Needs Analysis for Enhancing Dairy Sector Vocational Training at Brătușeni College, Edineț Region, Republic of Moldova

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Assignment Title: Needs Analysis for Enhancing Dairy Sector Vocational Training at Brătușeni College, Edineț Region, Republic of Moldova

Project Title: Pro MILK: Promoting Milk Modernization and Industrialization through Learning and Knowledge

Commissioned by: People in Need Moldova (PIN Moldova)
Duration of Assignment: July – August 2025
Location: Brătușeni College, Edineț District, Northern Moldova

1. Background

Agriculture and livestock production remain central to the economy and livelihoods of rural Moldova. The dairy sector, in particular, employs thousands of small and medium-sized farmers and is a vital source of nutrition, income, and economic resilience. In the northern region of Moldova, Edineț is a key centre for milk production, yet challenges persist with outdated vocational education systems, limited access to practical training, and insufficient integration of modern agricultural technologies.

Brătușeni College is a public vocational training institution offering educational programmes in veterinary and agricultural fields. Despite its potential, the college requires modernisation to meet current labour market demands and to equip young professionals and adult learners with skills aligned to international best practices and technological advancements in the dairy sector.

As part of the project " Pro MILK: Promoting Milk Modernization and Industrialization through Learning and Knowledge" financed by Czech Development Agency, PIN Moldova intends to commission a comprehensive Needs Analysis to identify priority areas for intervention. This analysis will directly inform the revision of curricula, development of teacher training modules, modernization of college laboratories, procurement of appropriate equipment, and expansion of the college's practical training farm.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct a comprehensive institutional, pedagogical, infrastructural, and labor market-oriented needs assessment of Brătușeni College to:

• Assess the current state of vocational training in dairy farming, animal husbandry, and related technical subjects;
• Identify infrastructure, equipment, and capacity gaps that hinder effective teaching and learning;
• Propose practical, feasible, and phased recommendations for curriculum improvement, training delivery, facility enhancement, and technology integration.

3. Scope of Work

The contractor will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks in close collaboration with PIN Moldova, Brătușeni College, and relevant stakeholders:

Task 1: Document and Curriculum Review

• Review existing educational programmes, training manuals, and teaching methodologies related to animal breeding, dairy processing, veterinary care, and agri-business management.
• Assess the relevance, modernity, and practicality of current curricula.
• Compare with international standards and best practices (e.g., Czech vocational models, EU CAP framework).

Task 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Consultations

• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and field visits involving:
  • College directors, teachers, and technical staff;
  • Current students and graduates;
  • Local dairy farmers (small and medium scale);
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Ministry of Education and Research;
  • Representatives of "Livada Moldovei" and Czech project partners (e.g., Brunnthaller, Impuls).
• Document stakeholder feedback, expectations, and perceived barriers.

Task 3: Infrastructure and Technology Audit

• Evaluate the condition and sufficiency of the college’s laboratories, IT infrastructure, and classroom facilities.
• Assess availability and use of practical teaching aids, livestock management tools, milk processing technology, and veterinary instruments.
• Review opportunities for the integration of Czech sustainable technologies (e.g., Simmental cattle model, ultrasound equipment, anatomical models).

Task 4: Gap Analysis and Recommendations

• Summarise key institutional, operational, pedagogical, and infrastructural gaps.
• Formulate specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) recommendations.
• Prioritise proposed interventions based on feasibility and expected impact.

Task 6: Reporting

• Deliver a comprehensive Needs Analysis Report containing:
  • Executive Summary;
  • Methodology and stakeholder engagement approach;
  • Assessment findings by domain (curriculum, infrastructure, etc);
  • SWOT analysis;
  • Priority needs and phased recommendations;
  • Annex: Stakeholder consultation summary and interview guides.

4. Deliverables and Timeline

All deliverables shall be submitted in English, in both editable (Word) and PDF format.

5. Qualifications Criteria

Criteria which bidders must meet in order to progress to the next round of evaluation. If a bidder does not meet any of the Qualification Criteria, they will be excluded from the tender process immediately.

The assignment may be undertaken by a qualified consulting firm, consortium, or NGO meeting the following criteria:

• The applicant organization must have been legally established for at least one year, verifiable by official documents;
• The proposed team should include at least 3 experts with clearly defined roles:
  • Project Manager: responsible for overall coordination, reporting, and communication with the client. Candidates should possess a minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role and hold relevant education, such as a bachelor's degree in project management, business administration, or a related field;
  • Expert in Education and Curriculum Development: specialized in vocational training, TVET, and/or agriculture/dairy sector. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in curriculum design or education reform in relevant fields and hold a degree in education sciences, agricultural education, or a related discipline.;
  • Expert in Assessment and Stakeholder Engagement: experienced in participatory methodologies, market analysis, and multisectoral consultations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and hold a degree in social sciences, economics, public policy, or a related field.;
• Proven experience conducting at least one similar or relevant study, especially in vocational education, agriculture, or rural development, preferably within Moldova or the region;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct participatory assessments and complex stakeholder consultations, with experience in at least one such project. Demonstrated familiarity with the requirements and procedures of at least one donor-funded project, particularly those funded by international donors;
• Fluency in Romanian and working proficiency in English; knowledge of Russian is an asset.

6. Level of Effort and Contract Type

The estimated level of effort is 20 to 25 working days over a six-week period (July-August 2025).

The contract will be a lump-sum agreement, inclusive of all professional fees, travel, taxes, and incidentals. Payments will be made upon submission and acceptance of all deliverables.

7. Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit the following documents by 16^th of June 2025:

• Timeframe with results for each stage;
• Examples of one similar assignment delivered (links or attachments)
• CV(s) of key expert(s) involved
• Copy of registration certificate (if company or NGO)
• Financial proposal specifying the daily rate and other expenses, if any, broken down by cost, with the total amount indicated. It is suggested to include costs in MDL, inclusive of all fees, but excluding VAT.

8. Selection process

The selection process will proceed as follows:

• Applicants are requested to submit an expression of interest and all other documents requested in 7. Application procedure, latest by June 16th, 2025, to tender.moldova@peopleinneed.net. Subject: “Needs Analysis for Enhancing Dairy Sector Vocational Training at Brătușeni College, Edineț Region, Republic of Moldova – name and surname/or company name”.

The applicants will be assessed by an Evaluation Committee. Proposals will be assessed based on price only. Only bidders which passed Qualification criteria will be assessed.