Vocational and Market assessment

[Erbil,Iraq ]

WfWI Iraq is seeking the services of an experienced consultant or team of consultants/firm to undertake a comprehensive market assessment to identify and inform the selection of viable vocational skill options by the women participants enrolled in our Program in Iraq. 

 The study aims at three main objectives, namely:

 Analysis of different business sectors and vocations in the target locations to inform the identification and selection of a wide range of viable vocational skills options to be undertaken by women participants enrolled in WfWI’ Stronger Women Stronger Nations Programme.

• Comprehensive review of the viability of current vocational tracks (including through existing participant data/M&E data available) to identify those that should be retained or dropped and/or specific recommendations to improve performance.
• Build the knowledge and skills of the WfWI staff to be able to undertake similar assessments in new sites independently in the future.

 

Key Questions to be answered by this assessment include but are not limited to:

 What are the existing value chains or market systems that the women are currently working or want to work in & why?

• Does the market context in which women seek to operate offer sufficient viable opportunities to diversify their businesses? Is there any unmet demand for particular products or services and how big is it? Is there scope to create new markets for the products and services especially using online platform or digital solutions?
• Who are the main competitors? Why do customers buy from them? What strategies can be employed to win and retain new customers?
• What support is needed for the women to translate training received to actual business activities? What skills or knowledge do they need to be able to produce or supply products at a competitive price, right quality and quantities at the right time as demanded by the customers?
• What exists in the market systems already that can help them take advantage of the identified market opportunities (enablers)?
• What challenges to overcome that could affect women’s success and how can these be addressed?

  

1. Scope of the Assessment

 

The study will be undertaken over a period of 30 days  and in terms of geographic scope, will cover the following target areas:

 

Duhok governorate:

• Shekhan town.
• Surrounding villages, sub-districts where WFWI is planning to expand programming to.

 

Erbil Governorate:

• Basirma Syrian Refugee camp
• Dara Shakran Syrian refugee camp.

 

2. Key Tasks and Expected Deliverables

 

The consultant is expected to perform the following key tasks:

 

1. Review viability of existing vocational tracks that WFWI training participants have selected and make recommendations for future programming.
2. Identify all potential trades/sectors existing in the community and its surroundings, analyze their viability and profitability

• Analyze all relevant opportunities and challenges in the identified value chains and how these could be harnessed/addressed to improve women’s livelihood options and income earning ability

1. Explore not only current markets but also other potentially promising sectors that are best adapted to the needs and economic capacities of the women in the program
2. Propose practical recommendations to WfWI Iraq on any adaptations required to the vocational training to make it more effective in supporting and accompanying women in their chosen trades to be more profitable and competitive in the market
3. Identify existing structures, individual entrepreneurs and other relevant stakeholders/service providers in the target communities for potential collaboration in the delivery of the vocational training and who can continue to support the women even beyond the programme period

• Build capacity of WfWI staff and trainers on how to conduct similar market analysis or update past analysis

 

The key deliverables include:

 

• An inception report detailing the key activities and planned timeline, plan for literature review of all relevant secondary sources, detailed study methodology/approach, sampling framework and key stakeholders to be interviewed, market assessment tools including both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis tools, ethical considerations and plan for validation and dissemination of study findings and recommendations.
• A draft and final report with key findings and recommendations of all relevant and viable vocational track options identified in the target regions and what support is required to enable the women to take up these options. The report should also include relevant annexures like terms of reference, list of documents reviewed, programme/itinerary detailing meetings attended and persons interviewed, data collection and analysis tools used and any other relevant material, including references.

We are looking for qualified and experienced local consultants in Iraq who meet the following criteria:

 

• Advanced degree in a relevant field with a minimum of five years’ experience in international development.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting market analysis/assessments for vocational training for low-income groups in conflict and post-conflict environments
• Good understanding and commitment to gender equality and social inclusion principles
• Ability to design, manage and implement primary research with marginalized and conflict affected women. This may include the design of surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions etc
• Proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methods including participatory and inclusive approaches.
• Should demonstrate solid understanding and previous experience using various sampling methods, data collection and cleaning, and data/statistical analysis using appropriate software .
• Experience of working or conducting similar studies in Middle East Region , particularly IRAQ will be an added advantage
• Fluency in both English with Kurdish and Arabic languages as an added advantage
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Strong capacity building and mentorship/coaching skills
• Ability to work within strict/tight deadlines and deliver quality work

 

N/B: While consultants may be nominated by WfWI they must not have a conflict of interest with the on-going activities of WfWI in Iraq. 

 

All interested applicants, should submit a proposal  to [email protected] , e.mail subject : Vocational and Market assessment consultancy  with the following key elements:

• Short overview of how the candidate or firm meets the qualifications, experience and skills requirements
• Description of proposed approach and methodology
• Workplan/Expected Timelines for the delivery key tasks/milestones
• Consolidated Financial Proposal/Budget (The IRAQ office will only meet costs of supplies, transportation and payment of data collectors)
• Up-to-date CV of lead consultant and other team members if applicable including the roles and responsibilities of each (and what support the consultant expects from WfWI’s IRAQ team);
• Examples of relevant studies that the candidate has previously conducted and details of persons that could be contacted to provide a reference if needed.