TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultancy service for providing training on rice processing machine operation and maintenance for rice processors and machine operators

BACKGROUND

MEDA/EMERTA Project

 MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) is an organization dedicated to creating business solutions to poverty. MEDA’s Global Affairs Canada-funded EMERTA project (Ethiopians Motivating Enterprises to Rise in Trade and Agribusiness) runs for six (6) years, from 2016 to 2022 with the objective of contributing to increased income and employment opportunities for 16,000 entrepreneurs and 275 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) focusing on three value chains: rice, vegetables, and gemstones. In the rice sector, MEDA is committed to support businesses to increase the supply of quality table grade rice to the market. To achieve the intended objective, capacitating MSMEs knowledge and skills on quality processing of rice is crucial.

Factors contributing to poor quality of processed rice is the low standard type of processing machines used and low skill level of the technicians (millers) with in the project intervention areas. Significant quality problems caused at processing level are due to lack of proper and timely maintenance of rice processing machines, spare parts are not replaced periodically, machines are operated with unskilled manpower, and knowledge of machine operation and maintenance is very poor. As a result, the quality of processed rice is poor and thus unable to compete with the imported rice. To this end, the project plans to support rice processing businesses in improving their knowledge and skills of machine operation, processing techniques and machine maintenance. Hence, the project plans to provide for rice machine operation, maintenance, and general management of the machine to deliver training for 40 rice machine operators and business owners pulled from Fogera, Libokemkem and Dera Woredas of South Gondor Zone, Amhara Region. In pursuit of the above, MEDA EMERTA project searching for a qualified trainer having the knowledge and skill on rice processing machine operation, management, and maintenance.

Objective of the training

The main objective of the training is to equip rice processing business owners and their machine operators with sufficient knowledge and skills on better processing and proper maintenance of the machines. The following are specific objectives of the assignment:

• To inform participants about various types of appropriate improved rice processing machines available in the market
• To improve participants skills on rice processing with minimized breakage
• To enhance participants knowledge of the different parts of the rice processing machines, improving its operation efficiency and become knowledgeable on timely maintenance.

Expected Result of The Training

• Improved trainees’ skills on rice machine operation and maintenance resulting in improved quality of processed rice.
• Improved trainees on machine operation efficiency and become knowledgeable on timely maintenance.
• Informed about types of improved rice processing machines available in the market.

Scope of the Work

The consultancy task is expected to achieve the following activities:

1. Deliver training on introduction to the modern types of rice processing machines and how they are different from the old machines currently in use.
2. Provide explanation and demonstration of machine parts, and how to maintain them and keep record of maintenance. 
3. Development of training materials, conduct pre-training assessment and understand the types of machines currently being used by processors.
4. Prepare training materials (both in English and Amharic) on rice processing machine operation, machine maintenance and related subjects.
5. Provide the training in two sessions with about 20 trainees per session to allow sufficient practical exposure.
6. Present plan and sample of training materials to MEDA 10 days before the training schedule to allow time to incorporate MEDA’s feedback.
7. Produce a manual on operation and maintenance of the machines in Amharic and appropriate for the types of machines processors have.
8. Develop operating procedure for different processing machines
9. Develop safety rule and precautions while operating and maintaining the processing machine.
10. Provide list of maintenance tools that should be available with the processors.
11. Provide list and timeline of regularly required spare parts requiring replacement (if possible, supported with pictures)

Venue and Date

The training will be conducted at Woreta town of South Gondar zone, tentatively from September 5-9/ 2021, for five days.

Job Requirements

The consultant /trainer/ must have the following competencies:

• Qualifications in one of the following fields, BSc or MSc Degree in agricultural mechanization, Processing machine operation, processing machine maintenance and related fields
• Broad experience, preferably 10 years good knowledge and skills on Processing machine operation, maintenance, and related subjects
• Experience of working with grass root people in the areas where EMERTA project operates is an input.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer’s skills and excellent Amharic and English language skills

How to Apply

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Interested applicants should provide the following: -

• Cover letter and current resume/CV. The cover letter must demonstrate the applicant’s understanding and interest in the subject matter, describe the applicant’s capability for completing the assignment, include a timeline for completing the work, include examples of previous experience with similar activities (maximum two pages)
• In addition, the consultant should submit a sample of training materials in Processing machine operation, processing machine maintenance and related subjects
• Work plan or detail activity plan which shows the number of days
• Financial information in breakdown which includes daily rate/fees and budget to accomplish the task

Notice

1. Daily rates shall be the same for all the activities.
2. Transportation expense, accommodation (hotel), and meals (as per MEDA per diem rate) will be covered by MEDA
3. In the financial plan, applicants must clearly indicate about taxes. If applicant has no renewed business license the tax will be 30%

The following must be submitted as well,

• Renewed professional license of the company
• VAT registration certificate 
• Renewed business license 
• Professional certificate of key personnel

Evaluation Criteria

MEDA will use the following to evaluate every proposal submitted.

• Technical proposal - 70% 
• Financial proposal - 30% 

MEDA will accept expressions of interest until August 27, 2021. Submissions can be sent by email to vacancy.ethiopia@meda.org. Applicants can submit their application and supporting documents to MEDA-Addis Ababa with the following address in person. MEDA Ethiopia, Kirkos Sub-City, kebele 02 or mail through: P.O. Box 42502 Addis Ababa Tel. 0114705945 or at MEDA-Bahir Dar Office, located at Kebele 13 or behind Bureau of Education Tel. 0583206489

NB: MEDA is willing to answer any technical questions of the applicants regarding this ToR prior to the submission deadline. 

Physical work plan

No - Description of activities - Days required - Time/schedule

1. Conduct pre-training assessment to understand the types of rice processing machines currently under use by the processors
2. Submit a sample of Amharic version training manual in processing machine operation, maintenance and safety rules use
3. Produce 42 Amharic version training manuals
4. Provide training
5. Report submission

Financial Plan

No - Produce 42 Amharic version training - Unit

No of days - No of Persons involved - Unit Price/day - Total Price

1. Conduct pre-training assessment - Assessment
2. 42 Amharic version Manual Preparation - Manual
3. Trainer professional fee - ETB - 5
4. Assistance trainer professional fee - ETB - 5

Sub Total

Taxes

Grand Total