Request for Proposals: Business Plan Analysis for Modern Agriculture Communities

KEY INFORMATION
 
Job Title: Request for Proposals: Business Plan Analysis for Modern Agriculture Communities (MACs)
Sector: Agriculture, Agribusiness, Investment & Trade
Position Type: Part-Time
Duration/Level of Effort: Short-Term
Position Location: Cambodia and Desk Based
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
 
The CAPRED is Australia’s flagship bilateral economic development facility in Cambodia. The Facility supports Cambodia in implementing various economic interventions and reforms to maintain the country’s economic transition. These interventions and reforms encourage more productive and inclusive public and private investment, promoting a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy (RISE).
 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
 
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) plans to establish Modern Agriculture Communities (MACs) to transition from traditional family-based farming to more organised and economically robust agricultural enterprises in Cambodia.  Each MAC, led by a CEO and a board of directors, will offer farmers two participation options: leasing their land and crops for collective management or contributing them as shares in return for dividends and employment opportunities. MAC would enhance agricultural communities' competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability through shared resources and expert management.
 
To begin the Modern Agriculture Communities (MAC) initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) will identify and structure four farmer groups into MACs to do a pilot, consisting of 50-100 farmers each. Creating a business plan would be the first step towards piloting the concept.
 
CAPRED is seeking a consultancy firm to develop a practical business plan for the MAC. This plan will detail the benefits of MAC for farmers, including its products and pricing, as well as the costs and funding required to launch and operate the system. It will also outline how MAC will make and manage money and how profits and losses will be distributed among its members. The business plan will focus on straightforward and achievable activities for the farmer groups, ensuring they are not overwhelmed by complexity as they grow.
 
The detailed Terms of Reference can be found here: https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RFP24-028_Business-Plan-Analysis-for-MAC.pdf
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Workplan: Create a work plan that outlines the scope, timelines, key milestones, and resource allocation for the entire project.
• Initial Report: Compile a report that includes:
• An assessment of farmer feedback on the proposed MAC model.
• A preliminary cost-benefit analysis of the existing versus proposed models.
• Interim Report: Based on the feedback and data gathered in the initial phase, develop a report outlining the value proposition, financial model, management structures, and incentive schemes.
• Use insights and data from the initial report to build practical and implementable business plan components.
• Final Report: Create a comprehensive final report that integrates all findings and finalised strategies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
 
A consultancy firm shall have personnel within the team with the following qualifications.
 
Education:

• Individuals who will work on this project should possess at least bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, agricultural economic or any related fields. Doctoral and master’s degree are desirable.

 
Technical competencies and Experience:

• Have a proven track record of at least five years of experience and expertise in providing consultancy services in agribusiness, agricultural economics, or a related field.
• Demonstrate experience in conducting feasibility studies of large-scale agricultural projects, preferably in Cambodia.
• Possess extensive experience in agricultural investment analysis, focusing on commercial production and market alignment of local agricultural products.
• Have excellent understanding on value chain for key marketable commodities in Cambodia and its socio-economic dynamics.
• Demonstrate ability to manage projects effectively, meeting deadlines and adhering to budgets.
• Experience handling multiple stakeholders and coordinating with government bodies, the private sector, and local communities.
• Demonstrate strong commitment to incorporate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles into project planning and implementation.
• Demonstrate proven capability to integrate climate resilience and environmental sustainability strategies into agricultural practices.

Other Competencies:

• Demonstrating integrity and high ethical standards.
• Displaying sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, national, and age differences.
• Treating all people fairly without favouritism.
• Fulfilling obligations to GEDSI sensitivity and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment.
• Strictly comply with DFAT Child Protection Code of Conduct and Policy.

(https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/child-protection-policy.pdf )
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
 
The proposals including the Response Form must be submitted no later than 5pm (Phnom Penh time), Monday 27th, May 2024. by email to procurement@capred.org with “MAC Consultancy firm – RFP” in the subject line.  Any proposals submitted after this time and date will not be considered.
 
The applicant is required to submit the Response Form in English language (form provided separately), and with an indication of a daily rate for each task/service as per section C of the Response Form. The rate should include any and all costs to carry out the work in the specified location. In addition to the proposal fee, the applicant should also detail any other relevant assumptions or required terms.
 
The Response Form can be found here: https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/RFP24-028_Response-Form_Business-Plan-Analysis-for-MAC.docx
 
For further information:
 
Further information about this RFP can be obtained from Mr. SOURN Sophoan, Agriculture and SMEs Lead, at email: sophoan.sourn@capred.org
 
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
 
ABOUT US
 
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.