented, compliant)
Documentation and Reporting
Defect Identification and Rectification/ Follow up
5. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Conduct a participatory needs assessment in target settlements to identify community priorities and compile a list of targeted actions aimed at strengthening local capacity and creating green jobs.
2. Develop a labor organization structure and detailed work plan based on the needs assessment findings, ensuring alignment with local capacities and equitable participation.
3. Develop conceptual livelihood activity models aimed at increasing income and economic resilience for selected communities.
4. Develop and support the implementation of initiatives focused on commercialization, branding, value addition, and e-commerce for traditional beekeeping, agroforestry, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
5. Develop advertising and informational materials and infrastructure (e.g., signage, billboards) along key highways to promote project activities, local products, and ecotourism opportunities.
6. Design a system for sustaining and expanding community benefits, including mechanisms for reinvestment, inclusive governance, and long-term ownership.
7. Prepare an inception report detailing the project methodology, implementation approach, stakeholder engagement strategy, and a comprehensive project plan.
8. Develop an integrated action plan to guide implementation across all project components, including timelines, responsibilities, and performance indicators.
9. Apply SMART criteria — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) in defining project objectives across all planning documents.
10. Establish clear success criteria and a review process to monitor progress, address challenges, and recommend adjustments as needed.
11.Submit monthly progress reports summarizing key activities, milestones achieved, issues encountered, and next steps.
12.Submit quarterly project status reports including detailed updates on outcomes and stakeholder engagement.
13. Collaborate actively with local stakeholders, including community leaders, businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and environmental organizations to support inclusive and coordinated implementation.
14. Conduct training and capacity-building workshops for local residents on sustainable practices, entrepreneurship, cooperative development, and digital skills.
15. Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote local products and ecotourism experiences through both digital platforms and local networks.
16. Support new businesses in the development and improvement of their business plans.
17. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented actions, using measurable indicators and community feedback, and provide evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
18. Conduct stakeholder analysis to map key actors, assess their influence, and identify opportunities for collaboration and resource mobilization.
19. Facilitate partnerships with local businesses, cooperatives, and support organizations to strengthen value chains and improve market access.
20. Develop resource materials (manuals, guides, visual tools) on sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship.
21. Formulate a strategic action plan for community-led projects, emphasizing participatory governance, sustainability, and scale-up potential.
22. Prepare end-of-stage reports summarizing progress, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for subsequent phases.
23. Produce a comprehensive close-out report at the conclusion of the project.
24. Document achievements, impacts, best practices, and sustainability outcomes.
6. COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION
The Service Provider is expected to hold regular meetings with the Client to report on progress and discuss methodological challenges. The delivery of tasks in the scope of this ToR should be coordinated and agreed upon with Resiland team and EPIU director. The consultants are also expected to help the EPIU to manage the contractors who will implement the relevant activities based on communities’ needs and feedback livestock water source, and NTFP production.
7. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: This activity is open for NGOs only. If other private sector companies submit their EOIs, they will not be considered.
The selected NGO (Consultant/Service Provider) should present a multidisciplinary team with expertise in business development, community mobilization, and natural resource management and shall demonstrate the following institutional qualifications:
Team composition and key experts
Service Provider must assemble a multidisciplinary team of experts or consultants to achieve the desired project outcomes. The following key experts with minimum qualifications are required:
a. Team Lead (1 Specialist)
Degree in economics, environmental governance, or a related field. At least 7 years of experience leading/managing similar projects, especially on promoting economic activities for communities related to green jobs, agroforestry, commercialization of NTFPs, and eco-tourism.
b. Ecosystem or Natural Resource Management Specialist (1 Specialist)
Degree in ecology or natural resource management. 5 years of experience in similar projects.
c. Forestry and NTFP Value Chains Specialist (1 Specialist)
Degree in forestry, environmental science, NRM or related field. 5 years of experience in forest economy, NTFP value chains and business development.
d. Stakeholder Engagement and Gender Specialist (1 Specialist)
Degree in social sciences, public administration or a related field. 5 years of experience working on capacity building programs for communities, public institutions, civil society and small businesses.
e. Monitoring Specialist
Master’s degree in quantitative discipline (preferably in Social Science, Economics, or related field). At least 5 years of experience of supporting project work and/or M&E activities for an NGO with at least 1 year experience on projects. Experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis and production of reports. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative monitoring methodologies and proven ability to design monitoring instrumentation tools. Broad experience in the design and implementation of capacity building activities in M&E. Prior experience in Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) screening will be considered an advantage.
8. DELIVERABLES
Inception Report
The Service Provider shall produce a clear and concise inception report within three weeks of the assignment commencement. The report should include:
The inception report shall be developed in accordance with the template provided in Attachment #1 of this ToR.
Progress Reports
Monthly Progress Reports
The monthly progress report shall serve as a regular update on the implementation status of the assignment. It shall include, a minimum, the following components:
Quarterly and end-of-project reports
In addition to monthly updates, quarterly progress reports and a final project cycle report shall be prepared. These reports should provide comprehensive updates on overall progress, achievements, and any adjustments needed.
The final report shall be submitted after receiving approval from the Client, taking into account comments on the draft final report. It shall detail achievements, outcomes against key indicators, challenges, lessons learned and success stories from all subprojects supported throughout the project cycle. The final report is due two weeks prior to the contract end date.
Timeline of the assignment
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Deliverables |
Timeline |
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Inception Report that reflects Service Provider’s understanding of the assignment requirements; lays out methodology; and includes the proposed data collection instruments, sample sizes, focus areas, methodology, action strategy, and a detailed work plan with a timeline and breakdown of implementation milestones. |
Three weeks from the date of contract signing |
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Implementation report covering points 1.1 and 1.2 under Task 1 |
Two months from the date of contract signing |
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Implementation report covering points 1.3-1.5 under Task 1 and Task 2 |
Three months from the date of contract signing |
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Implementation report covering points 3․1-3.6 under Task 3 |
Four months from the date of contract signing |
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Implementation report covering points 3.7-3․8 under Task 3 |
Five months from the date of contract signing |
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Progress reports (Quarterly) |
Once every three months after the completion of Task 3 |
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Final Report: |
Two weeks before the end of the contract |
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Quarterly Reports |
Once every three months |
9. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CLIENT AND THE SERVICE PROVIDER
EPIU responsibilities:
Service Provider responsibilities:
10. CONTRACT DURATION
The duration of the contract to be concluded with the Service Provider will be 30 months, calculated from the date of contract signing.
11. PAYMENT SCHEDULE
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Task |
Payment |
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Upon delivery and approval of Inception Report |
10% |
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After submission and acceptance of the report on the deliverables provided for in points 1.1 and 1.2 under Task 1 |
10% |
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After submission and acceptance of the report on the deliverables provided for in points 1.3 - 1.5 under Task 1 and Task 2 |
10% |
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After submission and acceptance of the report on the deliverables provided for in points 3.1 - 3.6 under Task 3 |
10% |
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After submission and acceptance of the report on the deliverables provided for in points 3.7- 3.8 under Task 3 |
20% |
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After submission and acceptance of the Quarterly Reports |
30% (8 reports) |
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Upon delivery and approval of Final Report |
10% |
Annex#1. Inception Report Template
1. Executive Summary
A brief summary of the inception report (1–2 paragraphs), highlighting the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, overall approach, and key milestones.
2. Understanding of the Assignment
3. Methodology and Action Strategy
4. Proposed Data Collection and Monitoring Instruments (as applicable)
5. Work Plan and Timeline (sample)
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Task/Activity |
Responsible Person |
Start Date |
End Date |
Deliverable |
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Task 1: Desk Review |
Consultant Team |
Week 1 |
End of month 2 |
Summary of findings |
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Task 2: Tool Development |
Lead Researcher |
Month 2 |
End of month 3 |
Draft data collection tools |
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Task 3: Fieldwork/Data Collection |
Enumerators |
Month 3 |
End of month 5 |
Raw data and field reports |
*Adjust the table to fit your actual plan.
6. Deliverables and Milestones
A list of key outputs and the deadlines for their submission.
7. Annexes