Oxfam employs more than six thousand people in 90 countries who share a commitment to work together to end poverty and suffering. It is committed to ensure diversity and gender equality within the organization and welcomes applications from women, person with disability and under-represented groups. Oxfam does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on their HIV/AIDS status. The organization has been working in Bangladesh since the War of Independence and has established a permanent country office in 1972. Since then it has responded to all major emergencies in the country. Oxfam’s current program focuses on Economic Justice & Resilience, Gender and Women’s Leadership and Humanitarian Capacity Building and Response.

A simple, inescapable truth underlines everything we do at Oxfam. There’s enough wealth in this world to go around. It’s not unfortunate that people live in poverty. It’s unjustifiable. It’s not their problem. It’s ours too. And with the right support, we can stop poverty and suffering in their tracks. More than 8,000 people already commit their time and talents to our humanitarian and long-term development projects. Now we’re looking for yours.

Oxfam in Bangladesh is seeking a consultancy firm or individual consultant for a consultancy assignment. We invite proposals from interested firms and individuals to undertake this assignment.

Background:

Bangladesh, the world's largest delta, is frequently cited as one of the most vulnerable nations due to the impacts of climate variability and change. According to the global climate risk index Bangladesh ranks 7th among all countries on the vulnerability list due to climate change. The coastal areas of Bangladesh are recognized as the most vulnerable zone, which faces frequent climate change induced hazards and disasters. Despite being the lowest contributor to global total GHG emissions, the coastal communities are the worst impacted by their exposure to vulnerabilities. Oxfam believes this is utter injustice that triggers inequalities and multiple environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities, especially for the poor and marginal communities. Oxfam strives to fight this injustice and inequity to uphold Climate Justice for the people and the landscape.

Oxfam is working to ensure that pathways to resilient development are people-centered, inclusive, environmentally responsible, and climate smart and for which Oxfam initiated a project called "Blue Economy and Inclusive Development for Climate Justice (BID4CJ)". The primary objective of the BID4CJ project is to equip communities with the capacity, power, and evidence for influence to negotiate with the duty bearers and the private sector to harness their fair share of sustainable economic growth in coastal areas. The project aims to promote green businesses (e.g., businesses that sustainably use low energy and natural resources and cut GHG emissions) that directly contribute to community livelihoods – without increasing vulnerability to climate change or environmental pollution. The project also focuses on mobilizing communities to manage and restore critical coastal and marine ecosystems that provide livelihoods and protection from climatic disasters and associated vulnerabilities. Oxfam sees women, and feminist movements, as central to this.

3. Purpose of the Feasibility Assessment:

As part of the BID4CJ project, Oxfam and its partners are working closely with coastal community-based entrepreneurs with a strong dedication to produce environment-friendly (green) products, and to further strengthen their capacities and establish an effective market linkage. This initiative supports the promotion of ecofriendly product lines and sustainable business practices within the communities.

BID4CJ’s key action includes setting up pilot-based community led business hubs in three priority upazilas: Chakaria, Moheshkhali, and Shyamnagar. These hubs will serve as the marketplace for community-produced green products, while also providing a platform for enterprise development, following their vision to ensure the sustainability of their businesses in a form of community-driven business platform. To ensure expansion and sustainability of the hubs, the feasibility assessment will examine the potentiality of the green business hubs and online marketplace.

4. Scope of the Study:

The scope of this study includes the following key areas:

• Green Business Analysis: Conduct an in-depth analysis of existing green businesses within the targeted coastal areas. This includes assessing their operational structures, strengths, weaknesses, and current market share to understand their positioning and potential growth areas.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Needs Assessment: Identify and engage key stakeholders, such as local communities, green businesses, government agencies, and NGOs, to gain insights into their needs, expectations, and potential areas for collaboration. This engagement will support tailored strategies that address stakeholder priorities and enhance community involvement.

• Online Marketplace Feasibility Study: Analyze the feasibility of establishing an online marketplace (including cost of establishment, maintenance, advertisement) of specifically tailored for green businesses. This analysis will cover market demand, competitive landscape, operational logistics, and technological requirements to ensure the marketplace is viable and scalable.

• Conceptual Framework for Green Business Hubs: Develop a comprehensive conceptual framework (e.g., a Business Model Framework) for the green business hubs and online marketplace. This framework will outline potential hub locations, services to be offered, and infrastructure requirements to support ecofriendly operations and community driven enterprise growth.

• Sustainability Planning: Create a robust sustainability plan addressing environmental, social, and economic factors. This plan will establish guidelines to support the long-term viability of the business hubs and ensure alignment with ecofriendly and socially responsible practices.

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify potential risks associated with the implementation of the project and propose effective mitigation strategies. This will include addressing economic, operational, and environmental risks to ensure smooth project execution and resilience.

• Field Visits and Data Collection: Conduct field visits to the targeted coastal areas to gather firsthand data on local green businesses, market conditions, and community dynamics. These visits will enable a nuanced understanding of local needs, operational challenges, and potential opportunities for green business hubs.

• Methodology Development: Develop a detailed methodology to guide the feasibility study, specifying research methods, data collection techniques, analytical approaches, and tools to be used. The methodology will ensure that data gathered is accurate, relevant, and comprehensive, leading to well-founded conclusions and recommendations.

Deliverables:

The specific deliverables for this study are detailed in the following table:

Proposed Payment Schedule:

Notes:

• The total cost for the assignment is capped at BDT 25,00,000.00 (Twenty-Five Lacs BDT) (including VAT-Tax and all other Government of Bangladesh charges as per the Rules).
• Payments will be made upon successful completion and approval of each deliverable, ensuring quality and compliance with project requirements.

Evaluation Process:

Oxfam will review and weigh consultancy applications based on the following criteria. It is worth noting that Oxfam prefers a value for money approach and does not necessarily weight a lower price over a quality candidate. Interested consultants/firms are encouraged to apply.

The available budget for this consultancy is a maximum of BDT 25,00,000 (including VAT-Tax and all other Government of Bangladesh charges as per the Rules).

Please refer to the detailed ToR (Click here) for this assignment.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 11 DECEMBER 2024

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We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and may be subject to appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks