In the Philippines, MEDA is on its six-year Resilience and Inclusion through Investment for Sustainable Agriculture (RIISA) initiative. It strives for more resilience and inclusive economic growth for women and men cacao smallholder farmers (SHFs) in Mindanao, Philippines, through strengthened cacao market systems supported by investment. With a focus on Davao region, RIISA responds to multiple challenges in the Philippines cacao sector and draws on MEDA’s experience in market systems development, gender lens investing (GLI), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and environment and climate change (ECC).
Objectives
- Enable wider promotion and access to CRFS knowledge product by supporting publication of the CRFS handbook on the DA-ATI website.
- Integrate CRFS principles and practices into the Cacao Training Program for Enterprise-based Education and Training (EBET) of MAGSIGE Multipurpose Cooperative in coordination with TESDA.
- Facilitate market access to at least five (5) cacao enterprises and generate at least one (1) Canadian buyer lead for trade opportunities via Hootzpa’s e-commerce platform.
- Document accomplishments and outcomes, and lessons learned to inform decision making and project adaptation.
Scope of Work
Deliverable 1: Work with DA-ATI to publish the CRFS handbook on its website (Deadline: 19 August 2026)
- Conduct a coordination meeting with DA-ATI and the commissioning team to confirm the publication workflow, approvals, file format requirements, and posting schedule.
- Review the final CRFS handbook and prepare a web-publication package, which may include the final PDF, a short summary/abstract, keywords, suggested citation/credits, and other posting metadata required by DA-ATI.
- Coordinate with the DA-ATI web administrator/team to upload and publish the CRFS handbook; verify accessibility and functionality (e.g., correct version, working download/view).
- Prepare an evidence pack of publication (e.g., webpage URL provided by DA-ATI, screenshots showing the live posting, and the posting date).
Deliverable 2: Work with MAGSIGE MPC and TESDA to integrate CRFS into the Cacao Training Program (EBET) (Deadline: 18 September 2026)
- Hold coordination meetings with MAGSIGE MPC and TESDA to agree on scope of CRFS integration, required approvals, deliverable format, and implementation pathway within EBET.
- Review existing EBET training structure/materials and map CRFS concepts and practices suitable for integration (e.g., learning outcomes, session plans, practical exercises, farm demonstration activities, assessment methods).
- Develop a CRFS integration package for the EBET program, which should include, at minimum: (i) module/session outline and learning objectives; (ii) proposed trainer/facilitator notes; and (iii) recommended practical activities aligned to EBET delivery.
- Facilitate a validation session/workshop with MAGSIGE MPC, TESDA, and the commissioning team to review, refine, and finalize the integration package.
- Document institutional agreement on the finalized CRFS integration (e.g., signed concurrence/endorsement, or meeting minutes with clear decisions and sign-off, as applicable to partner processes).
Deliverable 3: Work with Hootzpa to engage cacao enterprises and Canadian companies for trade (Deadline: 29 November 2026)
- Conduct a planning meeting with Hootzpa and the commissioning team to confirm target products/product categories, target buyer profile(s) in Canada, roles in buyer outreach, and information requirements for listings/offers.
- Prepare a brief trade engagement plan covering outreach channels, target company segments, value proposition, due diligence, timeline, and documentation approach for leads and meetings.
- Facilitate registration/onboarding of at least five (5) cacao enterprises on the Hootzpa e-commerce platform, including completion of required profiles and product offer information (for traceability and transparency) necessary for buyer engagement.
- Facilitate introductions and B2B engagements (virtual or in-person as feasible) to generate at least one (1) Canadian buyer lead; document meeting notes, expressions of interest, and next steps.
- Support progression toward trade outcomes, evidenced by at least one of the following (as applicable): request for quotation (RFQ), sample request, draft purchase order, memorandum of understanding, or other verifiable transaction-related documentation.
Deliverables and Timeline
- Progress report with focus on the evidence of publication of the CRFS handbook on DA-ATI’s website (including URL/link and documentation of posting). - 19 August 2026
- Progress report with focus on the validated CRFS integration package for the Cacao EBET program, with documentation of agreement/approval by MAGSIGE MPC and TESDA (as applicable). - 18 September 2026
- Progress report on the partnership with Hootzpa, with the following: (i) at least five (5) cacao enterprises onboarded (meeting due diligence requirements) on the Hootzpa e-commerce platform; (ii) at least one (1) Canadian buyer lead generated; and (iii) documentation of buyer outreach actions and B2B engagements conducted. - 29 November 2026
- Consolidated final report covering Deliverables 1–3, including outputs, outcomes, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations. - 11 December 2026
Period of Performance
The assignment is expected to begin upon contract signing and will run until 11 December 2026, unless adjusted through a written amendment.
Qualifications & Selection Criteria
A. Generic and Mandatory:
- Legally registered entity in the Philippines (DTI/SEC/CDA, as applicable) and authorized to conduct the proposed services.
- Demonstrated experience in multi-stakeholder coordination with government and private sector partners.
- Demonstrated capacity to deliver outputs within fixed deadlines, including document preparation and facilitation of meetings/validation sessions.
- Ability to assign a focal person and mobilize qualified staff/consultants for the duration of the engagement.
- Willingness to comply with applicable due diligence requirements of MEDA-RIISA
Preferred Qualification
- Experience supporting publication of knowledge products through institutional/government websites (content packaging, approvals coordination, web posting support).
- Experience in training design/curriculum development and/or integration of technical modules into enterprise-based or competency-based training programs.
- Experience in trade promotion, B2B matchmaking, and/or e-commerce-enabled market linkages, preferably including international buyers.
- Familiarity with agrifood trade readiness considerations (e.g., product documentation, basic labelling/logistics/payment considerations) and ability to coordinate with relevant support institutions when needed.
- Preferably the deployment of services is supporting the BSP’s existing business model and commercial interests.
Application Procedure
Interested BSPs to send application to MEDA via email at riisa_submissions@meda.org, cc: CNavacilla@meda.orgon or before 22 May 2026.
Proposal Outline
- Introduction: understanding of the ToR and the BSP’s overall approach.
- Organizational Profile and Relevant Experience: similar assignments delivered, client references, and results achieved.
- Proposed Methodology: approach per deliverable, coordination approach with partners, and quality assurance measures.
- Work Plan: activities, timeline, and level of effort aligned to the required deadlines.
- Team Composition: proposed personnel, roles, and CVs.
- Financial Proposal: detailed and itemized cost estimate, including assumptions
Annexes
- Proof of Registration ((DTI/SEC/CDA), as applicable)
- CVs of key personnel.
- At least three (3) professional references with contact details.
- Relevant work samples (publication support, training/curriculum work, trade facilitation/e-commerce engagement), if available
