AVTET - Assessment Expert (Nairobi). at Sustainet Group

Project Background 

The programme is an EU-Danida funded Programme whose objective is to support production initiatives for smallholder farmers that are adaptive to the changing climate and market requirements. The 6-year programme runs from 2018 to 2023 where the client is the Implementing Partner of result areas two and three of the four overall programme results areas. Result area two of the project is aimed at strengthening the capacities of actors along selected value chains through the Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) system approach.  In reference to Result area TWO of the programme that seeks to strengthen the capacities of actors along selected value chains through ATVET system approach, the effectiveness of capacity building of the 32 Agriculture sector can be well achieved using the ATVET Model. The model is an appropriate approach to address capacity gaps existing in the sector based on three dimensions; individual, institutional and enabling environment. At individual level, inadequate knowledge, skills and competencies among technical staff and service providers, At the institutional level, lack of harmonized curricula for agricultural vocational training and qualification framework, and low participation of youth in agriculture and lastly the enabling environment level, the existing legal and regulatory framework and political commitment. As such commercialization of farmer training institution through the ATVETs model would be very critical towards enhancing the capacity of county-based training institutions popularly known as ‘Agricultural Training Centre’s’ (ATCs) alongside the creation of the enabling environment .

Purpose

The purpose for this assignment is to undertake an in-depth assessment of each of the 13 ATVETs of focus with view to determine current situation and identify issues for action, establishing the essential foundation for vital planning and implementation of Commercialization concept across each of the target ATVETs.

Scope of Work  

The assignment will involve assessment of all the 13 ATVET centres in the 13 counties (Migori, Kisii, Kakamega, Bungoma, Nakuru, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Machakos, Makueni and Kilifi) with a view to carrying out analysis and identify gaps, recommend interventions that will ensure functionality and continuity of the said entities as centers of commercial excellence while advancing development goals. Experts are expected to visit each of the counties’ ATVET Centres, carry out surveys and assessments activities and work in consultation with the respective County Governments and ATVET management in understanding the ATVET centres’ gaps guided by the ToR.

 Sustainet is therefore seeking for pool of interested experts with relevant expertise to support the assignment. 

Requirements

In numerical terms, the programme intends to achieve the following results:

• 4 curricula reviewed and Training and Learning guides developed, addressing food safety, animal and plant health.
• At least 13,000-value chain actors (drawn from 13 counties) trained broadly in selected value chains.
• 3,000 trained specifically in SPS.
•  At least 330 ToTs trained in both broad value chain curriculum as well as on SPS.
• 13 Counties strengthened with tailored capacity to enable them to establish and operationalize SPS enforcement systems.

Qualifications

• At least MSc degree or equivalent in Agribusiness, micro finance and marketing, or agricultural economics or related fields;
• A minimum of 5 years entrepreneurship experience in agriculture sector, SME and similar fields as a consultant with a track record;
• Solid understanding of Business incubation process, how to assess and analyze Business & marketing plans;
• Experience in enterprises development in training centre set-ups and public private partnerships.
• Demonstrated Sound knowledge and understanding on working with ATVETs will be an added advantage.