Consultant to Conduct a Comprehensive Baseline Survey

CALL FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES

BASELINE SURVEY FOR “THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN FOOD AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (SAFEE) PROGRAMME”

Introduction:

The Central Region Milk Producers Association (CREMPA), in partnership with the Small Producer’s Development and Transporters Association (SPRODETA), African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (MUSCCO), and Women’s Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC), is implementing the Southern African Food and Economic Empowerment (SAFEE) Programme. This initiative, supported by We Effect and funded by Sida, is a four-year program designed to bolster civil society organizations, cooperatives, and member-based organizations. Its primary aim is to advance the right to food, enhance women's economic empowerment, build climate resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and foster inclusive food systems.

To ensure effective program delivery, the Malawi SAFEE partners are seeking a qualified consultant to conduct a comprehensive baseline survey. This study will establish benchmark values for program indicators, assess current conditions within target communities, validate program assumptions, and provide essential evidence to inform implementation, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and accountability processes.

Scope of the Assignment:

The selected consultant will execute a mixed-methods baseline study, encompassing the following activities:

• Review of pertinent program documentation.


• Development and refinement of the study methodology and data collection instruments.


• Training for enumerators.


• Conducting quantitative household surveys.


• Gathering qualitative data through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).


• Ensuring data quality, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation.


• Presenting preliminary findings to stakeholders.


• Preparing and submitting draft and final baseline reports.

Expected Deliverables:

The consultant is expected to provide:

• An inception report outlining the study methodology and work plan.


• Finalized data collection tools.


• Clean quantitative and qualitative datasets.


• A draft baseline report for stakeholder review, including an Indicator Tracking Table with baseline data, to be submitted and presented to We Effect and project implementing partners.


• A validated final baseline report.


• A presentation of the study findings.


• An electronic archive containing all datasets, questionnaires, data dictionaries, transcripts, sampling documentation, and related study materials.

Timeline: A maximum of 30 working days.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

Interested consultants must demonstrate the following:

• A Master’s degree, preferably in agricultural economics, agribusiness management, gender equality, or economics.


• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in conducting baseline studies, evaluations, or similar research assignments utilizing mixed-method approaches.


• Demonstrated expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.


• Proficiency in statistical and qualitative data analysis software such as SPSS and NVivo.


• Experience working on programs related to agriculture, food security, climate resilience, women's economic empowerment, rural development, or civil society strengthening.


• Exceptional analytical, facilitation, writing, and communication skills.


• The ability to deliver high-quality work within stipulated timelines.

Application Requirements:

Interested consultants or consultancy firms are requested to submit:

• A cover letter detailing suitability and qualifications for the assignment.


• A Technical Proposal outlining the proposed methodology and work plan.


• A Financial Proposal.


• A company profile or Curriculum Vitae (for individual consultants). For firms, include full names, physical addresses, telephone numbers, and contact person; date of registration, registration number, copies of registration and VAT certificates; and names of directors/proprietors.


• Evidence of previous similar assignments.


• Contact information for at least three professional references relevant to the assignment.

For further information and a complete Terms of Reference (ToRs), please contact: crempa1985@gmail.com and malawi@weeffect.org.

Submission of Applications:

Submit proposals electronically, adhering to the detailed Terms of Reference (ToRs), to: crempa1985@gmail.com, with malawi@weeffect.org in copy. Please indicate “Baseline Survey for the Southern African Food and Economic Empowerment (SAFEE) Programme” in the subject line. The deadline for submissions is close of business on 4th August 2026.

Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted.