1. Background

The UNDP Leh Go Green Project aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods and promote environmental conservation in five counties across Liberia. As part of its initiative, the project seeks to identify market-based solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and community resilience. The project aims to create livelihood opportunities and jobs for women and youth as forest users and foster fringe communities.

The Leh Go Green implements community‑driven, forest‑based livelihood initiatives through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and small enterprises. To strengthen income‑generating activities, we require a consultant to assess existing VSLA members and forest‑linked enterprises, produce practical business‑skills training materials adapted for both literate and illiterate participants, and deliver cluster‑based training across target communities.

2. Objective of the Assignment

• Assess current status and capacity of VSLAs and associated forest‑based small businesses.
• Understand value‑chain dynamics for rice, vegetables, livestock, honey, and other forest‑based enterprises.
• Develop an inclusive Business Skills Development Manual for literate and illiterate participants.
• Deliver handson business‑skills training in five geographic clusters.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment, designing user-friendly training tools, and delivering business skills training that enhances the income-generating capacity of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and forest-based enterprises. The specific activities are broken down as follows:

3.1. Develop Assessment Tools and Conduct Baseline Survey (10 Days)

Objective: Understand the existing capacity, challenges, and opportunities of VSLAs and local forest-based businesses engaged in the rice, vegetable, animal husbandry, honey, and other value chains.

Activities include:

• Design and validate assessment tools (questionnaires, focus group guides, key informant interview checklists) to collect qualitative and quantitative data.
• Conduct field visits and engage with a representative sample of VSLA groups and small-scale businesses.
• Map out current business activities, income levels, savings practices, gender dynamics, and market linkages.
• Identify gaps in business knowledge, skill levels, and access to finance and markets.
• Assess enabling and hindering factors for enterprise development and sustainability.
• Document best practices and case stories from successful VSLA enterprises.
• Submit a summary of key findings to inform the manual development and training content.

3.2. Value Chain Analysis and Market Mapping

Objective: Identify economic potential and barriers within the key value chains and assess how forest-based communities can improve market access and income generation.

Activities include:

• Analyze value chains for rice, vegetables, livestock (small ruminants/poultry), and honey in the targeted communities.
• Identify actors, inputs, production methods, processing options, and current markets.
• Evaluate pricing trends, seasonal variations, supply-demand gaps, and value addition opportunities.
• Identify potential business partnerships, market actors, buyers, and financial service providers.
• Recommend actions for value chain strengthening and enterprise upgrading.

3.3. Develop Practical Business Skills Development Manual (1 Month)

Objective: Create a culturally relevant and literacy-sensitive manual to guide income-generating activities and entrepreneurship for forest-dependent communities.

Activities include:

• Develop a modular manual covering topics such as:
  • Basic financial literacy (savings, budgeting, pricing, record-keeping)
  • Business planning and decision-making
  • Marketing, branding, and customer service
  • Cooperative/group business models
  • Diversification and value addition
  • Gender and inclusivity in business
• Adapt content for both literate and illiterate users (use illustrations, storytelling, symbols, and role-play scenarios).
• Integrate local examples and practices to ensure relevance.
• Pre-test content with a small group and refine based on feedback.
• Submit a finalized, easy-to-use manual for replication and long-term use by local facilitators.

3.4. Conduct Cluster-Based Business Skills Training (15 Days)

Objective: Build capacity of VSLA members and small business owners in five clusters using the developed manual.

Activities include:

• Design a participatory training approach that accommodates both literate and illiterate learners.
• Organize and deliver hands-on training in five geographic clusters, ensuring gender balance and community participation.
• Use interactive methods such as group work, role plays, games, business simulations, and case studies.
• Distribute training manuals and supporting visual aids during sessions.
• Conduct pre- and post-training assessments to measure knowledge gain.
• Capture stories of transformation or learning from participants.
• Submit a training report with attendance records, participant feedback, and recommendations for follow-up support.

4. Deliverables

5. Duration of Assignment

The consultancy is expected to be completed within three months from the date of signing the contract.

6. Required Expertise and Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Rural Development, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience conducting market surveys and designing business-skills training in rural/forest contexts.
• Proven track record developing training materials for both literate and non-literate audiences.
• Excellent facilitation, intercultural communication, and participatory training skills.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in local languages an asset.

Business Development Consultant Evaluation Matrix

7. Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report directly to the BRAC Project Manager for the Leh Go Green Project. Regular progress reports and updates will be expected as per the agreed schedule.

8. Payment Schedule

The payment for the consultancy will be made in three installments:

1. 30% upon submission and approval of the Inception Report.
2. 40% upon submission and approval of the survey and business skill manual development Reports.
3. 30% upon submission and approval of the Final training, Participant feedback, Final Recommendations Report.

9. Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• A detailed technical proposal, including a proposed methodology and timeline.
• Financial proposal specifying the consultancy fee.
• Updated CV, highlighting relevant experience.
• Examples of previous relevant work.

10. Deadline for Application

All applications must be submitted no later than (June 27 2025)