TERMS OF REFERENCE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR PROJECT TEAMS FROM ETHIOPIA, KENYA, TANZANIA, AND UGANDA

1. INTRODUCTION

Solidaridad Network is an international solution-oriented civil society organization working through eight regional expertise centres to transform markets to make them more sustainable and inclusive. Our eight regional expertise centres include Asia, East and Central Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, Southern Africa, South America, West Africa, and our global Secretariat in the Netherlands. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, one of the regional centres, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with country offices and programmes/projects in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. We bring together supply chain players and engage them with innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. We facilitate the strengthening of local capacity in developing countries, support the creation of enabling environments for economies to thrive, and improve market access.

2.0 PURPOSE

Solidaridad intends to design and conduct Project Management training to equip the project staff with the skills needed for today’s diverse and demanding requirements in modern project management. The training will help participants to understand and gain practical experience and skills of how to manage each stage of a project’s lifestyle to achieve the desired deliverables.

2.1 Background

Over the past three years, Solidaridad East and Central Africa has experienced increased growth, almost doubling the projects in the region. In order to stay ahead of the innovative trends, we need to develop the capacities of our project staff. Projects are only as successful as the people who manage and implement them. Evaluating project management personnel competencies will enable Solidaridad to identify individuals who are or have the potential to become superior project managers and determine what is needed in the way of training and development to raise performance levels. With project management personnel having superior competency levels, projects are managed more effectively, increasing the probability of success, and creating a higher impact. We envision conducting four training sessions one in each of the following countries – Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

2.2 Expected Project Outcomes

The aim of the course is to give participants knowledge of the principles and methods used in designing, implementing, and evaluating projects. In particular, the course should improve participants’ abilities to:

• Initiate and design a project/programme
• Develop project schedules and work plans
• Develop cost estimates and budgets
• Plan project implementation, staffing, resourcing, branding and visibility
• Analyse project risks and mitigation measures
• Plan and manage project procurement
• Monitor, evaluate and control project implementation
• Close a project successfully

2.3 Training Approach or Methodology

Throughout the training, a variety of training methods are encouraged to take every opportunity to familiarize participants with different aspects of the training, including but not limited to how to lead and/or coordinate a project/programme, as well as lead/coordinate their project teams during project implementation. The Consultant should design and apply a training approach that will embrace participatory approach, encourage sharing of experiences and use of practical case studies. The proposed methodology should ensure maximum contributions from participants, through tactical questioning and by leading discussions.

2.4 Topics for training module

The course is divided into three topics, and each topic is covered by a few sessions, with each session covering the various distinct parts:

1. Project Planning
2. Project Management and Implementation
3. Project Monitoring and Evaluation

The Consultant is expected to prepare a detailed training outline for each of the above three topics.

3.0 DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will deliver the following:

1. A methodology for training and clear concise workplan.
2. Training program or agenda.
3. Training manuals.
4. Completed training evaluation and/or assessment forms.
5. End of training report.

4.0 EXPERT/CONSULTANT’S PROFILE

The Consultant must:

• Have at least five years’ proven professional experience in project cycle management and on environmental, social, gender and policy issues affecting an agricultural value chain in East and Central Africa.
• Possess previous experience and understanding of project cycle management and team management.
• Be able to show proof of undertaking a similar assignment.
• Possess excellent written and oratory skills.
• Possess excellent pedagogical skills to facilitate knowledge transfer and the learning process.
• Willing to undertake training in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia & Tanzania.

5.0 CONSULTANCY’S PERIOD

The training assignment is expected to take a maximum of three (3) calendar days after approval.

• Initiate and design a project/programme
• Develop project schedules and work plans
• Develop cost estimates and budgets
• Plan project implementation, staffing, resourcing, branding and visibility
• Analyse project risks and mitigation measures
• Plan and manage project procurement
• Monitor, evaluate and control project implementation
• Close a project successfully

2.3 Training Approach or Methodology

Throughout the training, a variety of training methods are encouraged to take every opportunity to familiarize participants with different aspects of the training, including but not limited to how to lead and/or coordinate a project/programme, as well as lead/coordinate their project teams during project implementation. The Consultant should design and apply a training approach that will embrace participatory approach, encourage sharing of experiences and use of practical case studies. The proposed methodology should ensure maximum contributions from participants, through tactical questioning and by leading discussions.

2.4 Topics for training module

The course is divided into three topics, and each topic is covered by a few sessions, with each session covering the various distinct parts:

1. Project Planning
2. Project Management and Implementation
3. Project Monitoring and Evaluation

The Consultant is expected to prepare a detailed training outline for each of the above three topics.

3.0 DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will deliver the following:

1. A methodology for training and clear concise workplan.
2. Training program or agenda.
3. Training manuals.
4. Completed training evaluation and/or assessment forms.
5. End of training report.

4.0 EXPERT/CONSULTANT’S PROFILE

The Consultant must:

• Have at least five years’ proven professional experience in project cycle management and on environmental, social, gender and policy issues affecting an agricultural value chain in East and Central Africa.
• Possess previous experience and understanding of project cycle management and team management.
• Be able to show proof of undertaking a similar assignment.
• Possess excellent written and oratory skills.
• Possess excellent pedagogical skills to facilitate knowledge transfer and the learning process.
• Willing to undertake training in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia & Tanzania.

5.0 CONSULTANCY’S PERIOD

The training assignment is expected to take a maximum of three (3) calendar days after approval.