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Tenders are invited for Consultancy Services to Conduct an Assessment on the Decentralization of Small-Scale Irrigation Technology (SSIT) in Rwanda. Deadline: Monday, 26/01/2026 15:00 CCOAIB (Conseil de Concertation des Organisations dAppui aux Initiatives de Base) is a national umbrella organization established in 1987 to strengthen the capacity and coordination of civil society organizations engaged in development. Legally recognized under Law No. 103/11 of 07 September 2004, CCOAIB currently brings together 43 national NGOs operating across all 30 districts of Rwanda. More than 70% of its members work directly in agriculture, rural livelihoods, climate resilience, and community-based development, with a strong emphasis on smallholder farmers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. With over three decades of experience, CCOAIB plays a strategic role in monitoring decentralization processes, promoting citizen participation, and influencing public policy related to agriculture, governance, climate change, and access to finance. The organization is widely recognized for its evidence-based advocacy approach, combining applied research, social accountability tools, and structured policy engagement to amplify citizen voice and improve public service delivery. CCOAIB is currently implementing the Twiyubakire-Engage Project, funded by FCDO through Trócaire. The project seeks to strengthen the responsiveness, equity, and accountability of district-level agricultural planning and budgeting systems in Rwanda, in line with national priorities articulated in NST2 and PSTA5. A core component of the project focuses on advancing the decentralization of Small-Scale Irrigation Technology (SSIT) functionsincluding access, management, and maintenanceto enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods among smallholder farmers. Background and Description of the Consultancy Assignment The Twiyubakire-Engage Project is designed to operationalize Rwandas decentralization and agricultural transformation agendas at the local level by empowering non-state actorsparticularly civil society organizations, farmer groups, and cooperativesto generate citizen-led evidence, engage duty bearers, and advocate for inclusive and responsive agricultural governance. The project targets four districtsMuhanga, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, and Gatsibo. Within this framework, the decentralization of Small-Scale Irrigation Technology (SSIT) has emerged as a critical policy and service delivery issue. While SSIT is widely recognized as essential for climate resilience, productivity, and income stability, responsibilities for SSIT access, operation, and maintenance remain insufficiently decentralized. This has resulted in coordination gaps between central and local government institutions, limited district-level ownership, inadequate maintenance arrangements, and constrained participation of farmers and private actors. In the framework of Strengthening decentralization of the SSIT function to enhance agricultural productivityCCOAIB seeks to hire a qualified consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of SSIT decentralization readiness, gaps, and opportunities at both district and central government levels. The consultancy will generate actionable evidence to inform advocacy, policy dialogue, and formal commitments by duty bearers. The assignment will combine district-level readiness assessments, national-level policy and institutional analysis, participatory stakeholder engagement, and documentation of practical decentralization models. The findings will directly inform advocacy briefs, district and national dialogue platforms, and high-level engagement with decision-makers, including district leadership, sector institutions, and central government authorities such as MINAGRI, RAB, REMA, and RWB. Objectives of The Consultancy Main Objective To generate robust, policy-relevant evidence that strengthens and accelerates the decentralization of Small-Scale Irrigation Technology (SSIT) functionscovering access, management, and maintenancethrough informed advocacy and engagement at district and national levels. Specific Objectives Assess the readiness of the four targeted districts to assume decentralized SSIT responsibilities, including institutional capacity, financing, infrastructure, and coordination mechanisms. Analyze national policies, legal frameworks, and institutional arrangements governing SSIT to identify constraints, gaps, and opportunities for decentralization. Document practical case studies and models relevant to decentralized of SSIT. Develop evidence-based advocacy briefs tailored to district and central government stakeholders. Facilitate structured policy dialogue and advocacy engagements to secure formal commitments toward SSIT decentralization. Scope of work The consultancy will be implemented over a defined period and will cover Muhanga, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, and Gatsibo districts, alongside relevant central-level institutions. The scope includes desk review, field-based data collection, stakeholder consultations, facilitation of technical and policy dialogue platforms, and production of analytical and advocacy outputs aligned to what are both opportunities and bottlenecks in transferring SSIT technical functions to strengthening decentralization of the Small-Scale Irrigation Technology (SSIT) use including access, management, and maintenance influencing to enhance agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers. Responsibilities: The consultant shall undertake the assignment with the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and methodological rigor. Key responsibilities include: Inception Phase Conduct a comprehensive desk review of SSIT-related policies, strategies, and institutional frameworks (NST2, PSTA5, National Agriculture Policy, district development plans, RGB findings, etc.). Develop a detailed methodology, including research design, sampling, data collection tools, quality assurance measures, ethical considerations, and a work plan. Submit an inception report for validation by CCOAIB. District-Level SSIT Readiness Assessment Conduct rapid assessments in each of the four districts to evaluate their readiness for SSIT decentralization. Engage district officials, agronomists, planners, farmer representatives, CSOs, and relevant actors through KIIs and FGDs. Identify strengths, gaps, risks, and capacity needs related to decentralized SSIT service delivery. Central-Level Policy and Institutional Analysis Analyze national-level SSIT policies, regulations, mandates, and coordination mechanisms. Conduct KIIs with central government institutions and sector stakeholders. Identify constraints, reform opportunities, and alignment pathways to support decentralization of SSIT. Data Analysis and Reporting Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate analytical tools. Produce clear visualizations and evidence-based findings. Develop a consolidated SSIT decentralization assessment report. Advocacy and Policy Engagement Support Develop district- and national-level advocacy briefs. Support and document district stakeholder meetings and central-level roundtable discussions. Contribute to evidence-based messaging for policy dialogue and media engagement. 6.Key Deliverables Inception Report District SSIT Readiness Assessment Reports National SSIT Policy and Institutional Analysis Report Case Study Documentation on SSIT Decentralization Models Advocacy Briefs (district and national levels) Consolidated Consultancy Report. Timeframe The consultancy is expected to be completed within 4 weeks (30 days) from contract signature. A detailed activity timeline shall be provided in the technical proposal. Consultant Profile The consultant or firm of consultants responsible for leading this assignment must meet the following qualifications: Academic Qualifications Masters degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Policy, Development Studies, Governance, or related fields. A PhD is an added advantage. Experience At least 5 years of experience in policy analysis, decentralization, agriculture, or governance. Proven experience in research, advocacy, and multi-stakeholder engagement. Strong understanding of Rwandas decentralization and agricultural policy environment. Skills and Competencies Excellent analytical and report-writing skills. Strong facilitation, communication, and policy engagement capacity. Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda; French is an added advantage. Application Process Interested applicants (individuals or firms) who meet the requirements outlined in these Terms of Reference shall submit: An Expression of Interest letter; a Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV); A Technical Proposal including a detailed methodology, work plan, and demonstration of relevant experience; and a Financial Proposal. Three copies of the Technical Proposal (1 original and 2 copies) and three copies of the Financial Proposal (1 original and 2 copies) must be submitted in separate sealed envelopes, both placed in one outer envelope. Applications shall be delivered to the CCOAIB office located at: Gasabo District, Remera Sector, Rukiri I Cell, along the International Airport Road (KN 5 Rd, Gishushu), Building No. 18, no later than 26 January 2026 at 3:00 PM Kigali time. Applicants must also provide an updated profile of the consultant or consultancy firm, highlighting relevant experience and suitability for the assignment, accompanied by the following legal and statutory documents: Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Registration Certificate; EBM Compliance Certificates; Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) Tax Clearance Certificate; Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) Clearance Certificate (for consultancy firms); and Copies of relevant academic degrees and professional qualificat Tender Link : https://www.jobinrwanda.com/job/consultancy-services-conduct-assessment-decentralization-small-scale-irrigation-technology-ssit
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