Consultant on Assessment of Key Actors Influencing the Links of Pangasius Supply Chain for Small and Medium Size Enterprises

WWF has a long established presence in the Mekong region, starting in Vietnam in 1990. Since then, WWF operations have grown to four Country offices based in Cambodia (Phnom Penh), Laos (Vientiane), Thailand (Bangkok) & Vietnam (Hanoi), including a regional team in the Hanoi, Vientiane and Bangkok offices. The ‘Greater Mekong Programme Office’ was officially formed in November 2005, merging WWF Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam) and WWF Thailand. In order to be relevant to partners at provincial level and deliver conservation results based on ecosystem “landscapes”, GMPO has also developed 20 field offices across the 4 countries covering 6 high priority landscapes.

Following a strong track record of conservation delivery over the last 20 years, WWF has established both the credibility and presence to deliver conservation impact at all levels from provincial, to national to regional.

The project “Establishing a Sustainable Pangasius Supply Chain in Vietnam” funded by EC Switch Asia Programme and implemented by Vietnam Cleaner Production Centre (VNCPC), Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), WWF-Austria and WWF-Vietnam, which is fully in line with the objective to promote pangasius sustainable growth by closely working with pangasius small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The project specific objective is: By end of the action at least 70% of the targeted medium to large pangasius production and processing SMEs, and 30% of the feed producers and small independent production SMEs are actively engaged in Resources Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RE-CP). At least 50% of targeted processing SMEs are providing sustainable products compliant with the ASC standard to EU and other markets.

Under SUPA project, WWF Vietnam takes responsible for support SMEs and independent farms in strengthening of supply chain and ASC certification. Therefore, it is very crucial to do analysis of key actors and how they influence the links in the pangasius supply chain. The assessment will help strengthen the full supply chain.

1.      OBJECTIVES OF WORK

The objective of this work is to conduct an assessment of the key actors influencing the links of pangasius supply chain for Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in Mekong delta, Vietnam.

2.      SCOPE OF WORK

The selected contractor will perform the following tasks:

1.      Develop the study design outlining methods, timeline and travel plan (including identifying the key actors).
2.      Review relevant document to understand background and context of assignment.
3.      Conduct a field visit to Pangasius SMEs and independent farms in Mekong delta to gain field-based information/data collection and understanding of context
4.      Analyze information/data
5.      Draft final report and finalize based on WWF Vietnam’s comments, other stakeholders and meeting/workshop’s comments, if any

3.      METHODS

The methodology for the study will be developed by the selected consultant at the outset of the work and will be presented in detail in proposal to WWF Vietnam. However, it is anticipated that the study will include a range of methods including desktop research, information and data collection, field-based observations, analysis and writing report.

4.      DELIVERABLES

- The deliverable is a Final report in English will include detailed results from the assessment of key actors and key recommendations supply chain strengthening and business approaches, including:

• Summary of desktop review and field visit
• Research objectives and questions
• Methods and justification of the proposed methodology
• Proposed list of key informant interviews  (SMEs)
• Key actors identified
• Key implementation challenges and risks
• How influence of each actor to the supply chain
• Implementation work plan and time table
• Recommendation for better links and more sustainable supply chain

- The final report will include the following chapters: Executive Summary, Background, Research Objectives and Questions, Methods, Possible Limitation to Interpretation of Data, Main Results/Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations, References, Appendices and/or Annexes.

5.      TIMELINE AND COST OF SERVICE

The study will be conducted in the time frame from 15 November 2014 to 15 January 2015.

The total cost of the service is EUR7,500 maximum, including fee, travel, and reimbursable costs for consultants and relevant cost in accordance EU cost norm version 2013.

6.      CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS AND TEAM COMPOSITION

The selected consultant will be a consultant firm or a team of consultants with a track record of at least three years of relevant work in Vietnam. Possible areas of expertise include supply chain analysis; business advisory services, particularly in the area of market transformation; sustainable development; aquaculture. Experience working with aquaculture, business sector and involved markets is essential.

The study team composition and qualifications should be as follows:

• Key personnel must hold at least Master degree in one of following majors: economics, environmental economics, aquaculture, development, social science or relevant majors.
• Having sound knowledge and experience with supply chain an, socio-economics, aquaculture;
• Having at least 5 years of working experiences relevant for this assignment;
• Having skills and experiences in assessment for methodology, familiar with the Mekong delta and understanding the local languages;
• Good communication skill and working with private sector
• Team leader has fluently in English.
• Additional staffing requirements will be left to the contractor to determine based on the methodology and approach proposed.

7. PROPOSAL REQUIRED

(1)          Profile of service provider must be required
(2)          Proposed methodology, work-plan, activities, timeframe and budget included
(3)          Profile of team members

Interested Service Providers can submit the tender proposal to the Aquaculture Programme, WWF-Vietnam by 17:30 12 November 2014. The tender proposals shall be submitted in 1) printed package enveloped and send to WWF Office at D13 Thang Long International Villages, Cau Giay, Hanoi or Campus II, Xuan Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu Dist., Can Tho City; 2) electronic format (Word or pdf) to the SUPA Project Officer:

Mr. Dao Quoc Binh
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 09876.10.567