Request for Proposals to Support the Development of Community Forest-based Enterprises in Myanmar

Deadline: 27-Jul-22

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hereby invites you to submit a Proposal to this Request for proposal of “ Support to the Development of Community Forest-based Enterprises in Mon State and Tanintharyi Region”.

Scope of Work, Output and Devliverables

Working under the overall guidance of Head of UNDP Mon Head Office and Programme Specialist/Team Lead, ENCORE Project Unit, and day to day supervision of the Activity Manager, UNREDD Mangroves TA, the service provider shall support local communities in the establishment of Community Forest-based Enterprises (CFE) in south-east Myanmar, specifically:

• Identify a total of 10 CFs in Mawlamyaing, Dawai and Myeik districts with high potential
• and strong community support (demand) for CFE establishment. The site selection will follow a robust assessment of conflict dynamics of each community.
• Conduct awareness raising on CF, CFE, enterprise development, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Develop training materials and conduct the following training.
  • CFE models such as agroforestry and aquaculture
  • Basic business management and entrepreneurial skills
  • Basic accounting
  • Market Analysis and Development methodologies (developed by FAO)
• Form or strengthen existing Community Forest Users Groups and CF Steering Committees for the potential CFEs with associated ToR.
• Apply Market Analysis and Development methodologies (MA&D), conduct analyses,
• including market surveys to assess the supply and demand of forest and non-forest products.
• Prioritize and select viable products/livelihood optionsin consultation with the concerned
• Community Forest User Groups based on market demand.
• Develop Community Forest Enterprise Plan (business plan) for each CFE. This will entail
• basic socio-economic survey and natural resource inventory and mapping.
• Train the CFUGs on the production and marketing of the selected product(s).
• Assist in linking the CFUGs with businesses and markets for its products.
• Provide an investment package of $3,000 to each CFUG to initialize business including creation of bank accounts.

Expected Outputs/Deliverables

• A workplan for the assignment including risk mitigation and management,
• A list of locations (CFs) with high potential for CFE along with profile of each location and an assessment of how and why those locations are selected,
• 1st progress report after 2 months of signing the contract with 60% of work completed, and
• Final narrative report incorporating lessons learned along with financial report.

Eligibility Criteria

• The contracted organization shall meet the following criteria:
  • At least 4 years of demonstrated experience in developing CFs, CFEs
  • Demonstrated experience working with local communities, including ethnic minorities
  • particularly supporting community-based natural resource management
  • Demonstrated experience in mangrove conservation, restoration and management
  • Experience in community development, particularly sustainable livelihood development in mangroves conservation context
  • Knowledge about REDD+ and/or climate change is desirable.
  • Excellence in English and Myanmar languages of the team members is required; knowledge of Karen,
  • Dawei, and Mon ethnic languages is an asset.
• Team Composition
  • The contracted organization’s team should include a minimum of the following key professionals:
    • Team Leader; Community Forestry Specialist; Livelihood Specialist; and Field Officer. Partnership with local
    • CSO/CBO and/or recruitment of local staff is encouraged.
• Team Leader
  • The Team Leader will be responsible for the day-to-day technical delivery of the deliverables:
    • At least a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Sciences or equivalent qualification
    • At least 5 years working experience in the establishment of community forest, community
    • forestry enterprise and community-based natural resource management in Myanmar
    • Strong relationships with CSOs, CBOs and local communities in Mon state and Tanintharyi region
    • Excellent Myanmar and English language skills
• Community Forestry Specialist
  • At least a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or equivalent qualification
  • Familiarity with Market Analysis and Development methodologies
  • At least 3 years of experience in CF/CFE establishment in Myanmar
  • Experience working with local communities and CSOs, CBOs in Mon state and Tanintharyi region
  • Excellent Myanmar and English language skills
• Livelihood Specialist
  • At least a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Business Management, Community
  • Development or equivalent qualification
  • At least 3 years of experience in supporting communities in enterprise development livelihood development, particularly in mangroves friendly livelihood options
  • Experience working with local communities and CSOs, CBOs in in Mon state and Tanintharyi region
  • Excellent Myanmar and English language skills
• Field Officer
  • Experience working with CSOs, CBOs and local communities on CF/CFE in southeast Myanmar
  • Good facilitation and community mobilization skills
  • Strong working relationships with local communities in in Mon state and Tanintharyi region
  • Knowledge of local languages is an asset.

For more information, visit https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=93333