Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultancy: Market Study on Domestic Income-Generating Opportunities and Chapter Capacity Gaps for Branch Sustainability.

Job Description

Location: Nimba, Lofa, and Gbarpolu Counties, Liberia

Duration: 8 Weeks

Reporting to: LNRCS Fundraising Officer

Background

The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) operates across all counties of Liberia, with chapters providing critical humanitarian services. To enhance branch sustainability and reduce dependency on external funding, LNRCS recognizes the importance of strengthening local income-generating activities (IGAs) and diversifying revenue streams.

Currently, many chapters face challenges in mobilizing local resources and developing sustainable income strategies due to limited capacity in market assessment, project management, and community engagement. This study aims to identify viable domestic income-generating opportunities and assess chapter capacity gaps, thereby informing strategic interventions for branch sustainability in Nimba, Lofa, and Gbarpolu Counties.

Objectives

• Market Opportunities Analysis
  • Identify feasible domestic income-generating opportunities in Nimba, Lofa, and Gbarpolu Counties.
  • Assess demand, market potential, competition, profitability, and sustainability of identified opportunities.
  • Highlight opportunities that align with the strengths, resources, and mandate of LNRCS.
• Chapter Capacity Assessment
  • Assess the current capacity of LNRCS chapters in Nimba, Lofa, and Gbarpolu to initiate, manage, and sustain IGAs.
  • Identify gaps in skills, governance, infrastructure, financial management, and community engagement that hinder income generation.
• Recommendations for Sustainability
  • Propose practical strategies and actionable recommendations for chapters to diversify and strengthen local income streams.
  • Guide capacity-building interventions required for chapter staff and volunteers.

Scope of Work

• Desk Review
  • Review LNRCS policies, past branch reports, income-generation initiatives, and relevant secondary data on local markets.
• Field Assessment
  • Conduct field visits to Nimba, Lofa, and Gbarpolu chapters.
  • Engage with chapter staff, volunteers, local community members, and key stakeholders through interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys.
  • Map potential income-generating activities based on local demand, resource availability, and feasibility.
• Data Analysis
  • Analyze market data to identify high-potential income-generating activities.
  • Assess chapter capacity gaps in relation to skills, governance, operational systems, and resource mobilization.
• Reporting
  • Produce a comprehensive report including:
  • Market study findings
  • Chapter capacity assessment
  • SWOT analysis of opportunities and challenges
  • Recommended IGAs and implementation strategies
  • Capacity-building roadmap for chapters

Deliverables

• Inception Report – detailing methodology, work plan, and tools (within 1 week of contract start).
• Field Assessment Findings – interim briefing to LNRCS HQ (midway through assignment).
• Draft Final Report – inclusive of analysis, findings, and recommendations.
• Final Report – incorporating feedback from LNRCS, presented in both soft copy and executive summary format.
• Presentation – oral presentation to LNRCS management and branch representatives.

Methodology

• Combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches:
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
• Surveys/questionnaires with community members and stakeholders
• Desk review of secondary data
• Use of participatory approaches to engage branch staff and volunteers in identifying opportunities and capacity needs.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to last for 8 weeks, including preparation, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Business Development, Economics, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• Proven experience in market studies, income-generating project assessments, and capacity assessments.
• Familiarity with Liberia’s socio-economic context, particularly in Nimba, Lofa, and Gbarpolu Counties.
• Strong skills in data collection, analysis, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or humanitarian organizations is an advantage.

Application Requirements

• Technical proposal including methodology, work plan, and approach.
• Financial proposal (inclusive of all costs).
• CV or company profile demonstrating relevant experience.
• Examples of previous similar assignments.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted by April 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM Liberia time. Submission Instructions: Submissions should be sent electronically to: procurement@liberian-redcross.org with the subject line: “Consultancy Application – Market Study on Domestic Income-Generating Opportunities and Chapter Capacity Gaps”.