Anunțuri de Angajare

1. Introduction

1.1. Background and Context

People in Need Moldova is seeking for a team of experts(company) to conduct a feasibility study justifying the necessity and effectiveness of creating a Multifunctional Processing Centre for Nuts in Moldova. This study is prompted by the lack of research in the nut production sector. Moldova, traditionally focused on wine production and cereal crops, now presents an opportunity for considerable agricultural potential in nuts. The proposed Centre aims to address challenges faced by Moldovan nut farmers, such as issues related to quality standards and processing capacity. As of 2022, Moldova currently has 37,200 hectares of nut orchards1, yielding an average of 800 kilograms per hectare. With an annual production volume of approximately 15,000 metric tons, Moldova significantly contributes to the global nut market.2 In 2021, Moldova made its mark on the international stage by exporting nuts valued at $51.9 million, securing its position as the 31st largest exporter worldwide. Nuts also were Moldova's 17th most exported product in the same year.3 The primary destinations for Moldova's nut exports include France, where $13.5 million worth of nuts found a home, Germany at $11.5 million, Austria with $4.42 million, the Netherlands accounting for $3.85 million, and Switzerland rounding off the list with $3.47 million in imports. 

Despite a growing global demand for high-quality nuciferous products, Moldovan farmers encounter obstacles related to quality standards and processing capacity. According to the information by the Walnuts Growers Association of Moldova, producers mostly sell raw nuts without processing added value, which results in missed opportunities for increased income through value-added products. Furthermore, the representatives of the organization mention that due to the absence of suitable processing equipment, a significant portion of harvested nuts often goes to waste or is sold at reduced prices due to quality issues or the absence of appropriate processing methods. Given Moldova's heavy reliance on agriculture within its economy, diversifying agricultural products and enhancing crop value can mitigate the vulnerability of rural communities to market fluctuations and increase market competitiveness of Moldovan farmers. This underscores the importance of establishing a Multipurpose Processing Centre for Nuts, with the feasibility study serving as an initial step needed for a planned and designed project intervention possibly funded by the Czech Development Agency.  

1.2. Introduction to Evaluation Outline and Evaluation Purpose

The primary research of this study will include evaluating the current state of the sector value chain, assessing economic viability, analyzing the regulatory framework, evaluating environmental implications, and exploring social impact. The feasibility study will serve as an initial step for a planned project intervention, potentially funded by the Czech Development Agency.

1. The feasibility study will address the following main questions: Evaluation of the current state of the sector value chain (including statistical data on producers and their orchards, nut production, import, and export); 
2. Assessing the economic viability, which is crucial for determining if such a center can generate adequate revenue to cover all the operational expenses and provide satisfactory returns to investors, farmers, and other stakeholders; 
3. Examination of the prevailing regulatory framework in the field, namely the current laws, guidelines, and standards related to the establishment and operation of food processing centers; 
4. Evaluation of the environmental implications of establishing and operating the proposed Multipurpose Processing Centre, with a particular focus on quantifying its carbon footprint. This includes a detailed analysis of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction, maintenance, and functional processes of the center. Additionally, the study will explore the incorporation of eco-friendly practices into the center's architectural design and daily operations; 
5. Exploration of the impact of the Multipurpose Processing Centre on local communities, with a focus on three primary areas: employment opportunities, income generation, and the broader scope of rural development. 

2. Evaluation Questions

The Feasibility Study should answer the following main questions:

Stakeholders involved in the study include nuts growers, private companies, experts, the Nuts Growers’ Association, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA), and local authorities. The feasibility study should assess the viability of the proposed project within the specified budget limitation of 9000 Euros.

5. Deliverables and timeline

The workload for the whole study estimated at 2,5 months.

6. Profile of the expert team

The Expert Team must fulfil the following criteria:

• At least five years proven and strong track record of conducting feasibility studies in the field of agriculture;
• Proven experience with the suggested or similar studies is an asset;
• Ability to conduct high quality research, quantitative and qualitative analysis, meet deadlines and communicate effectively with contractors and stakeholders.
• Prior experience of working in the Republic of Moldova is a must;
• Excellent knowledge of English and Romanian is required; A good command of Russian is a distinct advantage.

7. Application process

• Interested applicants will submit their proposals which must include:
• Letter of interest (no more than one page) describing interest in the work, rationale for being the most suitable candidate for the assignment, qualifications and experience appropriate to the tasks required, 2 professional references with valid contacts and 3-4 links or attachments of previous similar work (evaluation reports, research, analytical work, etc.);
• CV (updated), no more than 4 pages.
• A brief methodology on how you will approach and carry out the work with indication of proposed data collection tools (desk research, analysis of project documentation, interviews, others);
• Timeframe with results for each stage;
• Financial proposal specifying the daily rate and other expenses, if any, broken down by cost, with the total amount indicated. It is suggested to include costs in MDL, with all fees included. Follow the link for template: 
  Financial offer template

8. Selection process

The selection process will proceed as follows:

• Applicants are requested to submit an expression of interest filling out the template, to be sent at the latest by deadline of January 9th, 2024 to tender.moldova@peopleinneed.net
• Subject: “Feasibility Study: Multifunctional Processing Centre for Nuts – name and surname/or company name”.
• The applicants will be assessed by an Evaluation Committee against the criteria listed in the section 6. PIN reserves the right to enter into a negotiation with the candidates on the financial offer proposed by them, before finalizing the selection process. The technical offer will be weighted with 60%; the financial offer will be weighted with 40%. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the consultant/team whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/ compliant/ acceptable, and

b) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weight – 60% (60 pts);

* Financial Criteria weight – 40% (40 pts).

Minimum Technical Threshold:  The minimum competency level for the technical evaluation is for Applicants to reach at least 70% out of maximum possible 60 points on the technical evaluation. Only offers with technical score of at least 42 points qualify for the financial evaluation.