Terms of Reference

Assignment Title: Developing Training Module Design and Conducting TOT and Training workshops on BDS for MSMEs of Saidpur Backyard Garments Sector
Project Title: Unlocking the potential of the backyard garments sector to reduce poverty and waste in South Asia (An action-research study on growth potential in Bangladesh and India)

Introduction to Traidcraft

Traidcraft believes that trade affects the life of every person and can provide the most sustainable way of overcoming poverty. In all our areas of work, Traidcraft plays a key role as catalyst and convenor, encouraging different actors to work together to develop approaches that lead to inclusive economic growth. We have a particularly strong track record of constructive engagement with the private sector as both trading and development partners.

Working with local partners and communities, and engaging with the private sector, other non-governmental and governmental bodies, our interventions revolve around three inter-related areas:

  • Trade: facilitating access to local, regional and international markets for small enterprises.
  • Support: building the capacity of poor producers to trade effectively, helping them form enterprises and collaborative groups and equipping them with business skills.
  • Influence: challenging injustice and encouraging changes in government policies, corporate practices and public attitudes to trade, development and poverty.

We assist those who are economically marginalised and the communities in which they operate. We pay particular attention to women, rural communities, and small enterprises (including smallholder farmers).

Context of the assignment

The Saidpur backyard garments sector in northern Bangladesh was identified as a potential way to make a positive contribution in reducing negative environmental impact caused by garment waste, as well as bringing economic prosperity and poverty reduction to rural areas by creating new job opportunities. In order to benefit the wider rural communities and be able to address the growing scope of waste pollution coming from urban areas, the sector will need to grow and expand its reach. An initial scoping study was conducted which interviewed major stakeholders in the backyard garment industry who expressed optimism that the sector will grow.

This research project aims to test these claims and unlock the potential of the sector by undertaking an in-depth research study which investigates its actual impact and growth potential while offering hands-on business development support to people working in backyard garment businesses.

A component of the research project will focus on capacity building of MSMEs for enhancing effectiveness of Business Development Services. This will require the services of a consultant/consulting firm who is expected to work closely with the research time and interact with the target groups to develop customized training modules on most relevant BDS topics for the target MSMEs and then execute the training programme to reach at least 100 MSMEs directly and develop 10 Master Trainers.

Assignment Objective

Objective of the consultant’s assignment is to design and execute training for the MSMEs and the association/association leaders based on a training needs assessment and a review of the findings of the international research team which will study and analyse the sector. The training modules and training program will contribute to improving the effectiveness and access to Business Development Services for the backyard garments sector. The target is to impart training to 100 MSMEs from the sector.

Deliverables

  1. Assessment of the training needs of the target group and identification of the most relevant BDS;
  2. Designing Training Module on relevant BDS
  3. Training of 10 Master trainers on BDS and training and mentoring of Association Leaders on BDS
  4. Training for 100 SMEs (4 batches of 25 trainees) on BDS using the training modules mentioned in 2 above

Finally, the consultant will submit a completion report with all the details of the process followed and the training workshops completed as well as the feedback of the trainers and the experience sharing of the trainers and trainees regarding the effectiveness of BDS training and areas for improvement. The combined final report will be submitted to Traidcraft and shared with all relevant stakeholders as well as to the research team for including the findings in their final report.

Methodology

The consultant is expected to propose a methodology based on their understanding of the objectives and context and explain the rationale for their proposed methodology in a concise way.

Timeframe and Duration of Contract

Interested consultants/consulting firms are requested to submit their financial and technical proposal by 11th April 2019.  Selection process and contract signing will be completed by 18th April 2019. The assignment will commence on April 2019. The training module should be finalized by mid of June 2019. The training workshops are expected to be completed during June and July 2019. The final report is to be submitted by August 2019. However, the consultant will be expected to work closely and give inputs to the research team of the project as and when required.

Submission of Proposal

Interested consulting firms with relevant experience are requested to send their Technical and Financial Proposals to the following address: TX_Bangladesh@traidcraft.org with a copy to Sonya.Firoz@traidcraft.org, on or before 15th April 2019. The proposal should not be more than 15 pages including CV of the proposed consultants and resource persons. Details of relevant experience must be clearly highlighted.