Consultancy Service for "Soil Improvement Pilot Project"

Terms of Reference
Soil improvement pilot project

Location:                          Hanoi, Vietnam
Organisation:                   SNV – Netherlands Development Organisation
Project:                            Inclusive Business Accelerator (IBA)
Abstract:                          Experts to support soil improvement pilot project
Duration:                          February – June 2018
Location:                          Rural Hanoi

Background

SNV (www.snvworld.org) is a not-for-profit international development organization. Founded in the Netherlands 50 years ago, we have built a long-term, local presence in 38 of the poorest countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Our global team of local and international advisors work with local partners to equip communities, businesses and organizations with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services – empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development.

SNV has been working in Vietnam since 1995. Using market based approaches, SNV is committed to reducing poverty by catalysing environmentally sustainable solutions for the poor in agriculture, energy, water & sanitation, and REDD+.

In Vietnam, SNV manages the Inclusive Business Accelerator program (IBA, https://iba.ventures/). Inclusive business is a strategic, innovative, commercially- viable business initiative, which unlocks entrepreneurial opportunities for low-income markets to engage in the value chain. Inclusive business creates shared value for the businesses, low-income markets and the environment.

IBA is the first one-stop shop in Vietnam for various services needed by businesses which include low-income groups in their operations. We use innovative acceleration models to make the businesses investor-ready. Our scope of services, including Market Intelligence & Opportunity Identification, Business Design & Readiness, Investor – Investee Match making, Impact Measurements & Scalability.

Consultancy Service Objectives

The IBA Vietnam is currently supporting one of our clients to pilot the use of bacillus subtilis in biological organic farming (BLOP) which is popular in Japan which will result in the improvement of soil quality and soil structure. This project aims to introduce the advance soil improvement method to to increase producers’ economic efficiency, especially low-income households, for a sustainable rural development.

Methodology and Scope of Work

For the pilot project, probiotics containing bacillus subtillis (a product of ) will be spread on the soil. The temperature difference between noon and midnight will help the soil become more porous. This method names “complementing photosynthesis” The pilot project site is located in rural Hanoi, with a total pilot area of 5,000m2 will be rented by the IBA client.The consultant(s) will fulfil the following tasks, in cooperation with IBA client and under the supervision of IBA Program Manager

• Providing inputs for the pilot area of 5000 m2 including but not limited to probiotics, bacillus subtillisand compost products for the pilot area of 5,000 m2;
• Supporting the IBA client to plan and prepare for the pilot
• Collaborating with IBA client to execute necessary works, which is included but not limited to initial soil sample testing,  soil preparation, BLOF soil improvement test, monitoring and evaluating the pilot at the project site
• Provide any other needed supervision via a combination of site visits and remote support to the outreach team of IBA Client in order to ensure works are being accomplished correctly;
• Support and present on the pilot results at the experience sharing workshop of the pilot project

Deliverables

• A preparation list of all inputs, materials and manpower
• A pilot implementation work plan for the above-mentioned project site with detail works, timeline and outputs;
• Soil testing results before and after the pilot that are issued by the relevant party
• A final report of the pilot  including recommendations for further upscale;
• Presentation on the pilot results at the experience sharing workshop when the pilot has been completed.

The consultant shall be solely responsible for the quality and integrity of its services including the deliverable outputs outlines in this Terms of Reference. The consultant shall coordinate all work assignment with IBA Team and IBA Client, as well as relevant stakeholders in the areas of interventions

Duration

The assignment is expected to take place in the last week of January until May 2018. The consultant is expected to plan and perform activities in accordance with best professional practice.

Qualifications

• Graduate and/or higher degree in Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or any other related areas;
• At least 10 years previous relevant job experience,
• Previous work experience/knowledge in field of agricultural studies and practices, experience with “complementing photosynthesis” and/ or BLOF soil improvement mothod are appreciated,  good knowledge of Japanese farming practices would be desirable;
• Being fluent in research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative methods);
• Having excellent analytical, inter-personal, communication, networking, and report writing skill.

Application procedures

Interested candidates should send (1) CV(s), (2) Technical proposal; (3) Financial proposal; (4) a minimum of two referee contacts. The budget proposal should also include logistics and administrative support to organize trainings. 

Email to [email protected] by 17.00 23rd January 2018 or by post to SNV Netherlands Development Organization
Add: 3rd Floor, Building D, La Thanh Hotel, 218 Doi Can Street, Ba Dinh Ha Noi, Viet Nam; Tel: 84-4 38463791   Fax: 84-4 38463794