Request for Proposals
| Consultancy Services | SME Lab for business ventures that support Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and deliver positive impact on the UAE’s natural capital - Feasibility Study and planning |
|---|---|
| Unit Name | Conservation Unit |
| Client | Emirates Nature-WWF |
| Contact | Tala Moukaddem Email: [email protected] Emirates Nature-WWF, UAE |
| Date of Closing | 18th October 2024 |
| Type | Short Term Contract |
SCOPE OF WORK
1. Background of the project
Emirates Nature-WWF, together with local partners, is implementing a project that aims to support a sustainable economic development model for rural communities and local businesses in the UAE. The project aims to play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth rooted in the area’s natural capital, with the goal of scaling up efforts across the wider UAE. The overall project scope comprises of two workstreams:
a) Workstream 1 -
On-the-ground work focusing on developing an ecotourism plan for the area. This workstream will identify key natural features (flagship species/habitats), propose management measures for natural ecosystems and Nature-based solutions (NbS) opportunities, conduct a series of community engagements, and evaluate the ecotourism potential (informed by the ecosystem assessment of the area). This workstream aims to deliver an ecotourism masterplan along with a business plan estimating investment needs and revenue generation opportunities associated with ecotourism development (including larger scale projects and small businesses).
b) Workstream 2 –
This workstream includes the design and implementation of a programme ‘SME Lab’ that aims to equip local businesses in activating sustainable enterprise models benefiting from the natural capital of the area (and informed by the ecotourism master and business plan outputs under workstream 1). Recognising the need to scale-up such efforts across multiple rural communities in the UAE (that rely on nature for their economic resilience). The ‘SME Lab’ will be implemented in multiple iterations with a primary focus on nature-based, sustainable ecotourism enterprises, while considering future iterations integrating business opportunities related to broader Nature-based interventions (e.g. Water quality, sustainable farming, etc.).
2. Consultancy Scope of Work
Workstream 2 will be implemented in two phases:
- Phase 1 (four months) is a preparatory phase to assess the feasibility, identify partnerships and map out implementation needs for the SME Lab programme;
- Phase 2 (1 year) That includes the first iteration of implementation along with proposed pilot projects with local businesses.
This consultancy scope of work will be implemented as part of Phase 1 (Workstream 2) and will support Emirates Nature-WWF (ENWWF) in engaging with key project-related stakeholders, as well as securing the partnerships required for implementation. The scope of work includes the following activities:
- Activity 1: Conduct a feasibility study to inform the design and implementation of the SME Lab in the UAE (including a rapid market review, evaluation of technical requirements, resource and investment needs, mapp linkages with UAE strategic initiatives, opportunities/gaps for implementation).
- Activity 2: Conduct stakeholder mapping, identify opportunities for collaboration, and propose institutional arrangements and partnership structures to finance and implement the SME Lab.
- Activity 3: Develop a framework to guide the implementation of the SME Lab (governance structure, impact criteria, operational guidelines, etc.).
- Activity 4: Develop an action plan for setting up and implementing the SME Lab and incubation platform, along with a strategy to raise funds/investments.
- Activity 5: Engage with ENWWF and the multidisciplinary expert team delivering on the broader project scope. Support ENWWF stakeholder engagement by attending strategic meetings, socialising content (as/when relevant), and preparing pitch decks to make the case and secure partnerships
| Activity | Deliverable | Expected Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Activity 1 – Feasibility Study | Deliverable 1 – Preliminary Findings Deliverable 2 – Feasibility report with recommendations |
2 months from contract signature |
| Activity 2 – Stakeholder & Partnerships | Deliverable 3 – Preliminary review and recommendations Deliverable 4 – Final report |
2 months from contract signature |
| Activity 3 – Framework | Deliverable 5 & 6 – Draft & Final Framework | 3 months from contract signature |
| Activity 4 – Roadmap with High Level Action Plan | Deliverable 7 & 8 – Draft & Final Framework | 4 months from contract signature |
| Activity 5 – Engagement throughout scope implementation |
Biweekly progress updates to discuss direction, stakeholder engagement, review interim findings and agree way forward Pitch decks for external stakeholders (rolling document) |
Bi-weekly 2 months (draft) and updates as needed based on stakeholder engagement |
These activities will inform the Workstream 2/ Phase 2 of the project with the first iteration of the SME Lab that will include a series technical upskilling session to increase readiness of local entrepreneurs in setting up robust business ventures and build capacity on sustainable enterprise development, select and provide technical support as well as provide seed financing for pilot pipeline projects/ventures.
4. RFP Request
Consultants are invited to submit a technical (with alternative approaches if needed) and commercial proposal detailing qualifications and previous experience, proposed approach and preliminary timelines, support needed by ENWWF and budget breakdown.
5. Payment Terms
The duration of this consultancy is four (4) months with payments issued after acceptance of deliverables by ENWWF and invoice submitted by the Consultant. Payment terms as follows:
| Project Milestones | Payment Percentage |
|---|---|
| Mobilisation | 40% |
| Deliverables 1-4 | 30% |
| Deliverables 5-8 | 30% |
