🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ Send Sierra Leone – Feasibility Study

Feasibility Study for the CRASEFF Project 

Climate Resilience and Agricultural Sustainability Enhancement for Female Farmers 1. Background and Rationale 

The CRASEFF Project Climate Resilience and Agricultural Sustainability Enhancement for  Female Farmers has been conceptually developed by SEND Sierra Leone and Terra Tech  (Germany) to respond to the escalating challenges of climate change, low agricultural  productivity, poor seed systems, and gender inequality affecting women farmers in Pujehun and  Bonthe Districts. These districts are among the most climate-vulnerable regions in Sierra Leone,  where unreliable rainfall, declining soil fertility, saltwater intrusion, and weak agricultural  infrastructure undermine food security and rural livelihoods.

Women comprise the majority of the agricultural workforce yet face structural limitations:  insecure land access, minimal access to inputs, weak financial services, unpaid care burdens,  and exclusion from decision-making. The CRASEFF project seeks to address these multi dimensional challenges through solar-powered Agri-Hubs, Seed Vaults, climate-smart  agriculture, financial inclusion mechanisms, and inclusive governance structures.

In accordance with BMZ’s quality assurance framework, a Feasibility Study is required before  project approval. This study will verify the technical, environmental, social, economic, gender,  and institutional feasibility of the proposed intervention, ensuring the project is grounded in  evidence, realistic, sustainable, conflict-sensitive, aligned with national policy, and capable of  delivering measurable development outcomes.

The results of the feasibility study will inform refinement of the project design, impact matrix,  cost structure, sustainability strategy, and implementation modalities.

2. Purpose of the Feasibility Study 

The overarching purpose of this feasibility study is to determine whether the CRASEFF Project,  as proposed, is:

• Technically viable
• Economically sound and cost-effective
• Socially acceptable and gender transformative
• Environmentally sustainable
• Institutionally feasible and supported by partners
• Sustainable beyond project funding
• Aligned with BMZ priorities, Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone strategy, and national policies

The study must provide clear recommendations for strengthening the design, improving  outcomes, identifying risks, ensuring compliance with BMZ’s “Do No Harm” and Safeguards  policies, and validating the logic of the project’s matrix.

3. Objectives of the Feasibility Study 

The consultant shall address the following BMZ-mandated feasibility dimensions, explained  below:

3.1 Project Relevance and Problem/Needs Analysis 

The study must:

• Assess the depth and nature of climate related agricultural challenges (unpredictable  rainfall, flooding, IVS salinization, water scarcity, soil decline).
• Analyse gender-specific vulnerabilities of women farmers.
• Evaluate food insecurity trends, market access constraints, and seed system  weaknesses.
• Assess whether climate-smart agriculture, solar hubs, seed vaults, and VSLA  mechanisms are the right solutions.
• Determine whether CRASEFF’s proposed components respond directly and adequately  to these needs.

Expected Output: A comprehensive, evidence backed problem analysis validating the project rationale.

3.2 Target Group and Stakeholder Analysis 

The study will:

• Produce a detailed socio-economic profile of the direct target group (women farmers,  youth, seed producers, VSLAs).
• Analyse land access, gender roles, decision-making power, climate impacts per  demographic group.
• Map all stakeholders: MAFS, MoECC, EPA-SL, District Councils, Chiefs, financial  institutions, CSOs, private companies.
• Identify roles, interests, incentives, risks, existing initiatives, and potential overlaps.

Expected Output: A detailed stakeholder map and target-group analysis, highlighting collaboration opportunities  and potential conflicts.

3.3 Technical Feasibility 

The consultant must rigorously assess:

• Suitability of sites for Agri-Hub and Seed Vault construction (topography/ ecology, flood  risk, soil structure, community proximity).
• Solar feasibility (sun hours, load demand, maintenance potential).
• Energy requirements for milling, drying, and cold storage (if applicable).
• Suitability of proposed irrigation technologies (solar pumps, treadle pumps). • Availability of local technicians, spare parts, materials, and contractors.
• Feasibility and durability of proposed infrastructure designs.
• Availability and viability of different variety of seeds
• Seed storage viability (humidity control, ventilation, temperature).

Expected Output: A technical report confirming practicality, construction viability, operational feasibility, and  recommendations for design modifications.

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3.4 Institutional and Organizational Feasibility 

The study must evaluate:

• SEND Sierra Leone’s institutional capacity (staffing, MEAL systems, governance, past  project performance).
• Terra Tech’s technical oversight capacity and the joint implementation modality.
• Readiness of district authorities, MAFS, FSRP, SLPMC, EPA, MoL and MoECC to support  the project.
• Functionality and sustainability of local structures (VSLAs, FMCs, seed committees).
• Policy alignment with Feed Salone, NAP, Land Act, GEWE Act.

Expected Output: An institutional capacity assessment identifying strengths, gaps, and required capacity-building.

3.5 Economic and Financial Feasibility 

This section examines whether the project is financially sound and offers value for money. Assessment areas include:

• Construction and operational cost analysis.
• Cost-benefit ratio (yield increases, community revenue, reduced losses).
• Feasibility of revenue-generation via Agri-Hub service fees.
• Long-term operational costs (solar systems, maintenance, seed storage).
• Feasibility of the revolving fund and VSLA–KAKEBO Credit Union model.
• Local market demand for processed and value-added products.

Expected Output: A complete economic analysis including cost-effectiveness, financial sustainability, and  revenue projections.

3.6 Social Feasibility 

The consultant will evaluate:

• Acceptance of the Agri-Hub model by community members.
• Gender norms and potential resistance to women’s leadership.
• Land tenure dynamics and risk of disputes.
• Inclusion of youth and persons with disabilities.
• Social cohesion, community power dynamics, and conflict risks.

Expected Output: A social-impact analysis highlighting barriers and strategies for community buy-in.

3.7 Sustainability Assessment 

The study must assess the sustainability of:

• Governance structures (FMCs, PSC).
• Cost recovery and business models.

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• VSLA–Credit Union linkages.
• Environmental and ecological practices.
• Knowledge transfer and capacity retention.
• Long-term community ownership models.
• Institutionalization within district development plans.

Expected Output: A sustainability strategy with actionable long-term recommendations.

3.8 Review of the Logframe 

The consultant must:

• Validate the project’s results logframe.
• Develop indicators, assumptions, and targets.
• Ensure consistency with BMZ impact matrix requirements.

Expected Output: A final, validated and improved Logframe.

4. Scope of Work (Detailed) 

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Comprehensive document review
2. Field visits to all proposed project sites
3. Technical assessments of solar systems, construction viability, seed storage needs 4. Socio-economic surveys with representative samples
4. Focus Group Discussions (min. 15) with women, youth, elders, farmers
5. Key Informant Interviews (min. 30) with ministries and partners
6. GIS mapping for Agri-Hub sites
7. Soil and water assessment for agricultural viability
8. Financial modelling for cost recovery and revenue forecasts
9. Environmental and climate screening
10. Gender analysis (BMZ Gender Marker and GAP score alignment)
11. Conflict and power analysis
12. Draft and final reporting in BMZ format
13. Validation workshop with SEND, Terra Tech, and district stakeholders
14. Methodology 

The study must employ a rigorous mixed-methods approach:

• Quantitative surveys
• Qualitative interviews
• Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods
• Direct technical measurements
• Key expert consultations
• Gender-focused analysis tools
• Environmental screening templates
• BMZ feasibility assessment checklist

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• Triangulation of multiple data sources

The methodology must guarantee objectivity, inclusiveness, and data accuracy. 6. Deliverables 

6.1 Inception Report 

• Detailed methodology
• Data collection tools
• Stakeholder engagement plan
• Updated timeline

6.2 Draft Feasibility Study Report (BMZ format) 

Including all analysis chapters and preliminary recommendations.

6.3 Validation Workshop Presentation 

• Findings
• Gaps
• Practical recommendations

6.4 Final Feasibility Study Report 

• BMZ-compliant formatting
• Executive summaries (English + German)
• Annexes: tools, datasets, maps, photos, stakeholder lists
• Revised Theory of Change and Logframe
• Final risk matrix
• Environmental screening form

7. Consultant Qualifications 

• Master’s degree or higher in agriculture, climate change, environmental science,  economics, engineering, or development studies.
• Minimum 8–10 years experience with feasibility studies for BMZ/GIZ/KfW or similar  donors.
• Proven expertise in climate-smart agriculture, solar energy systems, irrigation, financial  inclusion, gender-mainstreaming.
• Demonstrated experience with infrastructure feasibility and cost-benefit analysis. • Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Experience in West Africa—Sierra Leone preferred.
• Familiarity with BMZ safeguards and environmental standards.

8. Duration and Timeline 

Total duration: 8–9 weeks

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9. Management and Supervision 

• SEND Sierra Leone will coordinate field logistics and community access.
• Terra Tech will provide methodological and technical oversight.
• The consultant will report to both organizations.

Weekly check-in meetings are expected.

10. Ethical Standards 

• Compliance with SEND’s safeguarding policies
• BMZ Do-No-Harm Principle
• Protection of vulnerable groups
• Informed consent
• Confidentiality
• Respect for cultural norms

11. Budget and Payment Terms 

SEND SL will make a 60% advance payment upon signing the contract to facilitate work. 40% of  the contractual sum will be paid after the final reports are submitted, discussed and endorsed  by SEND SL.

Please send all applications to recruitment@sendsierraleone.com with subject title  “Application to conduct Feasibility Study for the CRASEFF Project”