Terms of References (ToR) Short-Term Consultancy Assignment Technical Expert – Production Efficiency & Process Optimization Supporting Agro-Food SMEs in Ethiopia

Terms of References (ToR)     Short-Term Consultancy Assignment  Technical Expert

• Production Efficiency & Process Optimization Supporting Agro-Food SMEs in Ethiopia Background The Small Enterprise Center (SEC) is a leading regional organization specialized in SME development, operating across multiple countries, including Ethiopia. SEC delivers integrated business development services aimed at enhancing competitiveness, productivity, and market access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particular focus on the agro-food sector. Within the framework of “Job Partnership Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Project in Ethiopia: Agro-food Sector”, GIZ and SEC are collaborating to deliver innovative solutions that address the challenges of unemployment in Ethiopia.  The Project is designed to enhance the economic competitiveness of Ethiopian agro-food processors in both local and international markets by strengthening the technical capacities of MSMEs, particularly in the areas of export promotion. It aims to support unemployed yet motivated and committed MSMEs by improving their access to technical skills, product development support, and business network, as well as facilitating market linkages with international investors and traders. To address these challenges, SEC seeks to engage a qualified technical expert to provide hands-on support to selected SMEs in Addis Ababa and Southern Ethiopia. The assignment will focus on improving production efficiency, reducing waste, strengthening workforce capacities, and optimizing resource utilization in line with good industry practices.  Objective of the Assignment  To enhance the operational efficiency and competitiveness of 15 agro-food SMEs in Ethiopia by improving production systems, increasing productivity, minimizing waste, and reducing production costs. Specific Objectives     Improve production efficiency and workflow organization     Reduce raw material waste and post-production losses     Optimize the use of resources (labor, energy, materials)    Strengthen quality management and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)    Build SMEs’ capacity to sustainably manage production processes. Scope of Work The expert will be responsible for the following tasks: Conduct baseline assessments of SME production systems and establish productivity KPIs    Analyze production workflows and identify inefficiencies, bottleneck, and gaps    Develop tailored productivity improvement plan for each SME      Provide technical recommendations for process optimization and cost reduction    Support the adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant quality standards     Deliver practical, on-site coaching and training to SME staff    Introduce simple, cost-effective tools and technologies      Conduct follow-up site visits to monitor progress and adjust interventions.      Document results and ensure sustainability of productivity improvements. Expected Results (KPIs) The assignment is expected to achieve the following measurable results:   At least 15 SMEs assessed and supported with tailored improvement plans      15–25% increase in production efficiency/productivity (baseline vs. endline)    10–20% reduction in production waste and losses      10–15% reduction in production costs (where applicable)      At least 80% of SMEs adopt improved production practices      Improved compliance with GMP and quality standards across supported SMEs.  Deliverables    Inception report including methodology and detailed work plan     Baseline assessment reports for 15 SMEs    SME-specific improvement/action plans     Training materials and reports on capacity-building sessions      Progress reports highlighting achievements against KPIs    Final report including results, lessons learned, and recommendations  Duration and Level of Effort The assignment will be implemented over a period of 6 months, with a level of effort to be agreed upon (estimated 30-45 working days). Target Group   15 agro-food SMEs in Ethiopia    SME technical staff, production managers, and workers   Reporting and Coordination The expert will report to SEC and work in close coordination with project stakeholders. Regular progress meetings will be conducted to ensure alignment and quality delivery. Payment Modalities Payments will be linked to the successful delivery of agreed outputs and milestones, in accordance with SEC procedures.