Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider to implement the Access to Markets Support Programme for Co-operatives across various districts. The programme aims to facilitate market access, enhance exposure to domestic and international trade platforms, and support co-operatives in entering mainstream markets to stimulate growth, job creation, and sustainability.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Identifying and engaging with organizations to access local and international exhibitions, trade fairs, and market platforms.
• Segmenting and selecting 25 co-operatives with market-ready products/services.
• Conducting pre-screening assessments on product quality, branding, and packaging.
• Supporting co-operatives in business compliance, marketing strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
• Facilitating co-operatives' participation in identified marketing platforms, including logistics, registration, and participation management.
• Monitoring and evaluating co-operatives' participation, compiling reports, and providing recommendations.
• Developing a programme for workshops to capacitate co-operatives on market access and linkages.

Technical Requirements

The service provider must:

• Demonstrate extensive experience in facilitating and implementing market access programmes for co-operatives or similar entities.
• Develop and propose a detailed methodology and approach for linking co-operatives to market platforms.
• Provide a mock programme and identify potential partners for the intervention.
• Develop a comprehensive workshop programme to build co-operatives’ capacity for market participation.
• Ensure participation of at least 10 co-operatives in exhibitions or trade fairs.
• Provide logistics support including travel, accommodation, packaging, and transportation.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on co-operatives’ engagement and outcomes.

Skills Requirements

The bidder must possess:

• Strong project management skills with at least 5 years of experience in socio-economic empowerment and market facilitation.
• Proven expertise in working with co-operatives, MSMEs, or similar small enterprises.
• Experience in organizing and managing trade fairs, exhibitions, and market linkages.
• Capacity to develop and deliver capacity-building workshops and mentorship programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and reporting skills.
• Qualified team members, including a Project Manager with relevant experience and operational staff with expertise in marketing, branding, and business development.