Terms of Reference (ToR)

Short-Term Consultancy: Trainer for Cooperative Management Training for Women Farmers – Baltistan Region

Project: GROW-Pak – Creating Resilient Opportunities for Women and Young People in Agriculture in Pakistan
Implementing Agency: Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF)
Location: Baltistan Region

Duration: Short-term assignment (November 2025)
Total Participants: 75 women farmers

1. Background

The GROW-Pak project aims to empower women and youth in Gilgit-Baltistan through inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods. Under this framework, ASF has formed women-led agricultural cooperatives in Baltistan. To strengthen their capacity in financial literacy and access to finance, ASF will conduct an Access to Finance Training for 75 women cooperative members.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The purpose of hiring a trainer is to design and deliver practical, interactive training sessions that enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills in financial access and management. The training should enable women cooperative members to:

• Understand available financial products and services (loans, grants, microfinance).
• Develop basic financial and business plans for cooperative activities.
• Prepare funding proposals and loan applications.
• Build linkages with financial institutions and government support schemes.
• Strengthen cooperative financial management and record-keeping.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant/trainer will be responsible for:

1. Reviewing project documents and designing training material aligned with ASF and GROW-Pak objectives.
2. Delivering training sessions (covering all 75 participants divided into groups).
3. Preparing participatory training modules, exercises, and case studies tailored to the Baltistan context.
4. Conducting simulations and group exercises on financial applications and business planning.
5. Coordinating with ASF’s field team for logistics, participant mobilization, and reporting.
6. Submitting a concise training completion report, including participant feedback, photos, and recommendations.

4. Expected Deliverables

• Training agenda and materials (PowerPoint, handouts, case studies, exercises).
• Conduct of training sessions in the Baltistan region.
• Pre- and post-training evaluation summaries.
• Final report with key findings, recommendations, and any success stories.

5. Duration and Timeline

• Assignment period: November 2025
• Total Level of Effort: Approximately 6 working days.

6. Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in financial literacy, cooperative management, or rural finance.
• Proven experience in delivering training to community groups, preferably women and farmer organizations.
• Understanding of agriculture financing mechanisms, microfinance, and government financial schemes.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and reporting skills.
• Fluency in Urdu; knowledge of Balti will be an advantage.

1. 7.     Reporting

The consultant will report directly to the Project Lead (GROW-Pak) at Agribusiness Support Fund and work closely with the regional office in Skardu.

8. Payment Terms

Payment will be made upon successful completion of deliverables, submission, and approval of the final report.

9. Application Procedure

Interested consultants meeting the above criteria should submit:

• A detailed CV/profile highlighting relevant experience by October 30, 2025.