Extended- ToR: Strategic Planning Consultant

1-Background:

Oxfam and its Partners (Small Enterprise Centre, University College of Applied Sciences, Palestinian ICT Incubator, Union of Agricultural Work Committees and Gisha) believe that humanitarian aid interventions have to be complimented by longer-term economic recovery approaches to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and inequality, as well as the ongoing de-development in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This action aims to build on the Phase I of the partnership with DANIDA in order to continue to build on the achievements made under previous phase to further economic recovery and socio-economic empowerment of women, men and youth through supporting and strengthening sustainable small and medium-scale enterprises in three sectors: Agriculture, Dairy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). During Phase I strong alliances were created between Fresh Produce, Dairy and ICT sectors and strengthened understanding of the underlying weaknesses and opportunities for developing a cohesive and enabling market system, while increasing women’s participation in the local market. Hence, during this phase, the action will continue to work on the underlying weakness within the market system of the aforementioned three sectors.
In addition to the formal partners to the project highlighted above, Oxfam works closely with sector representative organisations within the Agriculture, Dairy and ICT sectors. These organisations will benefit from support to strengthen their capacity to respond to their membership needs and to deliver on their organisational mandates. Oxfam and project partners will work closely with Palestinian IT Association of Companies (PITA) as the representative organisation for the ICT sector and Palestinian Food Industries Union (PFIU) as the representative organisation for the food industry.
2-Purpose:
Small Enterprise Center (SEC) in partnership with OXFAM and the Palestinian IT Association of Companies (PITA) are seeking a Strategic Planning Consultant (Firms and individuals) to review the Palestinian ICT sector Strategy and Development Plan (2012-2015) in both West Bank and Gaza, evaluate the implemented plan, give recommendations and develop the upcoming 2015-2018 operational period strategic plan.
 

a-About PITA
The Palestinian Information Technology Association of Companies represents more than 150 major ICT companies in Palestine’s emerging technology and startup ecosystem. PITA has become the driving force in advancing the ICT sector’s interests, and the leading information source about this sector in Palestine. Based in Ramallah, PITA was founded in 1999 by a group of Palestinian entrepreneurs with the vision of creating a non-profit organization to advance the interests and positive societal impact of Palestine’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
A new generation of forward thinking entrepreneurs with a heritage that takes them back thousands of years in history is bringing together profound change to the technology and startup landscape.
Through its programming, content, events and global outreach, PITA is now poised to not only continue advance its mission towards innovation, but also serve as the region’s driver for its startup ecosystem.

PITA Mission
To lead the ICT sector towards an innovation-based economy.

PITA Vision
A Palestinian nation nurturing innovation and contributing to world knowledge.

PITA Strategic Goals 
1-To operate efficiently, effectively and sustainably, contributing to a better world.
2-To enhance the ICT business environment to better enable the industry that will grow our economic and intellectual capital.
3-To reach out and engage with the global ICT sector effectively and better position it as a wonderful place to do something totally new.
4-To ensure that qualified sufficient human capital exists in Palestine to boost the ICT sector and attract new immigrants and investors to this region of the world.
5-To strengthen the competitiveness of Palestinian ICT enterprises in local and international markets.

b-ICT Private Sector Strategy and Development Plan 2012-2015
The Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP), which is funded by the German federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) along with the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy as PSDP’s political partner decided to target the Palestinian ICT sector through a strategic initiative that builds on the success attained so far in the sector, but also with an ambition to provide strategic direction to its future evolution into a fast growing and employment generating sector.



The Palestinian Information Technology Association of Companies (PITA) as a representative of the Palestinian companies active in the ICT sector in Palestine, joined the effort aiming to lead the development of a 3 year Strategic Plan that defines where the sector want to be, what exactly can be achieved and how.
Solutions for Development Consulting company (Solutions); a Palestinian consulting firm has led a technical team of consultants under the guidance and leadership of the partners; MNE, GIZ and PITA to assess, facilitate and develop the strategic planning process.
On March, 2012 a Palestinian ICT Private Sector 3-Year Strategy and Development Plan was developed and launched in May, 2012.

Full document of the strategy can be found here.

3-Scope and Focus of the Assignment

The scope and focus of the assignment is to provide technical, strategic and facilitation support to enable the evaluation of the (2012-2015) strategic plan and develop the strategic plan for the upcoming period (2015-2018).  After an initial document review, the consultant will develop a framework and work plan to guide the assignment.

S/he will conduct a thorough but focused assessment of current status of plan implementation, evaluate the achievements, with a view to identifying appropriate strategic options for the 2015-2018 operational period.

The assessment will include desk review of relevant documents, in particular PITA existing strategic plan and key project and program documents, strategic plans of key partners, donor organizations, and related domestic and international reports.

The consultant will also conduct semi-structured interviews with key informants mainly national executive team and board of directors, and facilitate in-depth focus groups/facilitated discussions among PITA members of and stakeholders using face-to-face meeting or web-based technologies and/or teleconferencing.

The use of participatory processes is expected. Critical reflection by members and stakeholders is integral to this strategic planning initiative. As such, the Consultant will be expected to provide for active and meaningful engagement of PITA team and members, relevant representatives and other stakeholders.

It is expected that data will be analyzed, evaluated using a precise and transparent framework that includes all needed tools for qualitative and quantitative approaches, summarized and presented back to PITA to aid in prioritization of strategic directions and build on achievements.


A key aspect of the consultancy is preparation for and facilitation of a one-day strategic planning findings workshop with PITA Staff, Board, members and partners.

All data and the results of the workshop will be consolidated into a draft and finalized strategic document. Based on the findings and recommendations of the consultant, the consultant is expected to modify the strategic plan. The consultant is expected to develop a new strategic plan for the upcoming operational period (2015-2018).

The ideal Consultant will have strong knowledge of and/or proven expertise in:
-More than five years of Private Sector Development.
-Powerfully experienced in Strategic planning for unions.
-Participatory approaches in conducting assessments and facilitating strategic planning processes.

In addition to those competences, it is of high importance to be available within partnership or any means of existence in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, in order to conduct the assignment at a national level in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

4-Roles and Responsibilities
In partnership with OXFAM and Small Enterprise Centre (SEC), PITA will be responsible for:
-Selection and follow up with the consultant.
-Actively engaging with the Consultant during the assessment.
-Identifying stakeholders and relevant documents as needed.
-Providing the necessary documents relevant to the strategy.

The Consultant will be responsible for:
-Preparation of a work plan and an appropriate Assignment Framework
-Actively engaging with staff, Board of Directors, Members and other stakeholders through the use of participatory processes.
-Production of deliverables in accordance with the requirements and timeframes of the Terms of Reference.

5-Deliverables
The consultant will provide the following deliverables:

a)Framework and action plan based on these Terms of Reference
b)Evaluation report of 2012-2015 development plan achievements made, progress points and future stakeholders’ recommendations that is prepared based on the conducted interviews and desk review.
c)Strategic plan workshop agenda and facilitation.
d)Recommendations for the upcoming 2015-2018 operational period.
e)Strategic Plan document for (2015-2018)


6-Timeline and L.O.E
The expected consultant level of efforts is a minimum of 14 days and maximum of 25 days based on the recommendations from the review and evaluation  phase.
The consultancy will commence upon signing the contract with the consultant and will end by the satisfactory submission of the deliverables outlined in the TOR which should be delivered within four weeks from contract signing.

7-Payment Request
The payment is lump-sum base 100% contingent upon successful completion of the Scope of Work and approved final report by SEC, OXFAM and PITA.

8-Budget
Please submit the budget for the proposal In ILS as unit cost per consultancy working day.


9-Application process

The consultants are asked to submit technical (cover letter responding to the Terms of Reference including CV and proposed work plan) and financial proposal to SEC Gaza office – Abu Ghalion building (2), 5th floor.  Applications should be submitted by 3:00 pm on April, 6  2015.

The awarded consultant shall bear the cost of the advertisement in the website.

The information needs to be submitted to SEC in two sealed separated envelopes, one for technical proposal and one for financial proposal.

Contact information:
Asmaa Abu Mezied – project coordinator
Mobile:0599991545
E mail: [email protected]
Tel.: 2884541

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