Home Based Skills Development (Tomato Paste Processing)

TERMS OF REFERENCE: INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT Home-Based skills Development project_ tomato paste  processing     1.     Background   Save the children international is looking to support the development of the Home Based skills development project, the program aims to support women’s group to generate supplementary income activities among the women residing in Lebanon- Lebanese, Syrian, through home-based tomato paste project. These value chains are identified due to the potential, heavy experience and ability to integrate women of HBSD into these markets. SC has been implementing its livelihoods programming in Central Bekaa, basically targeting Women as they are considered among the most vulnerable compared to other community groups in both refugees and hosting communities and not having equal economic opportunities. The objective of the HBSD project is to develop opportunities for women in the affected communities (Lebanese and Syrian) and help in supporting their participation in society and enhance cohesion between Syrian refugees and host communities during the implementation phase of the Project. This is expected to identify types of specific trainings, training providers, and skills needed for best integration. While the HBSD will be based on best practice, it will be designed to be culturally appropriate and build capacity to ensure that women are confident in their ability to work through the tools and materials provided by SC to conduct high quality products in effective and efficient means. SCI is currently procuring the services of a local Consultant (consulting firm/academia/NGO) to undertake technical trainings for the proposed HBSD project, as well as develop relevant trainings, field manuals, and an information database. In addition, The consultant aids to provide advice on international best practice, SC is seeking to hire a national expert (the Consultant) who will provide high level support and advisory services and deliver trainings for women engaged in the project, the Consultant will be delivering the required services for SC beneficiaries in the areas of intervention (Marej, Majdal Anjar and Bar Elias) based on lessons from his previous engagements. 2.     OBJECTIVE The main objectives of this consulting assignment are: 1) Providing technical trainings for selected women on tomato paste processing 2) Provide follow-up visits and recommendations on production process throughout the project.   3.     SCOPE OF WORK Tasks 1: Preparation of training material   The Consultant is expected to start the assignment by preparation of session plans for the training days proposed and a timetable to provide the training activities described there under. The training content is expected to be discussed and approved by SC livelihood technical advisor and to cover 5 days (3 hours per day) on technical processing of tomato paste including good manufacturing practices and good hygiene practices in addition to identification of critical control points and control measures feasible by low educated women and clarification of corrective actions when applicable. It is envisioned that at least two meetings will be required during this stage. SC has agreed to provide consultant with all information on the Project necessary for the execution of the job. The outputs of this phase will consist of the session plans of the training of five days for tomato paste processing and pre/post tests to measure the knowledge acquired by beneficiaries through the training Task 2: Develop Training Plan   The Training Plan shall be discussed with SCI staff to inform the beneficiaries about the dates of sessions targeting each. The output of this phase is a calendar of all training days indicates the places and beneficiaries to attend in addition to detailed list of required materials and logistics to be prepared for every session. Task 3: Conduct  Trainings The consultant in this phase is expected to conduct the trainings as planned and agreed with SCI regarding the methodology and approach, schedule, topics, and training instruments, etc.  The training shall take into consideration the request of beneficiaries to focus on practical session more than theoretical ones. Targeted beneficiaries will receive the technical training that ensures their ability to apply acquired skills and techniques while processing on their own. Consultant will also be required to answer technical questions in a manner that is interesting and easily understood by the attendees while attending the training Task 4: Conduct coaching visits to beneficiaries in their sites The consultant in this phase is expected to conduct 2 coaching visits in one month period after the delivery of the training with Save the Children staff to the beneficiaries working place to assess their processing skills and provide coaching and advise to improve the quality of end product and reduce cost of production in addition to detailed reports of such visits and action points for the staff. 4.     DELIVERABLES:   The short-term consultant will deliver the following: The Session plans and content of technical trainings Pre and post tests to measure knowledge Acquisition Detailed agenda of training days List of tools and equipment required for processing Coaching visits reports detailing the Consultant’s advices and action points for the staff to follow on. A women friendly manual (not more than 15 pages long) covering a detailed processing flow with key information and illustrations. 5.     Schedule This assignment is expected to require a minimum of 15 training days over a period of 3 to 4 hours per day, starting by 5th of October and a minimum of 10 coaching days. The schedule shall be determined in discussions and coordination between SC staff and Consultant.   6.     REPORTING 6. 1. The Consultant will report directly to SC food security and livelihood program manager who will supervise the assignment. 2. All reports are to be written in English the reporting will be completed in form and substance acceptable to SCI organization.   7.     QUALIFICATIONS   The successful candidate will have the following qualifications: The selected candidate will have an advanced experience in food processing (specifically tomato paste), quality control, food hygiene with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Strong experience in delivering trainings to multicultural attendees Knowledge and experience in working with NGO’s for at least 3 years. Experience in developing facilitating, designing and setting up training programs. Demonstrated professional leadership. Capacity to think creatively in dealing with adult women. Strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated ability of making effective presentations to diverse attendees.  Fluency in both English and Arabic. Interpersonal skills Clear understanding of the political, geographical and economical sides of the Bekaa area.   8.     EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Interested candidates are requested to send their CV and cover letter describing why they believe they are the best candidate to be selected, the dates when they start being available in addition to their breakdown of working days and the rates per day.