(ToR) Market Systems Assessment – in Benishiangul Gumuz (Assosa) and Gambella /Displaced Affected People (DAP)-Refugees, IDPs and Host Communities Context/

Title of Assignment / Service Market Systems Assessment

• in Benishiangul Gumuz (Assosa) and Gambella /Displaced Affected People (DAP)-Refugees, IDPs and Host Communities Context/ Background / Context Established in 2012 G.C., Inkomoko works to eradicate poverty by supporting micro and small entrepreneurs across Africa, with a presence in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Chad, and South Sudan. The organization focuses on Displaced Affected People-DAP (refugees, internally displaced people (IDP) and host communities(HC)) and addresses entrenched barriers to business growth, including limited access to capital, exclusion from markets, and limited representation in policies and institutions. Core services include: Business training and capacity building Business development services (BDS)  Market Linkage Services  Access to finance (A2F)  Policy advocacy To strengthen the impact and sustainability of its programs, Inkomoko is adopting Market Systems Development (MSD) approaches. MSD is intended to complement and sustain Inkomoko’s existing activities by focusing on systemic change, influencing private and public actors to deliver services more broadly, and creating conditions for long-term, scalable impact. In Ethiopia, Inkomoko operates in Addis Ababa, Assosa, Jigjiga, and Gambella, supporting displacement-affected populations (refugees, host communities, and IDPs). The Market Systems Assessment will inform the design of MSD interventions in Benishiangul Gumuz and Gambella to improve livelihoods and create inclusive, sustainable opportunities for these populations. Objective of the Assignment The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a Market Systems Assessment that moves beyond traditional sector or value chain analysis to identify viable and sustainable market systems that can improve livelihood outcomes for displacement-affected populations (DAP), including refugees, host communities and IDPs in Benishangul Gumuz (Sherkole, Bambasi, Tsore and Ura) and Gambella (Nguenyyiel, Jewi, Tierkidi and Kule). The assessment will identify market systems with strong income and job creation potential, analyze the underlying systemic constraints limiting participation and growth, and propose feasible entry points for Market Systems Development (MSD) interventions. The assignment is intended to generate practical, intervention-ready recommendations that enable Inkomoko to design and implement a facilitative MSD program. The consultant is therefore expected not only to analyze markets, but also to identify leverage points where systemic change can be catalyzed in a sustainable and scalable manner. The final output should provide clear justification for selecting a limited number of priority market systems and outline realistic pathways for engagement over a 3–5 year horizon. Objectives of the Assessment  The specific objectives of this assignment are to: 1, Identify and prioritize market systems with strong relevance, growth potential and income opportunities for displacement-affected populations in Benishiangul Gumua (Sherkole, Bambasi, Tsore and Ura) and Gambella (Nguenyyiel, Jewi, Tierkidi and Kule). 2, Conduct a systemic analysis of selected market systems, including: Core market functions (supply, demand, transactions, margins)  Supporting services (inputs, finance, infrastructure, information, skills, etc) Formal and informal rules (land governance, regulations, social norms, gender dynamics, etc) Key actors and their relationship 3. Analyze the root causes of systemic constraints that limit participation, productivity, profitability and inclusion of DAP within these systems. 4. Map key market actors, assess incentives, capacities and potential behavior change of private sectors, financial institutions, public actors and other relevant stakeholders. 5. Identify feasible entry points for facilitative MSD interventions that: Address systemic constraints (not only individual capacity gaps), Leverage existing market actors, Promote crowding-in and sustainability beyond project support. 6. Propose a preliminary intervention framework, including: Recommend 2–3 priority systems for MSD pilot.  Suggested theory of change,  Potential partnerships,  Phased intervention approach,  Key risks and mitigation strategies. Scope of Work  Scope of work overview The consultant will conduct a Market Systems Assessment in Benishangul Gumuz (Sherkole, Bambasi, Tsore and Ura) and Gambella (Nguenyyiel, Jewi, Tierkidi and Kule) regions, which are two of Inkomoko’s operational regions in Ethiopia, focusing on displacement-affected populations (refugees, host communities, and IDPs). The assessment must include, but not limited to the following tasks Identify and prioritize two or more market systems with strong relevance and growth potential for DAP. Conduct in-depth market system mapping and systemic analysis of shortlisted market systems. Identify root causes of constraints rather than symptoms.  Propose realistic, facilitative intervention entry points aligned with MSD principles. Provide actionable recommendations that can inform program design over a 3–5 year horizon. Stakeholder engagement and validation Note: The assignment is not limited to sector mapping or value chain description. The consultant is expected to apply a full market systems lens and generate intervention-ready outputs. Integration of Cross-Cutting Issues The consultant is expected to integrate cross-cutting issues throughout the assessment, ensuring all findings and recommendations reflect: Gender and youth inclusion: identifying barriers and opportunities for equitable participation of women and youth in market systems. Financial inclusion and Access-to-Finance (A2F): assessing availability, affordability, and suitability of financial products and services for DAP, and identifying leverage points to expand access. This is a priority focus given Inkomoko’s strategic emphasis on A2F interventions. Land governance and tenure: analyzing how land access, ownership, and regulation affect participation in market systems. Host–refugee integration: examining opportunities to foster economic collaboration and interaction between refugee and host populations. Environmental and climate considerations (if relevant): identifying environmental risks and opportunities to promote sustainable market practices. In particular, the consultant should give emphasis to financial inclusion and access-to-finance, analyzing both current gaps and potential interventions to improve availability and uptake of financial products and services, as this is a priority strategic intervention area for Inkomoko. Findings and proposed intervention entry points should reflect opportunities to strengthen A2F alongside other systemic constraints. Methodology The consultant is expected to propose a participatory, MSD-focused, and evidence-based methodology, including but not limited to: Qualitative methods: Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), stakeholder workshops, observation Secondary data review and document analysis  Value chain analysis  Financial ecosystem analysis Market system mapping tools  Root cause and incentive analysis  Gender Analysis framework  Stakeholder and actor analysis  Political economy and inclusion analysis (gender, youth, refugees, land, A2F, environmental considerations) Risk analysis and potential mitigation measures  Validation and co-creation workshops to refine findings and intervention options Key Analytical Questions The consultant should structure the analysis around, but not be limited to, the following guiding questions:  A. Market Relevance and Opportunity Which market systems offer realistic income and job creation potential for DAP at scale? In which systems are refugees and host communities already participating, formally or informally? What is the growth trajectory and resilience of these systems?  B. Systemic Constraints and Root Causes What systemic/structural constraints limit inclusion, productivity, or growth? Are constraints related to supporting services (finance, information, inputs, logistics)? Are there regulatory, policy or social norms barriers affecting inclusion?  Which constraints are symptoms, and which are root causes?  Which constraints are systemic vs. individual or technical? C. Incentives and Behavior What incentives drive or limit private sector engagement with DAP?  What would motivate service providers to adapt products or services?  Where are incentives misaligned, and where are there opportunities for win-win change? D. Financial Inclusion/Access to Finance What are gaps in financial access, and where can systemic interventions increase access and sustainability? Which financial products and services are currently accessible to displacement-affected populations, including refugees, host communities, and IDPs, and are they inclusive of women, youth, and vulnerable groups? What factors limit the adoption and continued use of financial services by target populations, including affordability, suitability, documentation, or trust issues? What opportunities exist to strengthen financial inclusion within the market system, and how could Inkomoko or partners facilitate actors to sustainably increase access to finance? E. Cross-Cutting Issues Gender and youth: What barriers limit participation?  Land governance: How does land tenure affect livelihoods?  Host–refugee integration: Opportunities for inclusive economic interaction? Environment / climate: Are there risks or opportunities for sustainability? F. Entry Points for MSD Intervention Where could a facilitative actor catalyze sustainable behavior change?  Which actors are most likely to adopt and scale improved practices?  What partnerships would be required?  What level of catalytic support (technical, financial, convening) may be needed? G. Sustainability and Scale Would proposed changes continue without ongoing project subsidy?  Is there potential for replication and crowding-in?  What are the major political economy risks? Deliverables Inception report (methodology + work plan)  Market System Prioritization Memo Draft Market systems diagnostic report including market system maps (visual) Shortlist of 2-3 recommended market systems  Two Pilot intervention concept notes (One Explicit A2F-focused intervention options) Validation workshop presentation  Final Report (incorporates workshops feedback) Timeline Start Date: Mar 18, 2026  End Date: May 16, 2026 The consultancy firm will work closely with Inkomoko’s project teams in Benishangul Gumuz and Gambella as well as relevant national-level teams. The assignment is expected to be completed within a maximum period of forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of contract g. Reporting and Management Reports to: MSD Head Coordination with: MERL team, Field Teams