[enviro-vlc] CIDA: ADVERTISEMENT OF TWO POSITIONS FOR THE MID-TERM REVIEW TEAM: , SOC TRANG HERD AND CROP QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

[Vern Weitzel]

Date: 	Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:49:22 +0700
From: 	Pham Tuyet Nhung <nhung at vietnampsu.org>

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is seeking a team
of a Lead Consultant and an Agricultural Specialist to conduct the
Mid-Term Review (MTR) of a CIDA-supported agricultural project in Soc
Trang province during the months of November-December 2008.

For further details about the MTR and contacts please see the TORs
attached. The deadline for application is 17:00, October 29, 2008.

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

RECRUITMENT NOTICE

Mid-term Review

Soc Trang Herd and Crop Quality Improvement Project

Terms of Reference

A) Background

The Agricultural sector in Vietnam is undergoing major structural
changes. Production and trade of high-value commodities such as fruit,
rice, vegetables and meat have grown over the last decade at a rate of
approximately 4 to 6 %. This growth has largely been driven by
domestic demand and influenced by the export/international market
circumstances and opportunities. Vietnam is attempting to gain access
to international markets, by improving on its ability to complete,
while focusing on its ability to manage food safety and quality
issues.

The Soc Trang Herd and Crop Quality Improvement Project was approved
in July 2003 as part of the first set of projects approved under the
CIDA policy statement, Promoting Sustainable Rural Development through
Agriculture.  The Herd and Crop project expands upon CIDA`s experience
in implementing a five year Vietnam Rural Poverty Reduction Program
and is based on a proposal submitted to CIDA by Soc Trang`s Department
of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). DARD requested supports
for the Soc Trang Breeding Centre and the local Laboratory-which are
responsible for: testing, verifying and certifying the quality of
seeds and agriculture products; the development of high quality crops
such as fragrant rice varieties, and limiting the use of pesticides.

The implementation approach, places the Provincial Government in the
lead in the execution of the Herd and Crop Project, and is based on
decentralized planning and decision -making processes, which are
expected to strengthen local agencies engaged in the project. The
project continues to follow and use Vietnamese authority delegations
and financial administration procedures in its implementation. Overall
strategic direction is provided through a Joint Steering Committee
co-chaired by CIDA and the Province of Soc Trang. A project Management
Unit (PMU) located in the provincial government/DARD conducts day to
day operations; its work is supported by a locally contracted
financial management service that ensures that financial management
and reporting on the project -meets CIDA standards and requirements.

B) CIDA Project Description

The Soc Trang Herd and Crop project is expected to enhance agriculture
productivity and income by diversifying and intensifying agricultural
systems, reducing post-harvest losses and improving food safety. It
was initially designed as a pilot for the Food and Agriculture
Products Quality Development and Control Project, which is food system
wide project-national in scope.

The goal of the Soc Trang Herd and Crop project is to improve rural
livelihood through support for agriculture and rural development. At
the impact level, the project is expected to help improve national
capacity to meet international standards for food quality, develop
domestic markets and gain access to international markets.

The expected outcomes of the project as stated in the LFA and Project
Approval Document are:

(i) Breeds and varieties of animal and crop products improved in terms
of quality, value, and environmental sustain ability.

(ii) Quality standards and processes established and adopted.

(iii) Profitability and returns from production increased.

The Project Implementation Plan (PIP) defines the development
objectives of the project as:

(i) Improving the quality and safety of food and foodstuffs, to
increase incomes from agricultural production in Soc Trang, and to
improve the competitiveness of farm products.

(ii) Improving quality and price of crop varieties, farm animal breeds
and agricultural products.

(iii) Establish and operate the performance recording systems for pig
and dairy cow.

(iv) Establish and apply the quality standards and processes.

(v) Increase profits and incomes from the production.

(vi) Promote co-operation among farming households through the
development of clubs, co-operatives, and animal husbandry
associations.

As elaborated in the PIP achievements of the project results is based
on effective undertaking in two groupings of work (components):

(i) Crops Development and Quality Improvement; and

(ii) Animal Husbandry Development.

The primary clients for the Mid-Term Review (MTR) are CIDA and the
Provincial People's Committee (PPC) of Soc Trang. The PPC will also
participate in the MTR process along with other key participants at
the provincial and commune levels.

C) The main objectives of the Mid Term Review include:

•	To assess project implementation progress and the degree to which
the Herd and Crop Project is achieving intended results, and is on
track to meet project objectives on time and within budget, including
project implementation progress of the two main components (Crop and
Animal)

•	To review and assess the effectiveness of project implementation
to date, including project Governance (management and administration),
the role and input of project partners, the overall management of
project operations by the PMU, the provision of technical assistance
and other capacity building support, integration of gender equality,
etc.

•	To identify operational and management lessons learned for CIDA,
the Province and the PMU- including recommendations for project
adjustments aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of
project implementation.

•	To review and assess the contribution from the Soc Trang Herd and
Crop Quality Improvement project to the Social, Economic and
Agriculture/Food Development Priorities of the Province of Soc Trang,

•	To review and make recommendations to CIDA and the Province,
concerning the sustain ability of results achieved by the project.

•	To assess continued relevance of project design and planned
results, including inter alia consistency with local partners and
country needs and the priorities and the efforts of other
donors/organizations involved in addressing the same needs/problems.

•	To review and assess the efficiency of the funding modality
currently used to transfer Aid funds (CIDA) to the Province, relative
to other forms/modalities of funds transfer.

D. Scope and Focus of the Mid Term Review

The MTR will focus on reviewing project progress to date in the field,
involving the participation of key project partners and
stakeholders-with a view to informing improvements in project
implementation; and documenting lessons learned for use by CIDA and
the Province.

The MTR is envisaged to take place over a period of 2 months
October-November, 2008.   A Vietnamese team of consultants or a firm,
to be selected jointly by CIDA and Province (PPC), will carry out the
MTR. This is expected to include a MTR Team Leader and an Agricultural
Specialist.

In order to address the purpose of the MTR as outlined above, it is
expected that the MTR firm/consultants will address the following
questions and areas:

*	   Project Implementation Progress:

•	To what extent is the HCQIP on track towards achieving intended
results at both the output and outcome levels as stated in the Logical
Framework of Analysis (LFA), and in terms of Development Objectives as
stated in the PIP, within the current time frame and budget of the
project?

•	Review and assess project progress to date against the expected
results as stated in the LFA with reference to the PIP, subsequent
Annual Work Plan and Progress Reports. Identify any gaps at the output
and outcome levels results as well as any unanticipated results and
occurrences.

•	The evolution of the context, which has had tangible impact on
project progress to date, must be factored into the review of
progress. E.g., did fluctuating commodity prices, demand changes and
movements, pest’s infestations, input prices and availability,
producer's behaviour etc? Affect and impact on the project at the
output and outcome levels?


*	  Effectiveness of Project Operations:

•	To what extent is the project effectively planning, delivering
and monitoring support to key project areas as identified in the PIP.

•	To what extend is the project contributing to institutional
capacity de development at the Provincial level?

•	To what extent is the province exercising due diligence and
probity in the use and management of project funds?

•	How well is the local accounting firm (contracted to provide
financial management services) performing its role and supporting
project management?

•	Review and assess the effectiveness of the overall project
operations, including project governance, the role and functioning of
the Project Management Unit located within the provincial government,
and level of co-ordination with local, provincial, regional and
national institutions and other relevant CIDA initiatives.

•	To review and assess the efficiency of the funding modality
currently used to transfer Aid funds (CIDA) to the Province, relative
to other forms/modalities of funds transfer

•	Identify any gaps as well as unanticipated results and identify
reasons for these.

*	   Operational and Management Lessons:

•	Taking into consideration the analysis and assessment of project
implementation progress and operations to date, what are the key
lessons learned for the Province and CIDA?

•	Make recommendations to improve the project operations and
management.

*	Sustain ability of Results:

•	Assess the results being achieved by the project from a sustain
ability perspective and identify areas in which sustain ability is at
risk and or could be strengthened.

•	Make recommendations for action by CIDA and the Province to
maximize the sustainability of project results.

E. Methodology

The Mid-Term Review will be carried out in conformity with the
principles, standards, and practices set out in the CIDA’s Evaluation
Guide. The MTR team will undertake the following activities and tasks:

*	Review of the project related documentation;

*	Development of a detailed work plan for MTR including the
gathering and analysis of data;

*	Data collection including field visits, meetings and interviews
with stakeholders, including a 6 day field visit to the Province which
should conclude with presentation of preliminary findings to
provincial partners;

*	An initial MTR debriefing- with CIDA in Hanoi at the conclusion
of the provincial field visit, to present and discuss preliminary
mission findings, observations and proposed recommendations (ideally,
we expect the debriefing will be happened in Soc Trang on Nov 20th
late afternoon when CIDA team mission is present there);

*	Submission of draft report to CIDA and the Province;

*	Revision of draft report in consideration of comments from CIDA
and the Province (PPC);

*	Submission of final report to CIDA and the PPC.

F. Accountabilities and Responsibilities

The MTR Team Leader will report to CIDA`s field officer and
Vietnam-Canada PSU Director and will be responsible for:

*	Conducting and co-ordinating the mid-term review;

*	Day to day management of operations;

*	Regular progress reporting to CIDA`s field office;

*	Production of all deliverables in accordance with contractual
requirements.

The MTR Agricultural Specialist:

*	He/she is responsible for assisting the Team Leader in all
required tasks indicated above and in providing specialist/technical
inputs and comments.

G. Schedule of Deliverables

The MTR Leader will submit the following deliverables to CIDA through
the Canadian Embassy in Hanoi:

*	A detailed work plan and budget for the Mid Term Review,
including a draft outline of the MTR Report to be submitted to CIDA
and the Province for approval with-in 2 weeks of signature of
Consultant’s contract and prior to beginning the review;



*	A draft Mid Term Review report in English and Vietnamese to be
submitted to CIDA/the Province for comments within 10 days of
completion of field visits;



*	A final Mid-Term Review Report in English and Vietnamese with an
Executive Summary of 2-3 pages to be submitted to CIDA/the Province
for approval within 2 weeks of receiving consolidated comments from
CIDA on the draft MTR Report.

H. Consultant/team qualification and experience

The Mid-Term Review team will consist of an MTR Team Leader and an
Agricultural Specialist with the following qualifications and
experience:

The MTR Team Leader:

*	Professional qualifications and demonstrated experience at senior
levels in public administration in Vietnam.

*	Demonstrable experience in performance review including
operational review;

*	Good knowledge of institutional development and policy
development practices; strong analytical skills;

*	Excellent spoken and written skills in English and

*	Excellent communication skills to work the Province.

*	Experience and Knowledge of the Agricultural sector in Vietnam.

He/she is responsible for the overall management of the above stated
deliverables and tasks including liaising with CIDA, writing the
report and delivering the debriefing.

The Agriculture Specialist:

*	Strong Professional/Academic qualifications and demonstrated
experience in the Agriculture Sector in Vietnam, including expertise
in crop production and product quality  and animal husbandry ;

*	Good knowledge of and insights of Agriculture in Vietnam within
the context of relevant government policies, guidelines and programs;

*	Good research and assessment skills;

*	Strong analytical skills;

*	Excellent spoken and written skills in English and Vietnamese;

*	Excellent communication skills.

He/she is responsible for assisting the MTR Team Leader in all
required tasks, particularly in providing specialist/technical inputs
and comments.

I. Tasks and Estimated Level of Effort of MTR Team Leader

Task, LoE, Proposed dates
Review of project documentation 	
3.5 days

during the week of Nov 3rd-9th 2008
Meeting with CIDA officers at the post responsible for the project. 	
1 day	

Developing detailed work plan and budget	
2 days 	

Field visits to relevant project areas in the province Key informants interviews 	
5 days  	
15th-20th Nov. 2008

A debriefing workshop in the Province 	
1 day	

A debrief for CIDA in the field 	
1/2 day	Nov. 20th, 2008 (late afternoon)

Write report (draft) 	
7 days	
The first week of December

Write Final Report 	
10 days	
Final report to be submitted on Dec 18th 2008

Total
30 days

Tasks and Estimated Level of Effort for Agricultural Specialist

Task, LoF, Proposed dates

Documentation Review (see footnote 3) 	
3.5 days 	
during the week of Nov 3rd-9th 2008

Meeting with CIDA officers at the post responsible for the project	
1 day 	

Developing detailed work plan and budget	
2 days 	

Field visits to relevant project areas in the province Key
informants interviews (see foot note 4)	
5 days 	
15th-20th Nov. 2008

A debriefing workshop in the Province	
1 day 	

A debrief for CIDA Post	
1/2 day 	
Nov. 20th, 2008 (late afternoon)

Write report (draft)	
7 	
The first week of December

Prepare final report 	
7 	
Final report to be submitted on Dec 18th 2008

Total 	27 days 	

Interested candidates should be sending a one- or two-page preliminary
proposal on methodology and work-plan along with CVs of the team members by
17:00 Wednesday, 29th October 2008 to:  	

Mr. Randall Sach
Director
Vietnam-Canada Program Support Unit (PSU)
12th Floor, Hanoi Towers
49 - Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Or via email to: info at vietnampsu.org
Proposals submitted later than above mentioned deadline will not be considered.

1. To include supervision of seed and seedling quality; management of pesticide
usage during production; storage and handling; processing and packaging;
quality grading and quality based pricing.

2. To include animal husbandry production and product quality; improving animal
herds (breeding, performance recording); carcass grading (carcass yield, quality
-based pricing); products quality grading; sanitary and veterinary control.

3. Including Logical Framework of Analysis (LFA), MOU, Contribution Agreement,
Project Implementation Plan (PIP) Progress Report (semi-annual and annual), and
PSC minutes.

4. Including (Present and Past) Vice-Chairman of Soc Trang Provincial Peoples
Committee; Department of Planning and Investment; Department of Science and
Technology; Department of Health; Technical Co-ordinators of the Crops 
development,  Husbandry development, Performance of the recording system
and others as deemed necessary by CIDA officer at the post and the Province

------


Pham Tuyet Nhung
Administrative Officer
Vietnam Canada Program Support Unit
Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung Str.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Email: nhung at vietnampsu.org
Tel: 84 4 9348414
Fax: 84 4 9348395
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