Consultancy for Climate-Resilient Value Chain Development
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToRs) Consultancy for Climate-Resilient Value Chain Analysis Project: Enhancing Climate Resilience and Sustainable Ecosystems Funded by: Global EbA Fund (IUCN) Lead Agency: International Rescue Committee (IRC) Partner: Local Partner Locations: Swat & Buner Districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Date: May 2026 Consultancy Type: Individual Consultant Duration: Approx. 8–10 weeks 1. Introduction and Project Background The International Rescue Committee (IRC), in partnership with Kocal Partner and with technical oversight from IUCN, is implementing the 18-month project “Enhancing Climate Resilience and Sustainable Ecosystems” in Swat and Buner districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, funded by the Global EbA Fund. The project focuses on three interconnected pillars: ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs), and climate-resilient livelihoods and value chains. Swat and Buner are highly exposed to climate risks including floods, erratic rainfall, land degradation, and ecosystem decline, which disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, livestock keepers, forest-dependent households, women, and youth. Output 2 of the project, Strengthened Agriculture Value Chains through Private Sector Engagement requires a rigorous, climate-informed value chain analysis to identify the most viable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable value chain opportunities within agriculture, livestock, and forestry-related sectors. This consultancy will produce the foundational analysis that will drive all subsequent livelihood interventions under Output 2, including farmer training, private sector engagement through the 4Ps model, financial service provider linkages, and green jobs/entrepreneurship training. Findings must also explicitly inform LAPA development under Output 1. 2. Purpose of the Consultancy The overall purpose is to conduct a comprehensive, climate-informed value chain analysis to identify viable, inclusive, and climate-resilient value chains that can enhance livelihood resilience among climate-vulnerable communities in Swat and Buner. The analysis will serve as the evidence base for IRC and Local Partner’s private sector engagement strategy, farmer training programmes, and green entrepreneurship pathways under Output 2, and will directly inform LAPA recommendations under Output 1. 3. Specific Objectives Identify priority existing and emerging value chains in agriculture, livestock, and forestry sectors with strong market demand, livelihood potential, and climate resilience attributes producing at least 2 prioritized value chains per district (one per district as per Milestone M5). Map and analyze value chain structures: key actors, input suppliers, producers, processors, traders, buyers, and financial service providers. Conduct a climate risk and environmental vulnerability assessment at each stage of prioritized value chains. Identify and map Women Enterprise Groups (WEGs), Farmer Enterprise Groups (FEGs), and potential women farmers/entrepreneurs (Milestone M6) as primary value chain actors. Identify EbA integration opportunities and environmentally sustainable practices within each value chain (e.g., climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, sustainable NTFPs, eco-certification). Generate actionable recommendations for farmer training, private sector partnerships (4Ps model), FSP linkages, and green skills development pathways. Ensure findings are disaggregated by district, gender, age, and vulnerability status, and explicitly aligned with LAPA development (Output 1). 4. Scope of Work 4.1 Desk Review Review relevant national and provincial policies, strategies, and studies on climate change, adaptation, agriculture, livestock, forestry, and livelihoods. Analyze existing value chain, market, and climate assessments relevant to Swat and Buner, including IRC’s previous project baselines and KP government sector reports. Review the Local Partner stakeholder mapping and resource assessment reports to identify convergence and avoid duplication. Identify regulatory and market environment factors affecting value chain development in targeted districts. 4.2 Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Develop a comprehensive stakeholder and market actor map covering: producers (farmers, livestock keepers, forest-dependent households), MSMEs, traders, processors, private sector buyers, government departments (Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Extension), NGOs, Financial Service Providers (FSPs), and community institutions (WEGs, FEGs, IWJs). Conduct at least 12 KIIs per district with market actors, sector experts, government extension staff, private buyers, and FSPs. Facilitate at least 3 FGDs per district with producer groups and community members, ensuring at least 50% female participation and separate sessions for women farmers and youth. Coordinate with Local Partner field teams for logistical support, community access, and warm introductions to key market actors. 4.3 Value Chain Mapping and Market Analysis Map selected priority value chains from input supply through production, processing, marketing, and end markets. Analyze market demand, competitiveness, pricing dynamics, margin analysis, and enabling environment for each prioritized value chain. Assess climate vulnerabilities and environmental externalities at each value chain stage, applying a climate risk lens (floods, drought, pests, price volatility). Identify feasible entry points for: (a) climate-resilient and green skills development; (b) sustainable MSME and entrepreneurship opportunities; (c) EbA-aligned livelihood interventions and nature-based solutions; and (d) private sector investment (4Ps model – Producers, Public, Private Partnership). Map potential private and public buyers and assess their willingness and capacity to engage with smallholders. Map Financial Service Providers (FSPs), government programs, and non-governmental microfinance programs relevant to the targeted value chains. 4.4 EbA and Green Economy Integration Assess each prioritized value chain for EbA integration potential: sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, eco-certification, NTFP value addition, and nature-based production methods. Identify green skills demand linked to prioritized value chains to inform the green entrepreneurship and vocational training curriculum development. Assess market demand for eco-friendly, sustainably produced products in regional and national markets. 4.5 Disaggregation and Alignment Present all findings separately for Swat and Buner districts, with a comparative summary. Disaggregate analysis and recommendations by gender, age, and vulnerability status throughout. Provide explicit cross-references to LAPA climate adaptation priorities, ensuring livelihood and market recommendations are coherent with district adaptation planning. 5. Expected Deliverables # Deliverable Timing D1 Inception Report: methodology, value chain selection criteria, data collection tools, market actor mapping approach, workplan Week 1–2 D2 Interim Progress Report: preliminary value chain mapping; initial climate risk and market assessment; shortlist of priority value chains with justification; emerging constraints and opportunities Week 4–5 D3 Draft Value Chain Analysis Report (both districts) shared with IRC and Local Partner for review: comprehensive analysis of prioritized value chains, climate/environmental risk assessment, gender inclusion analysis, EbA opportunities, market actor and FSP maps, green skills demand assessment Week 6–7 D4 Stakeholder Review Workshop Facilitation (minimum 1 per district): facilitation plan, findings presentation, attendance records, key feedback summary Week 8 D5 Final Climate-Resilient Value Chain Analysis Report (both districts, print-ready and soft copy): incorporating review feedback; includes action recommendations matrix, implementation priorities, private sector engagement strategy, green skills curriculum brief, and FSP linkage roadmap Week 9–10 D6 LAPA Input Brief: a concise note (maximum 10 pages) summarizing value chain findings and recommendations for direct integration into the LAPA development process (Output 1) Week 10 D7 Final Assignment Completion Report: process summary, key lessons, recommendations for programming and scale-up Week 10 All deliverables require IRC approval before payment release. Final reports must be submitted in Word and PDF formats, with all underlying data in Excel. 6. Methodology The consultancy will apply a mixed-methods approach combining: Desk-based literature and policy review (national, provincial, district-level) Qualitative research: KIIs, FGDs, participatory market assessments, and stakeholder workshops Quantitative market and cost-margin analysis where appropriate Field visits to key value chain nodes: production sites, input markets, processing hubs, and buyer locations Integrated climate risk and vulnerability analysis applied at each value chain stage The methodology must explicitly ensure: Participatory engagement: Producers, MSMEs, buyers, and community groups directly involved in prioritization Analytical rigour: Systematic market analysis and climate risk screening with evidence-based prioritization Gender and social inclusion: Disaggregated data collection; WEG and FEG engagement; women’s market access analysis EbA integration: Nature-based and ecosystem-aligned practices identified and costed within value chain options ESMS compliance: Do-no-harm principles applied; environmental and social safeguard standards followed Practical applicability: Findings must be actionable for programming. 7. Timeline and Level of Effort The consultancy is expected to run for approximately 8–10 weeks. Indicative level of effort is 35–45 person-days. Phase Key Activities Duration Phase 1: Inception Desk review, tool development, value chain selection criteria, inception report Weeks 1–2 Phase 2: Data Collection KIIs, FGDs, market actor mapping, field visits, FSP mapping Weeks 3–5 Phase 3: Analysis & Drafting Data consolidation, analysis, draft report for IRC/EPS review Weeks 6–7 Phase 4: Review & Validation Stakeholder workshop facilitation, feedback incorporation Week 8 Phase 5: Finalization Final report, LAPA brief, completion report submission Weeks 9–10 8. Reporting Line and Coordination The consultant will report to the IRC Livelihoods/EbA Focal Point (Tahir Najeeb) with oversight from the IRC Team Lead (Ikram Ullah Khan) and technical review by Rabab Sakina. The consultant will coordinate with EPS field teams for stakeholder access, community liaison, and market actor introductions. Progress updates will be presented to IRC and EPS at the end of each phase. The consultant must coordinate findings with the LAPA consultant (Output 1) to ensure cross-output coherence, submitting the LAPA Input Brief (D6) to inform LAPA drafting. ESMS compliance clauses are mandatory and will be incorporated into the contract. 9. Consultant Qualifications 9.1 Essential Requirements – Lead Consultant Requirement Specification Education Postgraduate degree in Agriculture Economics, Rural Development, Market Systems, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, or related field Experience (minimum) 8–10 years of professional experience in value chain analysis, market systems development, or livelihoods assessments VCA Track Record Proven track record in conducting climate-informed value chain analyses or market assessments (at least 2 completed VCAs required, preferably in KP or comparable context) Climate resilience Strong expertise in climate resilience, EbA, and sustainable livelihoods programming Market systems Demonstrated understanding of market systems development (M4P), 4Ps models, private sector engagement, and FSP linkages Gender & inclusion Experience conducting gender-responsive value chain analyses and ensuring active participation of women and youth market actors Local context Familiarity with the socioeconomic and environmental context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Swat/Buner experience highly preferred Research methods Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods (KIIs, FGDs, cost-margin analysis) Communication Excellent English report-writing skills; Pashto/Urdu communication skills for community and market actor engagement 9.2 Highly Desirable Experience in agriculture, livestock, and/or NTFP value chains specifically in KP, Swat, or Buner. Familiarity with IRC, EPS, IUCN, or Global EbA Fund project frameworks and reporting requirements. Understanding of green economy concepts, eco-certification, and EbA-aligned market development. Prior experience developing green skills curricula or vocational training content for rural youth. Knowledge of microfinance, social enterprise, and impact investment models applicable to rural Pakistan. Experience in LAPAs or adaptation planning to support cross-output coherence with the LAPA consultant. Experience applying ESMS / environmental safeguard standards in agricultural or natural resource projects. 9.3 Team Composition (if submitting as a firm/team) Lead Consultant: Overall responsibility for VCA methodology, analysis, and report writing. Market Systems Specialist (optional): Deep expertise in private sector engagement, 4Ps model, and FSP linkages. Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist (recommended): Gender-disaggregated data collection and WEG/FEG engagement. Field Researchers/Enumerators (at least 2, one per district): KIIs, FGDs, market actor mapping with EPS support. 10. Evaluation Criteria Criteria Weight Notes Technical Proposal & Methodology 40% Must reflect phased approach Relevant VCA / Livelihoods / Market Systems Experience 25% Min. 2 VCA samples required Team Capacity, Gender and EbA Expertise 15% CVs required Financial Proposal (value for money) 10% Detailed budget breakdown Interview / Presentation 10% Shortlisted candidates only 11. Payment Schedule Milestone Deliverable(s) Payment % Contract signing and submission of Inception Report (D1) D1 approved by IRC 20% Submission of Interim Progress Report (D2) D2 approved by IRC 20% Facilitation of stakeholder review workshops and submission of draft report (D3, D4) Draft report reviewed by IRC; workshops completed 30% Submission of all final deliverables (D5, D6, D7) All final deliverables approved by IRC 30% 12. Safeguarding, Ethics, and Intellectual Property The consultant must adhere to IRC’s Safeguarding Policy, IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct, and Child Safeguarding Policy. All fieldwork must apply do-no-harm principles, FPIC for community-level engagement, gender-sensitive data collection, and informed consent procedures. ESMS compliance is mandatory. The consultant must integrate ESMS safeguard clauses into the contract and all relevant field protocols. All deliverables, data, tools, and intellectual products arising from this assignment are the exclusive property of IRC. No publication or presentation without prior written authorization from IRC. Confidentiality of community data, including gender-disaggregated and vulnerability data, must be maintained throughout. IRC is committed to gender equality. Women consultants and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 13. Proposal Submission Requirements Technical Proposal: Understanding of assignment, proposed methodology, value chain selection criteria, workplan, data collection and market analysis tools. Financial Proposal: Detailed budget in PKR/USD with daily rates, field costs, and team composition costs. CV(s): Lead consultant and all proposed team members. Work Samples: At least two completed value chain analysis or equivalent market/livelihoods reports. References: Contact details of at least two supervisors or project managers from recent, relevant assignments. Declaration: Signed statement of availability, conflict of interest disclosure, and commitment to IRC’s safeguarding standards. 14. Submission Details Submission Deadline 29 May 2026 Submission Mode [email protected] Queries [email protected] Reference Please reference: “Value Chain Consultant – IUCN-EbA Project – Swat & Buner” PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients. 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