Terms of Reference (ToR) for Conducting Market Analyses, Developing Business Plan and Market Linkage Recommendations under the project:

“Rural Women Leading Change: Empowerment, Environment, and Active Civic Participation”

I. Background

EcoKosWomen (EKW) is a distinguished non-governmental organization headquartered in Prishtina, founded in July 2019. EKW is committed to advancing women’s empowerment, particularly in rural areas, by promoting gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and socio economic development.

Since its establishment, EKW has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the economic position of women farmers by improving their access to resources, knowledge, and income-generating opportunities. Through its work, EKW contributes to rural development, food security, and increased participation of women in economic and community life.

Women farmers in Kosovo play an essential role in agricultural production and food security; however, their economic potential remains underutilized. Their participation in markets is often limited and informal, characterized by low bargaining power, restricted access to reliable market information, and limited integration into structured value chains. In many cases, production is not aligned with market demand, and products do not meet the standards required for broader market access.

Additional challenges include limited business planning, gaps in financial and entrepreneurial skills, and insufficient attention to product differentiation, packaging, and branding. These factors collectively hinder women farmers from accessing higher-value markets and achieving sustainable income growth.

To address these challenges, EKW aims to implement a comprehensive value chain-oriented intervention that focuses on improving market access and strengthening the economic capacities of women farmers. As part of this effort, EKW seeks to engage a qualified consultant to conduct market analyses and provide strategic recommendations to support sustainable economic growth for women farmers.

This assignment is implemented within the project “Rural Women Leading Change: Empowerment, Environment, and Active Civic Participation”, supported by We Effect and funded by SIDA.

II. Objective of the Assignment

The main objective of this assignment is to:

Provide a clear analytical foundation and strategic direction to improve the economic participation of women farmers by enhancing their access to markets and increasing the value of their products.

The assignment aims to generate actionable insights that will guide future interventions, support more informed decision-making, and contribute to building sustainable and market oriented agricultural practices among women farmers.

III. Specific Objectives

The consultant will:

1. Analyse market dynamics, including demand trends, pricing structures, and buyer requirements.

2. Identify value chains and market segments with the highest potential for women farmers.

3. Map key market actors and assess opportunities for stronger and more sustainable market linkages.

4. Develop a practical business-oriented framework to support growth and market integration.

5. Assess existing capacities and identify key gaps affecting market participation.

6. Formulate structured recommendations for strengthening capacities and improving market readiness.

7. Provide guidance on improving product quality, standardization, packaging, labelling, and branding.

8. Propose approaches for enhancing product visibility, promotion, and consumer trust.

9. Recommend practical approaches for organizing initiatives that showcase women-led products and their contributions.

Expected deliverables are:

Expected Workload and Timeframe:

The assignment is expected to be completed by 15th October 2026. The total expected workload for this assignment is distributed as follows:

III. Duty travel & accommodation

Travels should be organized by the trainer and all assignment-related travel expenses should be included in day/fee.

IV. Coordination & Reporting

The consultant will work in close coordination with Project Manager to ensure alignment with the project objectives and advocacy priorities. Regular communication will be maintained throughout the assignment, including periodic coordination meetings to review progress and address any emerging issues.

V. Qualification requirements

The Consultant should meet the following criteria:

- Advanced degree in Economics, Agriculture, Rural Development, Business Administration, or related field;

- Minimum 5 years of experience in market analyses, value chain development, or agribusiness development;

- Proven experience in developing business plans and market studies;

- Experience working with women farmers or rural communities is an asset;

- Strong understanding of agricultural markets and value chains in Kosovo;

- Excellent analytical and report writing skills in English.

VI. Application Procedure:

Interested candidates for this ToR should submit the following documents by email with the subject line: "Application for Developing Market Analyses, Business Plan and Market Linkage Recommendations":

• Up to date professional biography, including relevant education, professional experience, and trainings.
• Methodology of the research program.
• Copies of relevant diplomas, certificates, or professional qualifications.
• References or examples of similar assignments.
• Financial offer in EURO, gross amount with personal tax included.

All the above-mentioned documents should be attached to one email sent to [email protected] and [email protected] by June 06th, 2026 at the latest .

• Financial offer in EURO, gross amount with tax included, should be sent to a separate email to [email protected] and [email protected] by June 06th, 2026 at the latest, with the subject line: “Financial offer for Application for Developing Market Analyses, Business Plan and Market Linkage Recommendations”.

VII. Evaluation of the offers:

The incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline for submission will not be taken into consideration.

The evaluation of offers will be based on the “best value for money principle” by using a weighted scoring method to evaluate the combination of the applicants’ qualification (70%) and financial proposal (30%).

The most responsive/compliant/acceptable proposal, having received the highest combined score out of a weighted technical and financial evaluation specific to the solicitation, will be selected. The offers will be evaluated based on the technical criteria and financial criteria.

1. Technical evaluation (70%): [1+2 /40% + 30% = 70%]

a) Evaluation of professional experience (relevance, 40%).

Expertise and experience: Number of years of experience in the fields relating to Terms of Reference;

Similar assignments.

b) Evaluation of the Methodology (30%):

Only the candidates who will reach the threshold of 60% of the technical qualification will be considered for the financial evaluation.

2. Financial evaluation (30%)

Based on the formula: 30 * (Lowest Price / Proposed Price).

VIII. Terms of Payment:

Due to the expected value and duration of the contract, this assignment considers payment to be realized in one (final) instalment upon approval of the deliverables described with this TOR.

The payment will be realized based on the email sent to [email protected] . and [email protected] .

The email should contain the following components:

- Email Body Text (in English language):

• Official request for payment.
• Link for downloading the documents, pictures and video materials if applicable.

- Email Attachment:

• Final Report.