Tenders Are Invited For Consultant: Mekong Region Basin Inclusive Market System Assessment

Tenders are invited for Consultant: Mekong Region Basin Inclusive Market System Assessment. Closing Date: 9 May 2025 Type: Consultancy Identify market dynamics and opportunities, and assess and map the supply and demand of the selected subsector in targeted areas. Map the existing potential value chains and assess the competitiveness of the value chain(s) and determine how to create competitive advantages for the targeted sectors in the context of local and regional trends, having in mind the context of women and vulnerable groups. Assess the cost, profit, marketing, and supply and demand dynamics of the value chain. Select key value chains with the highest potential for growth, profitability, and employment for the poor (given their needs and capacities). Special emphasis should be placed on finding value chains where there are opportunities and/or low entry barriers for women and other vulnerable groups, which can be optimized, and their entry into the market will be beneficial to them and the household. Understand the points of exclusion that prevent women from participating and benefiting in the shortlisted sub-sectors compared to men. This involves understanding the system in which women operate and the barriers women face compared to men, particularly in terms of economic advancement (jobs, income) and access (to opportunities, life chances, resources and services), as well as the underlying reasons for the barriers from the perspective of a) women and men, b) household and community members and c) the market actors operating in the system. Given selection criteria, outline key trade-offs between different selection criteria. (e.g. often vulnerable groups/women are located in least profitable value chains to begin with, so inclusion potential of a value chain and profitability potential might look different for women-led vs. men-led value chains). Examine production and non-production related economic opportunity (value addition, employment, business or service provision) that can be carried out by target groups. Understand the informal relationship and governance mechanism among actors (such as input suppliers, off-takers, processors, financial service providers etc) along the value chain. Analyse the supporting functions that are required to make the value chain work, including both existing and missing support functions (e.g., infrastructure, information, access to finance and related services) and the current rate of support (e.g. extent of financial inclusion). Clarify the rules and regulations (e.g., standards, laws, informal rules, and norms) related to the value chain. Outline any gaps that must be filled for target group to sustainably benefit through the value chain, and how the value chain can be developed. Order by priority potential development plans and interventions. In particular, the prioritization should consider the potential of certain chains to promote the inclusion of women and vulnerable groups from the target area. Draft for the most cost-effective interventions concept notes. Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4150185/consultant-mekong-region-basin-inclusive-market-system-assessment