The Central Region Milk Producers Association (CREMPA) in collaboration with Small Producer's Development and Transporters Association (SPRODETA), African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (MUSCCO) and Women's Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) in partnership with We Effect, with funding from Sida, are implementing a Southern African Food and Economic Empowerment (SAFEE) Programme. This is a four-year initiative aimed at strengthening civil society organizations, cooperatives, and member-based organizations to promote the right to food, women's economic empowerment, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive food systems.

To support effective programme implementation, the Malawi SAFEE partners seek to engage a qualified consultant to conduct a comprehensive baseline survey. The study will establish benchmark values for programme indicators, assess the prevailing conditions within the target communities, validate programme assumptions, and provide evidence to guide implementation, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and accountability.

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The successful consultant will undertake a mixed-methods baseline study that will include, but not be limited to:

• Review of relevant programme documents.
• Development and refinement of the study methodology and data collection tools.
• Training of enumerators.
• Quantitative household surveys.
• Qualitative data collection through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
• Data quality assurance, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation.
• Presentation of preliminary findings to stakeholders.
• Preparation and submission of draft and final baseline reports.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be expected to deliver:

• An inception report detailing the study methodology and work plan.
• Finalized data collection tools.
• Clean quantitative and qualitative datasets.
• A draft baseline report for stakeholder review including an Indicator Tracking Table with baseline data to be submitted and presented to We Effect and project implementing partners.
• A validated final baseline report.
• Presentation of the study findings.
• An electronic archive containing all datasets, questionnaires, data dictionaries, transcripts, sampling documentation, and related study materials.

TIMELINE

A maximum of 30 working days.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Interested consultants should demonstrate:

• At least a master's degree level preferably in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, Gender Equality or Economics.
• At least 5 years' proven experience in conducting baseline studies, evaluations, or similar research assignments using mixed-method approaches.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Proficiency in statistical and qualitative data analysis software such as SPSS and NVivo.
• Experience working in agriculture, food security, climate resilience, women's economic empowerment, rural development, or civil society strengthening programmes.
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, writing and communication skills.
• Ability to deliver high-quality assignments within agreed timelines.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested consultants or consultancy firms should submit:

• A cover letter summarizing suitability and qualifications for this assignment.
• A Technical Proposal detailing the proposed methodology and work plan.
• A Financial Proposal.
• Company profile or Curriculum Vitae (for individual consultants). In the case of a firm, full names, physical addresses, telephone numbers, and contact person of the firm/company; date of registration, registration number, copy of registration certificate and VAT certificate; names of directors/proprietors.
• Evidence of previous similar assignments.
• Names and contact information of at least three professional references who can be contacted regarding relevant experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information and full TORs, contact: crempa1985@gmail.com, and malawi@weeffect.org

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Interested applicants should submit their proposals electronically in accordance with the requirements outlined in the detailed Terms of Reference (ToRs) to:

Email: crempa1985@gmail.com

Copy to: malawi@weeffect.org

Subject Line: Baseline Survey for the Southern African Food and Economic Empowerment (SAFEE) Programme

Application Deadline: 4th August 2026 (Before close of business)

Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted.