International Jute Study Group (IJSG)

   
           
     
 

Request for Expression of Interest (EOI) For Consulting Services (Individual Consultant) for Evaluation of the Activities of the IJSG

 

Background

The International Jute Study Group (IJSG) is an intergovernmental body set up under the aegis of UNCTAD with Headquarters in Dhaka, Bangladesh to function as the International Commodity Body (ICB) for Jute, Kenaf and other Allied Fibres. It formally entered into force on 27 April 2002. The IJSG is the legal successor to the erstwhile International Jute Organisation (IJO). Bangladesh, India, Switzerland and European Union comprised of 27 Countries are its Members. The IJSG has the mandate for sustainable development of the global jute sector incorporating a larger role for the private sector and focusing on development of new applications/usage, commercialisation, and poverty alleviation. The IJSG works closely with national governments, international agencies and the private sector.

Since its inception the International Jute Study Group has implemented a number of projects and undertaken some activities for the development of the world jute/kenaf economy. In the present scenario, apart from the traditional uses of jute/kenaf, large number of diversified products have been and are being developed and widely accepted/used by the global community. There are increasing global concerns about the environment and people are becoming more inclined towards jute, kenaf and other allied fibres and it has become imperative to promote jute for sustainable development. In accordance with the commitment of the world community towards a pollution free environment, many countries are promoting the use of natural fibres in new applications. It is, therefore, necessary to exchange ideas, form a concerted opinion and synergise the efforts of all countries concerned for promotion of natural fibres. United Nation’s General Assembly had declared 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibres which was observed, globally coordinated by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. IJSG played a vital role in Observance of the IYNF 2009 as a member of the IYNF Steering Committee. Recently Bangladeshi scientists have decoded the Genome of jute that will facilitate in boosting production and also bringing about changes in the attributes of jute which may be utilised in finding out various new applications of jute. In this backdrop where there is indication of possible increase in demand of jute products in the world market that the existence of such an International Commodity Body like IJSG is inevitable for looking after the global and multinational issues related to jute, kenaf and allied fibres. 

The IJSG Council has decided to evaluate the IJSG activities for the period from 27 April 2002 to 30 June 2010. As per the existing Agreement Establishing the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the IJSG the tenure of the group expired on 26 April 2010. The Council at its Tenth Session extended the tenure of the IJSG up to 26 April 2012 in compliance with the provision of the ToR. The evaluation report of the Consultant will be an important document to identify the strength and weakness of the IJSG in materialising the process of renegotiation of the ToR of the IJSG for its future continuation.

In view of the above the International Jute Study Group (IJSG) invites eligible Applicants to indicate their interest in providing the services in accordance with the following ToR.

 

Terms of references (ToR)

 Objectives:

  1. To appraise the importance of jute and other allied fibres of the socio-economic aspect of the producing countries as well as its contribution to the sustainable development global environment protection.

  2. To assess the benefits of the Member Countries obtained from the activities during the period and the benefits to be received in future.
  3. To provide an overview of the present role and activities of the IJSG.

  4. To identify the new possibilities to make the IJSG more effective and more functional.
  5. To make options and recommendations for potential future development of the International Jute Study Group.

 

Requested Services

I.       The Consultant will undertake an in-depth evaluation of the IJSG activities and compare their conformity with the objectives and functions of the Group as set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Agreement Establishing the Terms of Reference of the International Jute Study Group (IJSG).

II.      In the evaluation process, the Consultant shall cover, inter alia, the following areas:

(a) The role of the IJSG in providing effective framework for international cooperation, consultation and policy development among members with regard to all relevant aspects of the world jute economy; at the same time its role with respect to maintaining relationship with relevant UN, International Organisation, Donor Agencies, other  ICBs etc;

(b) The impact of IJSG activities in raising the socio-economic growth of the stakeholders in Member Countries focusing on both tangible and non-tangible benefits;

(c) The role and the activities of the Private Sector Consultative Board (PSCB) in compliance with its objectives;

(d)  The outcome and impact of the projects and activities implemented and supervised by the IJSG;

(e) Progress reports of on-going, pipe line and future projects and activities of the IJSG;

(f) The IJSG website and its effectiveness to the stakeholders of jute and the IJSG;

(g) The effectiveness of the promotional activities like national and international seminars/symposium/conferences/fairs organised/participated and video films  on jute produced and shown by the IJSG ;

(h) The professional approaches and representations made by the IJSG at various national and international fora to further the cause of jute and the IJSG;

(i)  The role played by the IJSG in holding of discussions, meetings, drives for increasing Membership;

(j)  Conducting comprehensive survey of the stakeholders regarding their views on the existing activities of the IJSG;

(k) The functioning of the IJSG Secretariat taking into consideration of the existing manpower. 

 

 Expected Results

(a)  The Consultant will analyse the achievements and suggest measures for future standpoint of development of the jute sector and the IJSG including overcoming the prevalent challenges.

(b)  A general evaluation of the role played by the IJSG as an ICB in relation to the sustainable development of natural fibres for environment protection of the world. The Consultant will also highlight the fact of the necessity of strengthening the functions of the IJSG by the participation of the potential Member Countries.

(c)  The Consultant will examine the benefits of the Member Countries obtained from the activities during the period.

(d)  The Consultant will appraise the new possibilities to make the IJSG more effective.

 

Qualification and Experiences of the Consultant

Interested Applicants are invited to provide information (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar operating conditions, adequacy for the assignment and resources etc.) indicating that they are qualified to perform the requested above mentioned Services as the Consultant who will be selected on the basis of their qualifications and experiences for the assignment. Interested Consul Applicants may obtain ToR & further information from the Secretariat of the IJSG.

 

(a) Applicants must have 15 years experience in evaluation of various development projects and promotional activities/programmes implemented by National/International Organisation(s)/International Commodity Body (ies) of the relevant field.

(b) Experience of similar assignment in the last five years with Donor Agencies/International Organisations.

(c) Educational qualification: Excellent Academic background and work experience in the area of Economics, experience in international agricultural commodity chains and public-private partnership.

(d) Excellent analytical capacity as demonstrated by publications, studies and/or research on the subject.

(e) Applicants are invited to provide information in a complete CV indicating that he/she is qualified to perform the services.

 

Closing Date of Submission of EOI

 

 EOI with financial offer shall be submitted addressing to the Secretary General, International Jute Study Group, 145 Monipuripara, Dhaka or through E-mail: info@jute.org; fin.adm@jute.org within 30 August 2010.

 

 

Commencement and Completion

The Consultant will commence his/her work within first week of October 2010 and will make available the first Draft Evaluation Report to the International Jute Study Group (IJSG) by the last week of December 2010 for circulation to the Members. The Consultant will also revise the Draft Evaluation Report as per comments/suggestions made by the IJSG and its Members, if any. The Consultant will have to submit the Final Evaluation Report to the IJSG latest by February 2011.

 

Required Information/ Documents

The IJSG Secretariat will provide the relevant information and documents as may be required from time to time during the course of evaluation.

 

Special Instruction

Only short listed Applicant(s) will be contacted for interview. The IJSG reserves the right to accept or reject any or all of the EOI without assigning any reason whatsoever.

 

 

Sudripta Roy

Secretary General

International Jute Study Group

 

For further information mail us at : info@jute.org

   
     

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