Diagnosis and Market Opportunities Study for Agriculture and Handicraft Value Chains in Qena and Al Minya, Egypt

IntroductionWithin the framework of the project “Boosting Innovative Business Initiatives Led by Women and Youth in Qena and Al Minya, Upper Egypt”, implemented by CIDEAL Foundation with the financial support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), specialized technical assistance is required to conduct a comprehensive study combining:* A diagnosis of agriculture and handicraft value chains, and * A market opportunities analysis for selected products within these value chains.About CIDEAL FoundationCIDEAL Foundation for Cooperation and Research is an independent organization with 40 years of experience in implementing international cooperation projects in developing countries. Its areas of work include food security and productive development, employment, entrepreneurship and income generation, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, human rights, and governance.CIDEAL also operates as a research centre, developing innovative studies and training activities on key issues such as development cooperation, project management, the human rights-based approach, gender mainstreaming, and public-private collaboration. The Foundation’s headquarters are in Madrid, with offices and permanent staff in various parts of Spain, Africa, and Latin America.Context and justificationUpper Egypt, particularly the governorates of Qena and Al Minya, offers significant opportunities for the development of productive sectors linked to agriculture and handicrafts. These sectors constitute key sources of livelihoods for local communities, especially for women and youth, and hold strong potential for generating sustainable economic growth.They are characterised by:* Strong links to local resources, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage, * A growing potential for integration into more structured and competitive value chains, and * Emerging opportunities to access formal markets, certification schemes, and commercialization channels at national and international levels.In this context, the project aims to unlock these opportunities by promoting innovative business initiatives, strengthening selected value chains, and supporting the development, certification, and commercialization of key products with high market potential.Objectives of the Technical AssistanceTo conduct an integrated study that includes (i) a comprehensive diagnosis of key agriculture and handicraft value chains in Qena and Al Minya, and (ii) an in-depth market opportunities analysis for a selection of priority products.1. To analyse the structure, actors, and dynamics of the main value chains in the agriculture and handicraft sectors. 2. To conduct an in-depth assessment of market opportunities for the selected products at local, national, and international levels. 3. To provide practical recommendations to strengthen competitiveness, certification, and commercialization within the sector. 4. To identify and justify the selection of two priority products based on their production relevance, value chain potential, and market prospects.MethodologyThe expert shall propose a clear, feasible, and participatory methodology combining:* Desk review of existing reports, data, and sectoral analyses. * Fieldwork in Qena and Al Minya. * Interviews and/or focus groups with key stakeholders (producers, cooperatives, SMEs, traders, institutions, etc.). * Value chain analysis * Market analysisTasks to be performedThe Technical Assistance will include:1.Preliminary design of the study* Proposed structure * Detailed methodology * Work plan and timeline2. Value chain diagnosis (Agriculture and Handicrafts)* Identification and mapping of key value chains in both sectors. * Analysis of main actors and roles, production processes, added value and distribution, bottlenecks, gender and youth participation * Identification of products with strong territorial relevance and commercialization potential * Pre-selection and justification of two priority products, based on criteria such as local production and availability, market demand, commercialization opportunities and relevance for women and youth economic participation.3. Market opportunities analysis* Analysis of local, national and international markets * Identification of demand trends, target market segments, price ranges and positioning, distribution channels * Assessment of certification opportunities (e.g., organic, geographical indications, fair trade, etc.), export potential, market access barriers4. Recommendations and strategic proposals* Recommendations for product development and differentiation, certification processes, value chain strengthening, sustainability * Identification of opportunities to link products with tourism sector, local and international markets, project-supported entrepreneurial initiativesDeliverables1. Inception report **-** Methodology - Work plan & timeline - Study outline2. Draft study report3. Final validated study report, including:- Value chain diagnosis- Product selection- Market opportunities analysis- RecommendationsDuration of the consultancyThe consultancy will last for 1 month.HOW TO APPLYConsultant requirementsTo submit a training proposal, CIDEAL Foundation seeks one expert with qualifications clearly aligned with the following profile:Academic background* Degree in Economics, Agriculture, Rural Development, Business, or related fields. * Postgraduate studies in Development Cooperation, Value chain analysis or sector-specific studies will be an asset.Professional experience* At least 5 years of experience in value chain analysis, market research and commercialzation, rural development or productive sectors. * Experience conducting similar studies. * Experience in Egypt (preferably Upper Egypt) * Experience in projects focused on women and youth economic empowerment will be considered an asset.Languages* Fluent Arabic and English (essential) * Knowledge of Spanish will be an asset.Skills and competences* Strong analytical, planning, and project management skills. * Excellent communication and negotiation abilities. * Capacity to work both independently and in a team, with a results-oriented approach.Application DossierThe applicant’s dossier must include a technical offer and a financial offer.The technical offer must contain the following elements:a) A duly signed cover letter.b) A summary of the understanding of the Terms of Reference, including a detailed proposed methodology.c) The timeline for the mission execution.d) The consultant’s updated CV, duly signed.e) Reference certificates for similar missions carried out by the consultancy firm.The financial offer for the service must be submitted in Egyptian pounds (EGP), excluding taxes. It is important to note that the financial offer must cover any potential expenses related to this mission (travel expenses, accommodation, and any other costs associated with the execution of the mission).Evaluation Methodology for offersThe evaluation of the offers will be based on the weighting of technical and financial evaluation criteria.Evaluation of the Technical Offer (80% of the total score)A technical score (St) with a maximum of 100 points will be assigned to the technical proposal according to the following table:Organisation and Methodology - 25* Overall understanding of the mandate and intervention context - 10 * Clarity, structure, and coherence of the proposed methodology - 15Expertise / Experience - 50* Relevance of the profile and experience in similar projects and in line with the required qualifications - 15 * Training - 5 * Functional skills - 5 * Professional experience - 15 * References (similar missions) - 10Proposed Methodology and approach - 25* Quality of the proposed approach/methodology - 15 * Quality of the proposed work plan - 10Total global score - 100Offers that do not meet the eligibility criteria of the Terms of Reference or do not reach the minimum technical qualification threshold of 70 points out of 100 will be eliminated at this stage.Evaluation of the Financial Offer (20% of the total score)The financial proposal of the lowest-priced offer (Om) will be assessed based on the total price and the coherence of its breakdown. This offer will receive a financial score (Sf) of 100 points.The financial scores of the other offers (F) will be calculated using the following formula:Sf = 100 x Om/FOm = the lowest-priced financial offerF = the price of the evaluated offerFinal Evaluation of the Overall OfferThe final evaluation of the offer will be conducted by weighting the technical and financial evaluation criteria.Coordination and supervisionThe work will be supervised by the coordination team designated by CIDEALApplication procedureInterested candidates must submit their application before 27th of April 2026 to the following email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected] incomplete application will not be considered.