(CLOSED) Request for Proposal – Smallholders workshop facilitator

Share This Post

Introduction & Background

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) is an international, multi-stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Members of the Platform include tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and civil society organizations. GPSNR’s structure consists of an Executive Committee and various Working Groups, supported by the Secretariat. All members meet and vote on resolutions at an annual General Assembly (GA).

Since its inception, GPSNR has been working towards smallholder inclusivity, particularly to ensure relevant representation of smallholders in GPSNR’s governance. As part of this effort, a series of workshops was conducted in the last quarter of 2019 aimed at raising awareness of GPSNR and the issue of sustainable natural rubber amongst rubber smallholders.

In 2020, 27 smallholders from 7 countries joined GPSNR as members. They will be participating, for the first time, in the GA scheduled to take place in September 2020. During the GA, a resolution will be proposed to form a new membership category for smallholders, which will be called ‘Smallholder Producers’. As an established category, smallholders will then be involved in voting on other resolutions and will elect representatives to be part of the Executive Committee.
GPSNR requires the services of a facilitator to facilitate several online sessions to prepare the smallholders for the GA, as well as their roles and responsibilities as members of GPSNR.

Objectives of the Sessions
The objectives of the online sessions are:
a) To foster relationships amongst smallholders from all 7 countries (particularly to encourage smallholders to interact with smallholders who are not from their country).
b) To familiarize the smallholders with fellow GPSNR members and GPSNR structure and governance, including but not limited to: Working Groups and their respective scopes of work and deliverables, knowledge of position of other member categories, GA voting process and the impacts of their votes.
c) To trigger and facilitate discussion amongst smallholders on subjects including but not limited to ensuring fair representation amongst smallholder representatives, identifying smallholder needs and priorities for GPSNR, and effective integration of smallholders into the fabric of GPSNR.

Roles and Responsibilities of Facilitator
The facilitator will be the main facilitator for the online sessions. Where necessary, subject matter experts (i.e. GPSNR Members) may be required to make specific presentations for certain sessions. For such sessions, the facilitator will take on a supporting and coordinating role. It is expected that the facilitator will be required to engage in several preparatory calls with GPSNR prior to the actual sessions.

Other responsibilities of the facilitator will include:
i. General familiarization with GPSNR structure and processes, including relevant organizational documents
ii. Familiarization with smallholders, inputs from the previously conducted workshops and national conversations
iii. Develop session methodologies and materials in conjunction with GPSNR
iv. Sessions must be participatory where possible, and designed to provoke critical thinking from the participants
v. Assist GPSNR in planning and coordinating the sessions, including communications to be sent to selected participants (e.g. any pre-workshop reading or activities)
vi. Provide a summary report of the sessions, with recommendations for follow-up activities and strategies to support smallholder integration based on the priorities and recommendations expressed by the participants

Qualifications and Experience
The facilitator should possess the following qualifications/ experience:
• Demonstrated high level of skill and experience in facilitating workshops or meetings involving farmer groups/ indigenous people from several regions
• Demonstrated high awareness and practical and inclusive facilitation skills in working in multicultural and multi-lingual workshop settings
• Experience in planning and designing participatory workshops and consultations with engaging facilitation methods and activities, preferably experience in facilitating online sessions
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Fluency in one or more of the following languages is a plus: Bahasa Indonesia, French, Myanmar, Thai, Vietnamese

Submission Guidelines
Interested applicants should ensure that their application contains the following:
1. Profile of facilitator
2. References to similar work1 / projects undertaken
3. Proposed work-plan
4. Detailed costing set against tasks and deliverables

Please submit your application to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org by 24 July 2020.

Download RFP here:Download

More To Explore

(CLOSED) Request for Proposal GPSNR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (GPSNR-RFP-A02-013)

Introduction & Background

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), is an international, multi-Stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Development of the GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in 2018. Members of the platform include tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers, smallholder rubber growers, and NGOs. Representatives from each of these stakeholder groups have contributed to the development of the Singapore-based platform and the wide-reaching set of priorities that will define GPSNR strategies and objectives.

Through a process led by the Policy Toolbox and Implementation Guidance Working Group (WG1), the General Assembly approved a Policy Framework in September 2020 that outlines the specific commitments to sustainable natural rubber that GPSNR company members must include in their public policies or other relevant documents. GPSNR ordinary member companies are required to create new or update existing policies to align with the Policy Framework by March 2021 (companies will have a possibility to request an extension provided they can demonstrate progress in developing or updating their policies). A process is currently underway to develop Implementation Guidance for companies to deliver on their commitments as outlined in the Policy Framework. Reporting Requirements (RRs) are also to be developed as part of the GPSNR assurance model (currently in draft form). The RRs will vary depending on where a member company sits within the natural rubber supply chain, so this work will be organized by the following stakeholder categories: 1) natural rubber producers, processors and traders (this stakeholder category will develop RRs for growers, traders of raw materials, processors, traders of processed material) 2) tire makers and other natural rubber product manufacturers; and 3) auto makers and other end users.

GPSNR seeks a fixed-term consultancy to facilitate the development of the RRs per the stakeholder category. In 2020, WG1 drafted Baseline Reporting Requirements (BRRs) that were intended to offer a framework for companies to evaluate where they were on their sustainability journey. Following on feedback from the Executive Committee (EC) in early 2021, the WG decided that the BRRs, with specific modifications, could be converted to become the first year RRs. A necessary next step is to align the BRRs with other global reporting schemes that members report into, such as ZSL Spott, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), CDP Forests, and Ecovadis. The consultant will identify where GPSNR requirements are similar and will align wherever possible. The Consultant will also specify the connection between specific reporting metrics and specific components of the policy framework. The Consultant will work with the appropriate focus groups to further incorporate member feedback into the design of the RRs for each stakeholder category. The consultant will also coordinate with the consultant(s) hired to facilitate the development of the Implementation Guidance to ensure alignment among the Implementation Guidance and RRs.

Once the focus groups approve the RRs, they will go to the broader WG1 for approval, then on to the EC for review/approval, and the General Assembly will vote to adopt the RRs in September 2021.

The Engagement

The Consultant is to develop draft RRs based on the Policy Framework, GPSNR BRRs and Implementation Guidance and through the review of existing reporting schemes (e.g., ZSL Spott, CDP Forests, GRI, Ecovadis) in an effort to seek alignment.

The Consultant will facilitate engagement with specific focus groups and the broader WG1 to further develop the RRs for the following categories:

Growers
Traders of raw material
Processors
Traders of processed material
Tire makers and other rubber product manufacturers, and
Car makers and other end users.

Terms

The engagement shall begin 22 March 2021 and the deliverables shall be delivered in their final form no later than 15 June 2021
- Interim dates for draft submission and review shall be developed and mutually agreed upon with the Secretariat and WG1 Co-chairs at the time of the engagement.

The Consultant shall review relevant GPSNR documents (e.g, Policy Framework, draft assurance model design, BRRs, etc.) and conduct a series of interviews with members and other stakeholders to fill any information gaps and to develop a strong understanding of the priorities and needs of the Natural Rubber Industry and Supply Chain members. This shall, of course, include examination of the opinions and realities of the smallholder growers as well as larger entities.

The consultant should have deep understanding and documented experience in:
- Understanding of sustainability reporting initiatives, particularly those for other deforestation-risk commodities
- Understanding of the natural rubber industry or other similar forest commodities
- Understanding of multi-stakeholder initiatives for sustainability
- Understanding of antitrust regulations and its relevance vis a vis multi stakeholder initiatives
- Group facilitation/consultation processes

Tasks

Review GPSNR Policy Framework, Baseline Reporting Requirements and key sustainability reporting schemes to inform development of Reporting Requirements for each of the six stakeholder categories.
Facilitate consultation processes with relevant stakeholder focus groups to further flesh out Reporting Requirements.
Regular contact and updating of both the broader Working Group and its Co-chairs and the Secretariat will be required.

Necessary Competencies

GPSNR will award a contract to a consultant based on:

The applicant’s level of experience and proven depth of knowledge on relevant sustainability frameworks/reporting schemes
Value for money
The Secretariat’s and Working Group Co-chairs’ assessment of the viability of the consultant’s ability to complete the deliverables to a high standard.

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this Request for Proposal:

Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well
A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 3 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed solution as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 page. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as daily rates and an estimated total number of days.
Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
Proposals must be received prior to 12 March 2021 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to aidan@gpsnr.org and stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration.
GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms with which to have more in-depth discussions and will make an award to one of these short-listed individuals or firms.
Applicants can obtain a copy of the BRRs by sending a request to aidan@gpsnr.org
GPSNR reserves the right to amend the scope of this RFP in order to get the most suitable consultant.

RFP & Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

Proposal submitted by consultant to GPSNR	12/03/2021
Selection of Top Bidders / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders	19/03/2021
Contract Award / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders	22/03/2021
Work to commence no later than	29/03/2021
Need-date for project completion	15/06/2021

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 10,000 Singapore Dollars (SGD) be allocated to this engagement.
Payment terms shall be:

20% at the signing of the contract
30% at the midpoint date to be agreed upon and memorialized in the contract based on the submitted work plan
50% on delivery of the final report

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposals
Relevant past performance / experience and / or any samples of past work
Cost, including an assessment of total cost of ownership.
Technical expertise/experience of bidder and the bidder’s staff

GPSNR reserves the right to award to the bidder that presents the best value to GPSNR as determined solely by GPSNR in its absolute discretion.

GPSNR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (GPSNR-RFP-A02-013)Download

GPSNR Staff February 26, 2021

Tender

(CLOSED) Request for Proposal – Traceability and Transparency Tools Comparison

Introduction & Background

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), is an international Multi-Stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Development of the GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in November 2017. Members of the platform include tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs. Representatives from each of these stakeholder groups have contributed to the development of the Singapore-based platform and the wide-reaching set of priorities that will define GPSNR strategy and objectives.

GPSNR has created three core working groups to help advance the platform’s mission to reduce social and environmental risks throughout the natural rubber supply chain. Working Group 3 (WG3) is dedicated to Traceability and Transparency, with the objective to recommend tools to trace, assess the risk and achieve transparency of any given natural rubber product buyer’s supply chain.

To achieve the WG3 objective, we are requesting proposals for projects that will assess supply chain risks, achieve supply chain traceability and achieve supply chain transparency.

Scope of Work and Objective

1: Take stock of the traceability and transparency requirements

Understand the requirements of the traceability and transparency tools through discussions and interviews with various members and EC of GPSNR. This includes

What level of traceability and transparency (T&T) different stakeholders desire while meeting the criteria and policy?
What level of T&T is needed in high risk areas and in low risk areas?
How they define high risk and low risk areas?
How they plan to identify high and low risk areas?
What data in the supply chain (based on the draft GPSNR sustainability criteria) are different stakeholders (particularly downstream rubber industry) agreeable to sharing and with what entities (such as GPSNR, NGOs, competitors, and suppliers), and on what conditions?
What data is absolutely confidential that can’t be shared (even with an entity like GPSNR on a strictly confidential basis)?
What costs they are willing to pay/ton for T&T in different risk profile areas?

2: Assess Methodologies and Effectiveness of Traceability and Transparency Tools

The following request for proposal asks for a study of the functionalities of traceability/transparency tools being used by the natural rubber and other similar industry sectors:

Supply chain and product tracking
Supply chain mapping
Satellite and remote sensing (incl. Artificial Intelligence opportunities)

The study should look at each tool’s methodology for identifying origin and collecting information and make recommendations for which tools work best (and which do not) regarding the following key areas:

The process of data collection and types of data that can be collected
The ability of the tool to identify risk and/or contribute to a risk assessment in the following categories[1]:
Social: Protecting internationally recognized human rights and labor rights (UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and ILO Core Conventions), securing Free, Prior and Informed Consent, Recognizing rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, provision of community livelihoods, etc.
Environmental: Deforestation, protection of High Conservation Values (HCVs) and rare, threatened and endangered species, water quantity and quality, soil protection, protecting peat lands, etc.
Legality: Applicable local, national and international laws on human rights, labour, land use and the environment.
Analyze the usability of results delivered – functionality (is it user friendly – pragmatic – “ready to go”)
Analyze the types of data that are accessible by each tool for:
Social: Protecting internationally recognized human rights and labor rights (UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and ILO Core Conventions), securing Free, Prior and Informed Consent, Recognizing rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, provision of community livelihoods, etc.
Environmental: Deforestation, protection of High Conservation Values (HCVs) and rare, threatened and endangered species, water quantity and quality, soil protection, protecting peat lands, etc.
Legality: Applicable local, national and international laws on human rights, labour, land use and the environment.
Explore challenges with data sharing considering confidentiality and data ownership (within each tool), but also consider feasibility and the possibility of sharing information between tools.
Understand the reliability of data and the auditability of data (verify). Consider each tools ability to be audited to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party methods. Consider the differences between tools that collect data via voluntary declaration of the suppliers vs onsite data collection by a 2nd or 3rd party.
Understand cost– what are other costs that need to be considered:
- Set-up/prerequisite
- Maintenance
- Deployment
Understand the scalability of each tool. At what geographic level can each tool perform and within what timeframes.
Adaptability of tool for use by GPSNR members to meet commitments and reporting requirements.

[1] Note: this bullet point is not asking the assessor to conduct a risk assessment themselves. It is asking the assessor to identify which tools provide valuable data to evaluate and identify risk regarding specific environmental, social and legality factors.

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this Request for Proposal:

Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 4 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed tools for analysis as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a description of previous relevant work, and a proposed schedule.
A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 pages. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as hourly rates and an estimated total number of days.
Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
Proposals must be received prior to 19th August 2020 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration.
GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms to have more in-depth discussions with, and will make an award to one of these “down-selected” individuals or firms.

Budget

The Platform is anticipating a total budget of no more than 30,000 Euros for the study.

Payment terms shall be:

50% at the signing of the contract
50% on delivery of the final report

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors, with cost being the most important factor:

Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal;
Relevant past performance/experience;
Samples of work;
Cost, including an assessment of total cost of ownership;
Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff;