Consultancy Market & Skills Gap / Green Jobs and Climate Resilience Analysis

Terms of Reference (ToRs)

“Consultancy for Market and Skills Gap and Potential Sectors for Green Jobs Analysis”

in “Integrated Protection Services for Afghan Refugees for project districts of KP & Balochistan

1. Background

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s most challenging humanitarian crises, helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Operating in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, IRC has been a leader in delivering lifesaving and transformative assistance for displaced and disaster-affected populations.

In Pakistan, IRC has been active for over 30 years, managing large-scale programs in health, education, protection, environmental health, and livelihoods. IRC works in partnership with government and non-government entities to address the needs of displaced, poor, and disaster-affected communities across the country.

The “Integrated Protection Services for Afghan Refugees” project, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, is a 36-month initiative targeting 181,462 individuals across Nowshera and Haripur (KP) and Killa Saifullah and Pishin (Balochistan). This multisectoral and integrated project aims to address persistent challenges such as inadequate access to protection services, economic instability, and social tensions. With a special focus on youth (men and women) and climate change, the project incorporates climate resilience strategies to ensure sustainable livelihoods and environmentally sensitive interventions.

As part of the project’s Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) efforts, IRC seeks to adapt its interventions to emerging needs, particularly in green job sectors. This consultancy is integral to identifying local market demands, skills gaps, and potential green job opportunities to enhance economic resilience and also to reduce the carbon footprints generated through business-as-usual practices for Afghan refugees and host communities.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a consultant or consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive Market and Skills Gap and potential sectors for Green Jobs Analysis. This consultancy will focus on identifying local market demands, potential employment sectors, particularly in green jobs, and skills requirements for Afghan refugees and host community youth in Pakistan, especially in KP and Balochistan. The findings will inform the development of targeted training programs aimed at enhancing employability and resilience in the face of climate change.

This consultancy is part of the IRC’s broader efforts of create resilient livelihoods and create sustainable job opportunities for Afghan refugees and host communities.

2. Deliverables of the Consultancy

1.    A Market and Skills Gap Analysis, which

• Identifies existing and future employment opportunities that are safe and decent for Afghan refugees and host communities in promising economic sectors in the targeted districts of KP and Balochistan
• Matches the soft and technical skills required by businesses offering the above-mentioned employment opportunities focusing on local employment opportunities and identifying critical skills gaps among Afghan refugees and host community youth in targeted districts of KP and Balochistan.
• Suggests recommendations on implementing apprenticeships, including apprenticeship duration, training hours and recommended skills acquisitions for trained apprentices

2     Conduct a comprehensive analysis of sectors' potential for Green Jobs, identifying potential green job sectors, skills requirements, and their contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

• Analyze potential green job sectors/green entrepreneurship, such as vertical farming, backyard farming, apiculture, poultry, and livestock management, alternative energy, and solid waste management within local economic and environmental contexts.
• Explore opportunities for Afghan refugees and host communities in these sectors.
• Draw an analysis of the viability of the prioritized green jobs in case or repatriation

3.     Produced reports:

The consultant is to produce three reports in total. Each is shared with the IRC for validation before moving to the following report. The reports are

• Inception Report: Outlining the approach, methodology, questionnaires used for qualitative and quantitative data collection, work plan, and timeline.
• Interim Progress Report: Findings from the Market and Skills Gap Analysis and Green Jobs Sector Mapping.
• Final Report: Comprehensive documentation of findings and actionable recommendations.

3. Scope of Work

A. Market and Skills Gap Analysis

• Desk Review: Review existing studies and assessments from relevant stakeholders (e.g., GIZ, SRSP, RI, ILO, UNHCR) to identify market trends, skills gaps, and employment opportunities.
• Identify gaps in prior assessments, ensuring alignment with components 1 & 2 under the “Deliverables of the Consultancy” section
• Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare a list of stakeholders including business owners of various categories (micro, small and medium), industry leaders, training providers, local government representatives, UN agencies and INGOs and community leaders, aligning with points 1 & 2 of the ‘Deliverables” section
• Conduct interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations with employers, the above-mentioned groups
• Labor Market Analysis: Produce findings from quantitative and qualitative data collected, including charts and develop analysis of those findings and recommendations in line with the “Deliverables” section of this ToRs
• Reporting: The report should include a section for Afghan refugees and another section for Pakistan communities with findings, analysis and recommendations separate for each. Under each population profile, the report will include sub-headers for employment and self-employment opportunities and will be explicit in mentioning the relevance of findings and suggested recommendations to the needs of women.

B. Sector Analysis for green jobs/ green entrepreneurship

• Sector Mapping: Analyze potential green job sectors/green entrepreneurship, such as vertical farming, backyard farming, apiculture, poultry, and livestock management, alternative energy, and solid waste management within local economic and environmental contexts.
• Explore opportunities for Afghan refugees and host communities in these sectors.
• Draw an analysis of the viability of the prioritized green jobs in case or repatriation
• Skills Needs Assessment: Identify key skills and training needs for green job sectors.
• Map/Assess the availability of training providers and resources.
• Climate Resilience Assessment: Evaluate how identified green job sectors contribute to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.

Compare businesses and jobs in the traditional context with those in the context of climate change to identify and measure the qualitative and quantitative differences

Reporting: Deliver a comprehensive report defining green job opportunities, skills requirements, and recommendations for training programs.

4. Methodology

The consultant will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including:

• Desk reviews of secondary data.
• Key informant interviews with employers, industry experts, training providers, and community representatives.
• Focus group discussions with Afghan refugees and host community members.
• Field visits to relevant areas in KP and Balochistan to assess local contexts and opportunities.

5. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy will span three months with the following breakdown:

• Inception Phase: 2 weeks
• Market and Skills Gap Analysis: 4 weeks
• Sectors analysis for Green Jobs: 4 weeks
• Report Preparation and Submission: 2 weeks

6. Consultant Qualifications and Experience

The ideal consultant/firm should possess:

• Proven experience in market assessments, skills gap analysis, and labor market studies.
• Expertise in green jobs/ green entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
• Knowledge of the socio-economic and cultural context of Afghan refugees and host communities in KP and Balochistan.
• Strong research skills, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Excellent report-writing skills with actionable recommendations.

7. Evaluation Criteria for Proposals

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria and Weight (%):

A. Technical proposal /approach 50%

• Understanding of assignment & context (8)
• Desk review methodology (3)
• Sampling methodology (8)
• Data collection & analysis plan (10)
• Disaggregated data & quality assurance (5)
• Timeline adequacy (4)
• Ethical considerations (7)

B. Team Capacity 5%

• Team composition, profiles & experience (5)

C. Financial Proposal 30%

• Budget realism & competitiveness (30)

D. Interview/Presentation 20%

• Concept clarity & methodology presentation (20)

8. Payment Terms

Inception Report: 20%

Interim Progress Report: 30%

Final Report: 50%

9. Application Process

Interested individuals, consultancy firms or institutions can submit technical and financial proposals. The proposal should also contain the experience of the individual, consultancy firm or institution stating similar assignments undertaken in the regions of Balochistan and KPK. Shortlisted will be called in for a detailed discussion /interview with the IRC selection committee. Based on the proposal, study will be commissioned to the selected individual/firm/ institution.

Technical proposal outlining study methodology covering both quantitative and qualitative aspects.

• A detailed work plan including dates for submission of the draft and final Report.
• Evidence of experience stating similar assignments undertaken in Balochistan and KPK.
• CVs of the team members(s) detailing relevant experience, qualifications, and suitability.
• Evidence that the firm/institution is aware of the contextual realities of the province.
• Financial proposal for the study.

The technical proposal and financial offer must be submitted both in hard copy and electronic format (via CD or USB flash drive). Each submission should be placed in separate sealed envelopes and delivered to the following address: IRC Pakistan Address- International Rescue Committee,

All proposals must be submitted no later than 12 January 2025.

The consultant/firm will abide by the IRC WAY and Safeguarding Policy. The consultant/firm l will be selected as per the conditions of safeguarding policy and procedures, including appropriate reference and background checks.

The IRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

10. Intellectual Property

All information and outputs from this consultancy are the sole property of IRC and may not be used without prior written consent.