Consultancy - Leading on GESI-Responsive Market Systems Assessment
Description
This assignment is open to both international individual consultants and international consultancy firms. |
Background
Mercy Corps has been a key development partner in Afghanistan since 1986, leading efforts in agricultural development and sustainable livelihoods across the country. Over nearly four decades, the organization has implemented a wide range of programs aimed at enhancing food security, improving market systems, and fostering economic resilience for rural communities. These initiatives have supported the cultivation of staple and cash crops such as wheat, corn, and vegetables, and have promoted orchard establishment and the development of sustainable value chains, including dried fruit production.
In addition to agricultural support, Mercy Corps has played a critical role in rehabilitating and expanding community-owned irrigation systems, improving water management practices, and introducing mechanization solutions for smallholder farmers. The organization has also supported the electrification of small businesses in agriculture and textiles and provided technical and vocational training to displaced populations - contributing to the broader development of local and provincial economies.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Afghanistan’s economy, employing approximately 80% of the population and accounting for around 25% of the country’s GDP. However, the sector is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related shocks. Afghanistan ranks among the top ten countries globally at risk from climate change, facing recurring droughts, floods, and chronic water scarcity - all of which threaten agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Women play a critical yet often overlooked role in Afghan agriculture, contributing significantly to farm labor, post-harvest processing, and household-level livestock management. Despite their contributions, women face systemic barriers such as restricted land ownership, limited access to credit and training, and entrenched cultural norms that constrain their participation in and benefit from agricultural value chains. Youth often struggle with high unemployment, lack of access to productive resources, and exclusion from decision-making processes that shape their futures. IDPs and returnees face insecure livelihoods, disrupted support systems, and limited access to land, inputs, and markets. People with disabilities are frequently excluded due to physical barriers, discrimination, and lack of accessible services, compounding their economic and social marginalization.
In response to these challenges, a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)-Responsive market systems assessment is being undertaken to support the strategic direction of a new rural development program. The assessment will map selected value chains from input supply through production, processing, marketing, and consumption, and analyze market structures, gender disparities and social exclusion, and opportunities for private-sector engagement. It will pay particular attention to how gender and social-cultural norms and institutional dynamics shape the roles of men and women, in all their diversities, in agriculture, identifying specific constraints and entry points for inclusive and equitable participation. The findings will inform practical actions to enhance gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), strengthen value chain performance, and build climate-resilient livelihoods for Afghanistan’s most vulnerable communities.
Purpose / Program Description
The program is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium led by People in Need (PIN), in partnership with Mercy Corps (MC), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Afghan Women’s Training Center (AWEC). The program aims to strengthen the climate resilience and economic stability of vulnerable rural communities in six provinces of Afghanistan - Ghazni, Zabul, Paktika, Herat, Helmand, and Kandahar - through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach focused on sustainable agriculture, financial access, and disaster risk reduction. Where possible, the program will aim to take a more facilitative approach, working in partnership with local market actors (business and institutions), that have the potential capacity and incentives to sustain changes in services, support, and improved, inclusive market access after the program ends. Led by a consortium of national and international partners, the program targets marginalized groups, particularly women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and persons with disabilities, who face significant climate and economic vulnerabilities.
The program seeks to achieve its goal through four integrated outputs: (1) promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices and diversified livelihoods; (2) strengthening inclusive market systems and improving access to value chains; (3) enhancing financial inclusion through tailored services for smallholder farmers and micro-enterprises; and (4) increasing community preparedness and response capacity to climate-induced disasters. Activities include capacity building, value chain support, GESI-responsive value chain assessment, formation and support of producer groups, and promotion of climate-smart practices and technologies.
The program adopts a resilience systems approach, emphasizing sustainability, local ownership, social inclusion, and adaptive learning. By the end of its implementation, the program will have supported over 70,000 direct beneficiaries (including diverse age, gender and social groups) - empowering them with the tools, knowledge, and institutional linkages necessary to withstand climate shocks and participate equitably in local economies.
Objectives of the Assessment
The general objective of the consultancy is to lead the consortium in conducting a focused Market Systems Analysis across six provinces (Ghazni, Zabul, Paktika, Herat, Helmand, and Kandahar). Mercy Corps will directly oversee activities in Kandahar and Helmand, while consortium partners (PIN, CRS, AWEC) will manage data collection in the remaining provinces under the consultant’s technical guidance and coordination.
Specifically, the consultant will:
In order to set priorities for the assessment, guide consortium partners in selection of core agricultural value chains, or priority supporting market functions that crosscut these value chains. The program already has some intervention areas pre-defined, and this can be used to narrow the focus:
- Identify the selection criteria aligned with program documentation, including potential for climate-resilient interventions and inclusion of women and other marginalized groups,
- Collect data to evaluate these criteria, primarily through secondary research, or expert interviews,
- Utilize Market System Selection Matrix to guide program partners in selection of one value chain for each province (noting that selected VCs or supporting market functions can overlap across more provinces),
- Conduct the assessment in 6 selected provinces,
- Apply Market Systems Assessment (MSA) methodology, to:
- Examine market dynamics (local and regional demand, price trends, competitiveness),
- Map the value chain/market structure, supportive functions and enabling environment,
- Map market actors (e.g. input dealers, traders, processors, exporters, financial institutions) and other relevant stakeholders, identifying their key constraints and incentives,
- Identify and prioritize the key barriers (and their root causes) affecting targeted women and men, including those from vulnerable social groups including youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups, as well as factors that influence overall value chain effectiveness and inclusivity,
- Focus assessment on information relevant to program goals and activities, balancing the program extensive geographical and programmatic scope, with the need for clarity and actionable insights; For example, the assessment will not need to include interviews with all actors in selected value chains, their supporting functions, and rules and norms, but can prioritize which stakeholders it engages based on pre-defined intervention areas
This may include extension actors, input supply actors (would be robust here) and local seed system actors, poultry providers/livestock trade actors, veterinary supply actors, animal health service providers, existing cooperatives, BDS actors, offtake actors/aggregators, community storage actors (if different from those doing other functions above), community DRM committees, actors informing policies across these functions, and a few 'expert' actors across each.
- In line with MSA methodology highlighted above, develop appropriate data collection tools to be used by program staff in data collection,
- Provide training on data collection tools, adaptive management, and key Market Systems Development (MSD) principles that inform how the MSA process with occur, in order to strengthen their understanding of the methodology and provide first-hand insight into the structure and barriers of the assessed value chains,
- Manage the data collection process, including supporting team members in determining which stakeholders to interview, and adapting plans as needed throughout the process
- Provide coaching and debriefs with data collection team (expected to be program staff). As relevant, lead a selection of interviews alongside program staff.
- Analyze the collected information and provide recommendations for GESI-responsive and climate-sensitive interventions aligned with program design,
- Engage program partners teams in data analysis, ideally using tools relevant to VCA/MSA methodology,
- Conduct the Validation Workshop with market actors for each selected value chain, incorporating their feedback into the final recommendations,
- Present the preliminary findings to consortium partners, and prepare the assessment report
Assessment Scope and Geographic Focus
- Geographic coverage. The assessment will focus on the program’s target provinces - Ghazni, Zabul, Paktika, Herat, Kandahar and Helmand, which are highly climate-vulnerable and home to vulnerable farming communities such as small-holder farmers, IDPs, returnees and people with disabilities.
- Target groups. The study will focus on smallholder farming households, especially female-headed households and land-poor families. Special attention will be given to vulnerable sub-groups (women, youth, landless laborers, returnees/IDPs and people with disabilities) whose agricultural livelihoods are at risk.
- GESI and climate resilience lenses. The assessment will apply both Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and climate resilience perspectives throughout the research process. Data collection tools shall include specific questions addressing these dimensions, and the final report will present targeted analysis and recommendations to enhance the inclusion and climate resilience of vulnerable groups within the selected value chains.
Methodology and Approach
The assessment methodology will follow the Market Systems Analysis approach. The consultant is expected to apply frameworks associated with these approaches, ensuring methodological rigor and relevance to the program context.
The methodology will include, at minimum, the following elements:
- Desk review:
A review of relevant secondary data, program documents, previous assessments, national and sub-national market reports, and other sources to inform value chain selection and contextual understanding. - Field data collection:
The assessment will primarily use qualitative methods (KIIs, FGDs, participatory validation). Limited quantitative data may be collected (e.g., short structured surveys, basic market price data, or secondary data analysis) to complement qualitative insights. Consultant is not expected to conduct large-scale household surveys - GESI perspective:
Tools should be designed to capture data relevant to GESI. Efforts will be made to list KII participants representing the marginalized groups, and separate FGDs for women farmers will create safe environment allowing discussion about sensitive topics. Interview teams will include female facilitators to ensure cultural appropriateness. The analysis will apply GESI frameworks and Mercy Corps’ GESI in MSD assessment guidance tools to identify GESI-specific constraints and opportunities.
- Participatory analysis and validation:
Engagement of consortium partners’ staff in data collection and analysis (to the extent agreed with each partner), and facilitation of validation workshops with market actors to triangulate findings and strengthen the relevance of recommendations.
The consultancy firm/consultant will need to travel to Afghanistan to support the whole process in person.
All data collection will adhere to ethical standards and ensure informed consent.
Expected Deliverables
The consultant/team will deliver:
- Inception Report: Detailing methodology, work plan, draft outline for assessment report.
- Market System Maps (including value chains where relevant): Diagrams and summaries of key actors, roles and linkages for each prioritized chain, annotated by gender.
- Stakeholder Matrix: Lists of actors interviewed, potential collaborations and follow-ups, and actors not yet interviewed that the program would want to track and potentially contact in the future. This will serve as an output as well as a management and coordination tool during data collection
- Data Collection Tools: Finalized data collection tools. This should include qualitative interview guides and interview checklists, and coaching guidance for conducting probing interviews along with other tools agreed upon with the program team.
- Data Outputs: The consultant is responsible for designing tools and supervising data collection carried out by consortium staff. The consultant will compile debrief notes, field summaries, and any datasets shared by field teams into annexes of the assessment report.
- Draft Assessment Report: A comprehensive draft that presents findings on the market systems assessment (including value chains where relevant) and recommendations informing the program implementation. This should include a justification of selected market systems and/or supporting market functions, noting where value chains are the core focus; market maps (of each value chain or prioritized market function); target group analysis; stakeholder lists; descriptions of market systems performance (opportunities, constraints, incentives, response to shocks, relationships) for core markets as well as supporting functions and rules/norms; GESI analysis; prioritized constraints (based on criteria developed with the program team); vision for the future (using tools like who does/who pays); and recommended intervention areas with feasibility checks.
- Program Team’s Capacity Building: Support the program team in understanding the goals of a Market Systems Analysis (including an overview of MSD core principles) and training materials for data collection, including specific tools as well as guidance on adaptive research.
- Validation Session and Presentation: Conduct a session (in-person, online, or hybrid) with key program staff to present and discuss preliminary findings as well as intervention areas. Document feedback and incorporate it.
- Final Report: Incorporating feedback, the final report will elaborate key insights and actionable recommendations, with an executive summary of the main findings. Deliverables will also include visual aids (flowcharts, tables) and an annex of methodology.
It is necessary for the consultancy firm/consultant to travel to Afghanistan for leading all the process in-person.
Duration/Timeline
The assignment is expected to take approximately three months. The consultant shall propose a detailed work plan with milestones (Inception, Fieldwork, Draft Report, Validation, Final Report). Timelines may be adapted depending on field access and partner coordination.
Evaluation Criteria & Scoring Breakdown
Criteria | Sub-Criteria | Weight (%) |
1. Technical Expertise & Relevant Capacity | For Firms: Demonstrated institutional experience in conducting market systems/value chain/GESI assessments, especially in fragile or rural economies; organizational profile; relevant team capacity. For Individuals: Demonstrated individual experience in similar assignments, highlighting personal track record in market systems/GESI research, particularly in fragile contexts. | 25% |
2. Methodological Approach | Clear understanding of scope and objectives. Appropriateness of proposed methodology (qualitative/quantitative balance, market systems frameworks, gender and inclusion lens, participatory design). Realistic and context-appropriate work plan with risk mitigation measures (considering security, access, and cultural sensitivities). | 25% |
3. Relevant Past Performance | For Firms: At least two examples of similar institutional assignments (for MSD, VCD, or GESI). For Individuals: At least two examples of personal consultancies or assignments delivered to donors, INGOs, or research institutions. Demonstrated working experience in Afghanistan or similar fragile/low-access settings. Quality of past deliverables (reports, maps, briefs, policy notes). | 20% |
4. Team Composition & Expertise | For Firms: Proposed team composition, qualifications, and availability (including Gender Specialist). For Individuals: If applying solo, clarity on ability to cover full scope (or subcontract support, e.g. local researchers). If applying with a small team, specify roles and expertise. | 10% |
5. Cost Efficiency | Reasonability of budget (daily rates, logistical costs, etc.). Balance between cost and technical quality. | 20% |
Required Submittals
Proposals are invited from both international individual consultants and international consultancy firms. Submittal requirements are tailored accordingly.
1. Technical Proposal (max 10 pages)
- Understanding of the assignment.
- Proposed methodology (qualitative + limited quantitative).
- GESI-integrated and participatory approach.
- Work plan and timeline.
- Risk management plan.
2. Profile Information
- For Firms:
- Legal registration and operational status.
- Summary of services, sectors, and geographical coverage.
- Organizational structure and key staff.
- For Individuals:
- Updated CV (max 4 pages).
- Statement of consultancy status (e.g. self-employed, affiliated with an institution).
- If relevant, evidence of legal ability to contract (e.g. business license, registration as a consultant in home country).
3. Team Composition & CVs
- For Firms: Names, roles, qualifications of proposed team; CVs for Team Lead, Gender Specialist, Field Researchers.
- For Individuals: CV of the consultant (mandatory); CVs of any proposed support staff (optional).
4. Past Performance References
- At least 2 examples of comparable assignments (titles, dates, clients, outputs).
- Contact details for verification.
- For Individuals: Can include assignments conducted as part of previous employment (clearly noting personal contribution).
5. Samples of Previous Deliverables
- At least two relevant assessment reports, value chain/market map, or policy paper authored (or co-authored).
6. Budget Estimate
- For Firms: Budget breakdown by personnel, travel, logistics, and other direct costs.
- For Individuals: Budget breakdown including daily fee rate, travel, accommodation, and incidental costs.
The consulting company will report to: Mercy Corps Country MEL Manager, with backstopping from Mercy Corps and People in Need (PIN) market systems specialists.
The consulting company will work closely with: Mercy Corps Afghanistan and other consortium partners’ local staff.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field programs. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our stakeholders and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field programs. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.