Terms of Reference (TOR) Consultancy Service for Market Systems Assessment

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Market Systems Assessment – in Benishiangul Gumuz (Assosa) and Gambella /Displaced Affected People (DAP)-Refugees, IDPs and Host Communities Context/

1. Background

Established in 2012 G.C., Inkomoko works to eradicate poverty by supporting micro and small entrepreneurs across Africa, with a presence in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Chad, and South Sudan. The organization focuses on Displaced Affected People-DAP (refugees, internally displaced people (IDP) and host communities(HC)) and addresses entrenched barriers to business growth, including limited access to capital, exclusion from markets, and limited representation in policies and institutions.

Core services include:

• Business training and capacity building
• Business development services (BDS)
• Market Linkage Services
• Access to finance (A2F)
• Policy advocacy

To strengthen the impact and sustainability of its programs, Inkomoko is adopting Market Systems Development (MSD) approaches. MSD is intended to complement and sustain Inkomoko’s existing activities by focusing on systemic change, influencing private and public actors to deliver services more broadly, and creating conditions for long-term, scalable impact.

In Ethiopia, Inkomoko operates in Addis Ababa, Assosa, Jigjiga, and Gambella, supporting displacement-affected populations (refugees, host communities, and IDPs). The Market Systems Assessment will inform the design of MSD interventions in Benishiangul Gumuz and Gambella to improve livelihoods and create inclusive, sustainable opportunities for these populations.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a Market Systems Assessment that moves beyond traditional sector or value chain analysis to identify viable and sustainable market systems that can improve livelihood outcomes for displacement-affected populations (DAP), including refugees, host communities and IDPs in Benishangul Gumuz (Sherkole, Bambasi, Tsore and Ura) and Gambella (Nguenyyiel, Jewi, Tierkidi and Kule).

The assessment will identify market systems with strong income and job creation potential, analyze the underlying systemic constraints limiting participation and growth, and propose feasible entry points for Market Systems Development (MSD) interventions.

The assignment is intended to generate practical, intervention-ready recommendations that enable Inkomoko to design and implement a facilitative MSD program. The consultant is therefore expected not only to analyze markets, but also to identify leverage points where systemic change can be catalyzed in a sustainable and scalable manner.

The final output should provide clear justification for selecting a limited number of priority market systems and outline realistic pathways for engagement over a 3–5 year horizon.

3.  Objectives of the Assessment

The specific objectives of this assignment are to:

• Identify and prioritize market systems with strong relevance, growth potential and income opportunities for displacement-affected populations in Benishiangul Gumua (Sherkole, Bambasi, Tsore and Ura) and Gambella (Nguenyyiel, Jewi, Tierkidi and Kule).
• Conduct a systemic analysis of selected market systems, including:
• Core market functions (supply, demand, transactions, margins)
• Supporting services (inputs, finance, infrastructure, information, skills, etc)
• Formal and informal rules (land governance, regulations, social norms, gender dynamics, etc)
• Key actors and their relationships
• Analyze the root causes of systemic constraints that limit participation, productivity, profitability and inclusion of DAP within these systems.
• Map key market actors, assess incentives, capacities and potential behavior change of private sectors, financial institutions, public actors and other relevant stakeholders.
• Identify feasible entry points for facilitative MSD interventions that:
• Address systemic constraints (not only individual capacity gaps),
• Leverage existing market actors,
• Promote crowding-in and sustainability beyond project support.
• Propose a preliminary intervention framework, including:
• Recommend 2–3 priority systems for MSD pilot.
• Suggested theory of change,
• Potential partnerships,
• Phased intervention approach,
• Key risks and mitigation strategies.

4.  Scope of Work

a.     Scope of work overview

The consultant will conduct a Market Systems Assessment in Benishangul Gumuz (Sherkole, Bambasi, Tsore and Ura) and Gambella (Nguenyyiel, Jewi, Tierkidi and Kule) regions, which are two of Inkomoko’s operational regions in Ethiopia, focusing on displacement-affected populations (refugees, host communities, and IDPs).

The assessment must include, but not limited to the following tasks

• Identify and prioritize two or more market systems with strong relevance and growth potential for DAP.
• Conduct in-depth market system mapping and systemic analysis of shortlisted market systems.
• Identify root causes of constraints rather than symptoms.
• Propose realistic, facilitative intervention entry points aligned with MSD principles.
• Provide actionable recommendations that can inform program design over a 3–5 year horizon.
• Stakeholder engagement and validation

Note: The assignment is not limited to sector mapping or value chain description. The consultant is expected to apply a full market systems lens and generate intervention-ready outputs.

b.     Integration of Cross-Cutting Issues

The consultant is expected to integrate cross-cutting issues throughout the assessment, ensuring all findings and recommendations reflect:

• Gender and youth inclusion: identifying barriers and opportunities for equitable participation of women and youth in market systems.
• Financial inclusion and Access-to-Finance (A2F): assessing availability, affordability, and suitability of financial products and services for DAP, and identifying leverage points to expand access.
• This is a priority focus given Inkomoko’s strategic emphasis on A2F interventions.

• Land governance and tenure: analyzing how land access, ownership, and regulation affect participation in market systems.
• Host–refugee integration: examining opportunities to foster economic collaboration and interaction between refugee and host populations.
• Environmental and climate considerations (if relevant): identifying environmental risks and opportunities to promote sustainable market practices.

In particular, the consultant should give emphasis to financial inclusion and access-to-finance, analyzing both current gaps and potential interventions to improve availability and uptake of financial products and services, as this is apriority strategic intervention area for Inkomoko. Findings and proposedintervention entry points should reflect opportunities to strengthen A2F alongside other systemic constraints.

5.  Methodology

The consultant is expected to propose a participatory, MSD-focused, and evidence-based methodology, including but not limited to:

• Qualitative methods: Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), stakeholder workshops, observation
• Secondary data review and document analysis
• Value chain analysis
• Financial ecosystem analysis
• Market system mapping tools
• Root cause and incentive analysis
• Gender Analysis framework
• Stakeholder and actor analysis
• Political economy and inclusion analysis (gender, youth, refugees, land, A2F, environmental considerations)
• Risk analysis and potential mitigation measures
• Validation and co-creation workshops to refine findings and intervention options

6.  Key Analytical Questions

The consultant should structure the analysis around, but not be limited to, the following guiding questions:

 A. Market Relevance and Opportunity

Which market systems offer realistic income and job creation potential for DAP at scale?

• In which systems are refugees and host communities already participating, formally or informally?
• What is the growth trajectory and resilience of these systems?

B. Systemic Constraints ad Root Causes

• What systemic/structural constraints limit inclusion, productivity, or growth?
• Are constraints related to supporting services (finance, information, inputs, logistics)?
• Are there regulatory, policy or social norms barriers affecting inclusion?
• Which constraints are symptoms, and which are root causes?
• Which constraints are systemic vs. individual or technical?

 C. Incentives and Behavior

• What incentives drive or limit private sector engagement with DAP?
• What would motivate service providers to adapt products or services?
• Where are incentives misaligned, and where are there opportunities for win-win change?

D. Financial Inclusion/Access to Finance

• What are gaps in financial access, and where can systemic interventions increase access and sustainability?
• Which financial products and services are currently accessible to displacement-affected populations, including refugees, host communities, and IDPs, and are they inclusive of women, youth, and vulnerable groups?
• What factors limit the adoption and continued use of financial services by target populations, including affordability, suitability, documentation, or trust issues?
• What opportunities exist to strengthen financial inclusion within the market system, and how could Inkomoko or partners facilitate actors to sustainably increase access to finance?

E. Cross-Cutting Issues

• Gender and youth: What barriers limit participation?
• Land governance: How does land tenure affect livelihoods?
• Host–refugee integration: Opportunities for inclusive economic interaction?
• Environment / climate: Are there risks or opportunities for sustainability?

F. Entry Points for MSD Intervention

• Where could a facilitative actor catalyze sustainable behavior change?
• Which actors are most likely to adopt and scale improved practices?
• What partnerships would be required?
• What level of catalytic support (technical, financial, convening) may be needed?

 G. Sustainability and Scale

• Would proposed changes continue without ongoing project subsidy?
• Is there potential for replication and crowding-in?
• What are the major political economy risks?

7.  Deliverables

• Inception report (methodology + work plan)
• Market System Prioritization Memo
• Draft Market systems diagnostic report including market system maps (visual)
• Shortlist of 2-3 recommended market systems
• Two Pilot intervention concept notes (One Explicit A2F-focused intervention options)
• Validation workshop presentation
• Final Report (incorporates workshops feedback)

8. Timeline

The consultancy firm will work closely with Inkomoko’s project teams in Benishangul Gumuz and Gambella as well as relevant national-level teams. The assignment is expected to be completed within a maximum period of forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of contract signing.

9.     Reporting and Management

• Reports to: MSD Head
• Coordination with: MERL team, Field Teams

Requirements

10.  Consultant Profile

• Demonstrated experience in Market Systems Development programing and analysis
• At least 5 years of Experience with I/NGOs working on related assignments in refugee/displacement contexts preferred
• Strong qualitative research and stakeholder engagement skills
• Expertise in financial inclusion and facilitating systemic change
• Ability to produce actionable, intervention-ready recommendations
• Excellent presentation and representation skills in multicultural contexts.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

 11.  Team Composition and Qualifications

• Senior MSD specialist/Expert (Team Lead)
• Value chain specialist (agriculture)
• MSE and Labor Market Specialist
• Financial inclusion/Access to finance specialist (preferred)
• Gender specialist (can be embedded role)
• Local research capacity

12.  Instructions for Submission of Technical and Financial Proposals

Interested consulting firms are invited to submit separate Technical and Financial Proposals detailing their experience, qualifications, and capacity to execute the assignment.

The Technical Proposal should clearly demonstrate the firm’s understanding of

the assignment, proposed methodology, workplan, and team composition.

The Financial Proposal should be prepared based on the proposed methodology and resources required to successfully deliver the assignment. It must include:

• Daily professional fees for each proposed team member
• A detailed cost breakdown (including all related costs)
• The total cost for executing the assignment
• Proposed payment terms

All costs must be quoted in Ethiopian Birr (ETB).

Following the selection of the successful firm, the detailed terms and conditions will be outlined in a formal contract agreement with Inkomoko.

 Application Requirements

Eligible consulting firms must submit the following:

 A. Technical Proposal (submitted separately)

At minimum, the Technical Proposal must include:

• Company profile
• Statement of interest, including proposed methodology and workplan
• At least three testimonial letters or references for similar assignments
• CVs of proposed team members
• Copy of valid and renewed business registration certificate

B. Financial Proposal (submitted separately)

The Financial Proposal must include:

• Detailed cost breakdown (including all related costs)
• Daily rates of proposed personnel
• Total assignment cost
• Proposed payment schedule
• Budget presented in ETB

13. Submission Process

Technical and Financial Proposals must be submitted separately via email to: procurement-eth@inomoko.com

Failure to comply with the submission requirements or instructions above may result in automatic disqualification.

The deadline for submission is Friday April 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM EAT. Proposals received after this deadline may not be considered.

Inkomoko reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal, in whole or in part, without obligation to provide justification.

14.  Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated using a Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method.

The evaluation will consist of:

• Technical Proposal: 70%
• Financial Proposal: 30%

Only firms that achieve a minimum technical score of 70% of the technical points will be considered for financial evaluation.

The final score will be calculated as the sum of the technical and financial scores. The firm with the highest combined score will be recommended for the award.

14.1 Technical Evaluation Criteria – 70 Points

• Understanding of the Assignment (10 points)
• Demonstrated understanding of:
• The TOR and objectives
• Market Systems Development (MSD) approach
• Cross-cutting issues (gender, A2F, land, host–refugee integration, environmental considerations)
• Intervention-oriented nature of the assessment
• Methodological Approach (20 points)
• Clarity, appropriateness, and robustness of the proposed methodology
• Includes:
• Market system selection process
• Systemic analysis tools
• Qualitative methods (KIIs, FGDs)
• Incentive and root cause analysis
• Integration of cross-cutting issues (especially A2F)
• Experience in Market Systems Development (MSD) (15 points)
• Demonstrated experience in:
• Conducting MSD assessments
• Designing facilitative, systemic interventions
• Experience in fragile or displacement contexts is an advantage
• Financial Inclusion / Access to Finance (A2F) Expertise (10 points)
• Proven expertise in:
• Financial inclusion
• Systemic approaches to expanding access to finance for MSEs
• MSE and Labor Market Expertise (5 points)
• Experience in:
• Micro and small enterprise (MSE) capacity building
• Labor market systems analysis
• Job creation and enterprise upgrading
• Team Composition and Qualifications (5 points)
• Appropriateness of:
• Team structure
• Qualifications of key experts
• Relevance of experience
• Relevant Past Experience and References (5 points)
• Demonstrated experience in similar assignments
• Quality of previous work and references
• Total Technical Points: 70

14.2 Financial Evaluation (30 Points)

Financial proposals of technically qualified firms will be evaluated based on cost-effectiveness and value for money.

The lowest priced technically qualified proposal will receive the maximum financial score (30 points). Other financial proposals will receive scores proportionally calculated using the formula:

Financial Score = (Lowest Financial Proposal / Proposed Financial Proposal) × 30

Benefits

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

This consultancy is inside a mission-driven social enterprise, with an incredible team across Africa. By joining Inkomoko, you’ll access:

• The chance to create meaningful results for a high-impact organization at a moment of critical growth
• Incredible company culture – casual yet hard-working environment with plenty of autonomy 
• Diverse colleagues and policies that show our commitment to inclusion
• Talented, passionate, and committed team of colleagues across Africa.

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re excited about this consultancy, can start immediately, and have skills to match, please submit your application through the procurement-eth@inomoko.com. if you need more clarification please reach out to Tigist Bruck E-mail:  tigistb@inkomoko.com

Deadline: April 3, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, please apply now!

Inkomoko seeks to reflect the communities we serve, refugees and women are strongly encouraged to apply. As a company we have policies that ensure fair treatment in the application process. 

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Contracting is conditional upon successful background checks and other verification as needed.

All offers of contracting will be subject to satisfactory references and background screening checks. Inkomoko also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual misconduct, fraud, or abuse. By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

INKOMOKO VALUES

All staff at Inkomoko are connected to a shared set of organizational values:

• Purpose: be solutions-oriented, produce high-quality work, be a global leader.
• Achievement: push yourself to reach beyond what you previously thought possible. 
• Improvement: be humble, engage in continuous growth through open & accurate feedback
• Bravery: willing to take risks, create a safe space for others, be compassionate, inclusive.
• We Eat Goat:  we celebrate success and support each other in hard times. We do this work together in the spirit of turikumwe, tuko pamoja, abren nen, Kula na sawa, On est ensemble.