Call for Expressions of Interest: Provision of Project Staff Skill Development Training on Enterprise Development, MEAL, Marketing, Development and Food Systems

Organization Background & Call Overview

Self Help Africa (SHA) is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in rural Africa. SHA Ethiopia invites eligible and qualified consultancy firms, training institutions, management institutes, higher education institutions, or specialized professional organizations to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for delivering a comprehensive, 45-day staff capacity-building program.

Objective & Scope of Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to enhance the practical competencies and technical performance of 10 key SHA project staff across three distinct thematic tracks (15 training days per track, totaling 150 participant-days):

• Enterprise Development (3 Staff | 15 Days): Focusing on MSME incubation, Business Model Canvas (BMC), financial literacy, VESAs, credit readiness, and coaching.
• MEAL & Digital Systems (4 Staff | 15 Days): Focusing on Results-Based Management, digital data collection (KoboToolbox/CommCare/ODK), DQA, advanced analytics, and CFRM.
• Marketing Development (3 Staff | 15 Days): Focusing on Participatory Market Systems Development (PMSD), value chain analysis, B2B linkage facilitation, and commercial strategies.
• Food System Training (3 Staff | 15 Days): Emphasizing capacity building in sustainable agricultural practices, food safety standards, nutrition education, and community engagement strategies.

Delivery Model & Methodology 

• Each thematic track will be delivered using a blended 3-phase modular model designed to minimize operational disruption:
• Phase I: Classroom Theory & Technical Skills (5 Days)
• Phase II: Field Application & Coached On-Site Practice (5 Days)
• Phase III: Action Learning, Assignment Review & Final Synthesis (5 Days)

Minimum Eligibility Criteria 

Interested applicants must provide evidence demonstrating the following minimum requirements:

• Legal Registration: Valid trade license, tax registration (TIN), VAT registration certificate, and legal status in Ethiopia.
• Organizational Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of proven experience in providing capacity building/training in Enterprise, MEAL, or Marketing Systems.
• INGO / Sector Context: Demonstrated track record working with INGOs, agricultural development programs, or civil society organizations.
• Trainer Qualifications: Lead trainers with Master’s/PhD degrees in relevant fields and a minimum 7 years of practical facilitation experience.

Required EOI Submission Documents 

Firms expressing interest must submit an EOI Package containing the following:

• Cover Letter: Signed letter expressing interest, signed by an authorized representative.
• Company Profile: Brief profile highlighting thematic specializations and institutional capacity.
• Track Record & References: Summary of 3 comparable training assignments completed within the past 5 years with contact references.
• Expert CVs: Profiles/CVs of lead facilitators proposed for the thematic tracks.
• Legal Documentation: Copies of renewed business license, TIN, and VAT registration certificates.

 PART II: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) 

Instructions to Bidders 

Shortlisted or eligible training providers are invited to submit Technical and Financial Proposals for the delivery of SHA’s staff capacity building program. Bidders may bid for individual thematic tracks or the complete package of three tracks. SHA reserves the right to award contracts to single or multiple providers.

Technical Proposal Requirements 

The Technical Proposal must follow the standard structure outlined below:

• Section A — Understanding of Assignment: Analysis of SHA’s capacity building needs and operational context.
• Section B — Proposed Curriculum & Session Plans: Detailed modular breakdown aligning with the minimum curriculum in Annex A.
• Section C — Pedagogical Methodology: Detailed approach for executing Phase I (Classroom), Phase II (Field Coaching), and Phase III (Action Synthesis).
• Section D — Trainer Capability & Staffing: Detailed CVs and matrix mapping trainer expertise to specific modules.
• Section E — Quality Assurance & Evaluation: Methodology for pre/post knowledge assessments and participant feedback collection.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria & Selection Weights 

Proposals will be evaluated based on a 70% Technical / 30% Financial quality-cost framework. A minimum technical threshold of 50 out of 70 points is required to proceed to financial evaluation.

Key Deliverables & Payment Milestones 

Payments will be released based on the approval of key contract deliverables:

Reference Information: SHA Direct Logistical Allowances 

Note to Bidders: Staff accommodation and per diem allowances are managed directly by SHA as per standard organizational rates. Bidders should NOT include staff accommodation or per diem costs in their financial proposal unless it is part of their training package to provide the training.

PART III: REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)/ FINANCIAL PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

Financial Instructions & Currency 

Bidders must submit their financial quotation in Ethiopian Birr (ETB), inclusive of all applicable statutory taxes (VAT, Withholding Tax, etc.). The financial proposal must cover all provider operational costs, facilitator fees, training materials, and administrative overheads.

Provider Financial Cost Breakdown Table

Please complete the itemized budget schedule below: 

Note: Total training days for each session can be provided as part of the service, along with the standard training duration from the respective provider.