Consultancy-Baseline Survey For SET Project

Background

Tigray is predominantly rural and agrarian, with most households relying on subsistence farming and facing ongoing socio-economic challenges linked to conflict, displacement, and limited access to basic services. Since the 2022 peace agreement, the region has been undergoing a gradual recovery process amid complex political and administrative transitions. While some areas, including Mekelle and surrounding districts, have remained relatively stable, humanitarian needs, livelihood disruptions, and recovery challenges persist across many communities. Given the evolving context and varying information sources, careful contextual understanding and triangulation of information remain important throughout programme implementation and assessment activities.

The TVET sector in Tigray is gradually recovering, with institutions and youth still facing resource, livelihood, and employment challenges. Despite constraints, there is an established vocational system led by the Bureau of TVET and Job Creation. However, gaps remain in training relevance, employment linkage, coordination, and access to finance and business support. Mekelle serves as the primary target area due to its concentration of institutions, enterprises, and training providers.

Rationale & Problem Statement

The skills and employment ecosystem faces challenges in training quality, labor market alignment, weak coordination among stakeholders, and limited employment and enterprise opportunities. Youth continue to face barriers in accessing jobs, business development support, workspace, and finance. Strengthening system capacity and linking skills development with labor market demand is critical.

Theory of Change

The project aims to strengthen the skills and employment ecosystem by improving training quality, enhancing trainer capacity, strengthening employment services, and improving coordination among stakeholders. This will improve youth access to skills, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities, contributing to improved livelihoods and post-conflict recovery.

Project Outcomes

• Outcome 1: Capacity of skills and employment system is enhanced.
• Outcome 2: Youth are equipped with essential skills for employment.
• Outcome 3: Graduates receive support to access employment opportunities.

Objective of the Consultancy:

The consultant will conduct a baseline survey, analyze data, and produce a baseline report to establish baseline values and inform project implementation.

Main Tasks:

• Conduct employment market assessment for wage and self-employment opportunities.
• Assess capacity of trainers and employment service providers.
• Assess relevance and quality of training programs and curricula.
• Establish baseline values for project indicators.
• Prepare inception report, draft report, and final baseline report.
• Conduct field data collection, analysis, and validation workshop.
• Submit all datasets, consent forms, and documentation.

Methodology:

• Mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative).
• Desk review, interviews, FGDs, and field surveys.
• Use of KoboToolbox for data collection.
• Gender, equity, and conflict-sensitive approach.
• Data triangulation and stakeholder validation.

Deliverables:

• Inception Report
• Baseline Survey Report (final)

Time Frame: July 20th to September 30th, 2026 (29.5 working days)

Programme Schedule:

• Briefing meeting – 0.25 days
• Desk review & inception – 2.5 days
• Data collection – 15 days
• Draft report & revisions – 8.5 days
• Validation workshop – 1.25 days
• Final report – 1 day

About You:

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or above in Economics, Development Studies, Vocational Skills Development, Job Creation, or related fields.
• Proven experience conducting baseline surveys and related assessments.
• Experience in skills development, employment programs, and youth livelihood initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Tigray context and local systems.
• Ability to manage full research cycle (data collection to reporting).
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Experience using SPSS, KoboToolbox, or similar tools.
• Ability to work in conflict-sensitive and ethical research environments.
• Fluency in English and local language (Tigrigna preferred).

Required Documents:

• Technical proposal (max 6 pages)
• CV of lead consultant and team
• Financial proposal
• Valid licenses and certificates
• Sample report
• References

Skills Required:

• Economics / Statistics
• Education / Teaching / Training