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Terms of Reference: Organizational Business Plan Development for Learning, playing and teaching materials production and training business in Debre Berhan

Introduction

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) founded in 2007 as a local non-governmental organization that focuses on integrated community development and humanitarian response programs. ESD initially operated solely in the Amhara region, with a specific focus on education programs. However, since 2010 G.C, ESD has expanded its operations to four regions: Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, and SNNP and now implementing about 14 projects categorized under six distinct programs. The overarching vision of ESD is to create a brighter future for children, youth, and women by addressing the root causes of poverty. ESD carries out its programs in 16 woredas across these regions. Over the course of its operations until the end of 2022, ESD has allocated over ETB 176,131,973 and has successfully reached 259,326 beneficiaries, including women, girls, children, and youth.

ESD collaborates closely with five strategic donors such as, Foundation Solidarity International (FSI), International Child Development Initiative (ICDI), Medicore Foundation, Stitching Kinderpostzegels Nederland (SKN), Malala Fund, and SOLAFRICA and the local government in its intervention areas to carry out its benevolent endeavors. These international partners provide both financial and technical support to ESD, enabling the organization to make a lasting impact in the communities it serves.

Background                                                                     

Currently, many local CSOs, including ESD, are encountering challenges in securing funds from external funders due to various factors. These challenges include limited resources, intense competition among CSOs and a shift in donors’ attention towards humanitarian response initiatives rather than development programs.

Like the majority of the local CSOs, ESD has traditionally relied on external funding sources to provide funding for its initiatives. For example, in 2022, the ESD’s budget amounted to ETB 79,065,301.32, and this funding was entirely sourced from external donors. In light of the current circumstances and the evolving landscape of funding opportunities, it is imperative for ESD to explore alternative strategies for diversifying its funding sources. This strategic shift may involve forging partnerships with local businesses, engaging in income-generating activities (IGAs) or adopting innovative fundraising approaches.

By embracing these measures, ESD strives to strengthen its financial sustainability and maintain the implementation of crucial programs that bring long-lasting benefits to the communities it serves. Aligned with its comprehensive five-year strategic plan (2022-2026), which clearly defines strategic goals, intervention areas and target groups, ESD acknowledges the importance of establishing income-generating business to support its social and environmental mission. In line with these motives, ESD has outlined a plan to develop and manufacture affordable, user-friendly learning and teaching materials, as outdoor playing materials and indoor school furniture along with outdoor equipment for pre-primary schools.

To address these priorities, ESD has secured funding from Plan International Ethiopia to implement ESD Resource Mobilization Strengthening mini Project. The primary objective of this mini project is to enhance ESD’s organizational resource mobilization efforts through capacity building initiatives.

As part of the project’s envisioned activities, the preparation of a business plan is deemed crucial. To this end, ESD intends to invite consulting firms to develop the business plan. Therefore, this document serves as an invitation for consultancy services, encouraging interested consulting firms to submit their technical and financial proposals for evaluation and consideration.

Scope of the assignment

The scope of this consultancy assignment is to develop a comprehensive business plan for ESD, focusing on the development and manufacturing of affordable, user-friendly learning and teaching materials, indoor and outdoor playing materials as well as school furniture and equipment and demand for training of preprimary and early grade primary school teachers on production and use of the materials

The consulting firm will be responsible for conducting a thorough market analysis to identify demand, competition, and potential customers for the proposed products. He/She will assess the production feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of the products. Based on the market analysis, the consulting firm will develop a detailed business plan that outlines strategies, timelines, and cost projections for the production, marketing, and distribution of the products. He/She will provide recommendations on pricing strategies, target markets and distribution channels. The consulting firm will also prepare a marketing and promotional plan to create awareness and generate demand for the products. Financial projections, including revenue forecasts, investment requirements, and projected profitability, will be included in the plan.

The final deliverable will be a well-structured business plan that aligns with ESD’s strategic goals and objectives. Throughout the assignment, the consulting firm will collaborate closely with ESD, seeking feedback and incorporating any necessary revisions. The consulting firm will present the final business plan to ESD for review and approval.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this consultancy assignment is to develop a comprehensive business plan for ESD in line with its strategic goals and objectives. The business plan will focus on the development and production of affordable, user-friendly learning and teaching materials, outdoor and indoor playing materials, school furniture and equipment for pre-primary schools. The ultimate aim is to establish IGAs that will diversify ESD’s resource base, ensure long-term organizational sustainability and maximize its impact.

Tasks and Deliverables

The consulting firm will be responsible for the following tasks and deliverables:

• Conduct a detailed market analysis to identify demand, competition and potential customers for the proposed learning and teaching materials, playing materials, indoor school furniture, and outdoor equipment.
• Assess the production feasibility, cost-effectiveness and scalability of the proposed products.
• Assess the demand for training of preprimary and early grade primary school teachers on production and use of the materials
• Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes detailed strategies, timelines and cost projections for the production, marketing and distribution of the products.
• Provide recommendations on pricing strategies, target markets and distribution channels.
• Outline a marketing and promotional plan to create awareness and generate demand for the products.
• Prepare financial projections, including revenue forecasts, investment requirements, and projected profitability.
• Present the final business plan to ESD for review and approval.

Methodology of the business plan

The consulting firm has the freedom to select their preferred methodology for preparing the business plan. It should be noted that the Pedagogical Resource Center (PDC) and Training Center are situated in Debrebirhan.

Time frame

The consultancy assignment is expected to be completed within 22 days from the contract signing date. The consulting firm should propose a detailed timeline with milestones and deliverable due dates.

Output/s of the business plan

The consulting firm should complete its study and come up with its first draft report within 15 days from the date of agreement concluded between the winner consulting firm and ESD. Once ESD receives the draft business plan, it will give its comments to the consulting firm in three days.

After the comments have been given, the consulting firm shall submit its final business plan report incorporating comments given. Three copies (hard and soft) of the final report should be submitted not later than 5 days after the comments been given.

Qualifications of consulting firm:

Interested consulting firm should possess the following qualifications:

• Masters’ degree or PhD in education, Business development, economics, or related fields. In case his/her qualification is not directly related with the aforementioned fields, at least he/she should have at least five years’ proven experience in business plan development, preferably in the education sector or social enterprise context.
• A renewed license for consultancy service.   
• Strong knowledge of market research and analysis techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial planning and forecasting.
• Familiarity with the Ethiopian education system and pre-primary school requirements is desirable.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Proposal Submission:

Interested consulting firms are requested to submit their technical and financial proposals in response to this invitation for consultancy services. The proposals should include relevant experience, methodology, work plan, team composition, and a detailed budget as well as detailed information about the consulting firm (i.e., valid license for 2015 EC; TIN registration and VAT registration (if any), testimony of experiences in similar tasks in the last five years, and CVs of core professionals to be involved in the assignment).

Evaluation and Selection:

The submitted proposals will be evaluated based on technical expertise, experience, proposed methodology, and cost-effectiveness. ESD will evaluate and select the most suitable consulting firms for the assignment.

Confidentiality:

All information provided by ESD during the consultancy assignment should be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of developing the business plan.

Contractual Arrangements:

Upon selection, the consulting firm will enter into a formal contract with ESD, outlining the terms and conditions of the consultancy assignment, including payment terms, deliverable schedule, and deliverables.

Financial proposal

The financial proposal shall include all costs inclusive of all taxes.

General

Competent women are encouraged to apply for the consultancy service.

It is important to note that ESD reserves the right to amend or cancel, in part or entirely, the preparation of the business plan as needed. Any amendments or cancellations will be communicated promptly to the selected consulting firm.

How to apply

To this effect, Interested and eligible bidders/firms can collect the Terms of Reference (ToR) from the organization website (www.esdethio.org) and submit in person or through email address esdethio@gmail.com within 5 working days starting from the date of announcement of this bid. 

ESD Head office is located at the junction/turning of Rwanda Embassy behind Bunna International Bank, Jambo Galaxy / IT Corner Building, Ground &1^st Floor. Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Phone Number: 0116639780

Email esdethio@gmail.com