Consultant to Update and develop the Palestinian Farmers Uni...

Term of Reference

 Consultant to Update and develop the Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU) 2024-2028

The Palestinian Farmers' Union (PFU) is broadly recognized as the Palestinian farmers' network with active Governorate Farmers' Associations (GFAs) members that represent farmers from all agricultural sectors and communities to defend their rights, and interests and to achieve a more securing and enabling policy, business environment. It provides quality services to strengthen farmers' skills to produce better, process and market their commodities and better cope with shocks and changes.

In partnership with Oxfam, the Palestinian Farmers' Union (PFU) is implementing a project titled "Power of Voices Partnership, Fair4All" that aims to increase the accountability of government, responsiveness, and fairness through implementing better mechanisms related to agriculture policies that will achieve farmer aspirations and rights.

CONTEXT

The Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU) has focused its strategic plan for 2019-2023 on three main pillars: building a strong farmers’ movement, effective lobbying and advocacy, and providing quality services to farmers. Through these efforts, PFU has increased its membership from 16,000 to 20,000, defended farmers' rights, and influenced policies such as the activation of the tax refund law for Palestinian plant producers. Beyond the initial strategic plan, PFU has also worked on climate change mitigation by implementing smart agricultural systems, empowering women's cooperatives through training and resources, and distributing humanitarian aid in response to increased violence in the West Bank and Gaza. These initiatives have strengthened the resilience and empowerment of Palestinian farmers, allowing them to secure a better policy environment and economic opportunities.

Looking ahead to the 2024-2028 strategic plan, PFU aims to enhance its impact by continuing to focus on the original three pillars while introducing new priority areas: climate change mitigation, cooperative development and empowerment, and expanded humanitarian aid efforts. The plan includes integrating technology such as smart agriculture to address water scarcity, establishing the Climate Action Network (CAN) in Palestine and the Arab World, and strengthening women’s cooperatives to ensure their economic and social empowerment. PFU also aims to supply 50% of the food parcels for humanitarian aid from its member farmers, supporting local producers during crises.

Therefore, PFU is seeking to contract with a consultant conduct a thorough analysis of PFU’s current organizational strategy and develop an updated strategic framework that aligns with PFU’s vision for the years 2024-2028. This updated strategy will guide the PFU’s efforts in enhancing the resilience, sustainability, and prosperity of Palestinian farmers.

PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The main objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive and actionable strategic plan for the PFU for the period 2024-2028. The strategic plan should be based on an in-depth analysis of current challenges, opportunities, and stakeholder needs and should align with PFU's mission and vision to effectively advocate for farmers' rights and improve their livelihoods.

SCOPE OF WORK

The contracted consultant /company will be responsible to:

• Conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the current challenges and opportunities faced by Palestinian farmers and the agricultural sector. This includes gathering data, conducting surveys, and consulting with stakeholders.
• Engage and meet with PFU board of director, staff, and PFU Governorate farmers associations (GFAs) in Ramallah in Palestine, to gather input and insights on their needs and expectations.
• Perform a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to evaluate the internal and external factors affecting PFU's operations and its ability to support farmers.
• Review the existing strategy to assess the achievements, challenges, and areas that require improvement. Identify what has worked and what needs adjustment.
• Review the document resulted from PFU meeting conducted in Turkey that defined the strategic goals and objectives that the updated strategy should aim to achieve.
• Organize three strategy development workshops with PFU board of director, staff and GFAs members in Al Aqaba in Jordan to brainstorm and develop the new strategic framework.
• Create detailed action plans that outline the specific steps, responsibilities, timelines, and performance indicators for each strategic goal and objective.
• Present the updated strategy to PFU's governing for approval and formal adoption.

DELIVERABLE

The consultant will provide the following deliverables:

1. Inception Report outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline.
2. Situational Analysis Report summarizing findings from the review and stakeholder consultations.
3. Facilitated Workshops with PFU leadership, staff, and GFAs.
4. Draft Strategic Plan Document for PFU’s review and feedback.
5. Final Strategic Plan Document for 2024-2028, incorporating all feedback.
6. Presentation of the final strategic plan to PFU stakeholders.

Please submit the proposal (separate technical & financial offer) and requested documents by inhaled envelopes to the Palestinian Farmers Union headquarters (al-Bireh, close to the representative office of the Netherlands) no later than August 18, 2024 3:00 clock.

please find attached TOR for the training 

For any questions, feel free to contact the Project Coordinator:

Amjad Anabtawi

[email protected]