Consultancy - Environmental & Social (E&S) Assessment Technical Assistance for EA Foods Limited under the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) – Origination Facility

1. Introduction and Content

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all.

In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets, and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation to and mitigation against the climate and biodiversity crises.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence, and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalyzing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Kenya and SNV generally visit our website: snv.org  

About The Dutch Fund For Climate And Development (DFCD)

The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) invests in private sector projects tackling climate adaptation and mitigation with a view to increase the resilience of communities and ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change. Under the Origination Facility (OF), DFCD provides grant-funded technical assistance (TA) to develop and de-risk investment propositions for follow-on financing from the DFCD’s Land Use Facility and Water Facility or third-party investors.

About EA Foods Limited (EAF)

EA Foods Limited (EAF) is a Tanzania-based tech-enabled aggregator and distributor of fresh produce, grains, and pulses sourced from smallholder farmers and supplied to urban customers in Tanzania, with plans to expand into Kenya and Uganda and vertically integrate into maize and rice value chains. EAF operates through a network of collection centres and fulfilment centres, supported by a Farmer Management System (FMS) and a Distribution Management System (DMS) that enable climate-smart sourcing, reduced post-harvest loss, and improved food safety and quality.

The proposed DFCD investment will support EAF’s expansion and value addition activities. The project is preliminarily classified as Category B under IFC standards and requires further assessment and strengthening of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), site-level E&S risk management, and food safety systems to align with IFC Performance Standards (PS1–PS4, and relevant elements of PS6) and FMO ESG requirements at the investment stage.

This ToR covers E&S assessment-related TA activities to be implemented during the Origination Facility period, focusing on high-priority gap identification and preparation of a phased roadmap for implementation during the investment phase.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective of this assignment is to support EA Foods to strengthen its E&S risk management and develop a road map for its food safety systems certification in line with IFC Performance Standards and DFCD requirements, thereby de-risking the proposed DFCD investment.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Review and benchmark EA Foods’ ESMS against IFC Performance Standards and DFCD/FMO requirements and identify priority gaps and actions.
2. Conduct targeted site-level E&S risk assessments for 2–3 representative expansion sites (e.g. rice mill, packhouses, collection centres and logistics routes).
3. Provide strategic recommendations on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and sustainable supply chain management for smallholder farmers.
4. Undertake a baseline assessment and preparation support for food safety certification (e.g. FSSC 22000) focused on packhouse and supply chain operations.

 3.Scope of Work and Key Tasks

Task 1: ESMS Review and Gap Assessment

The Consultant will undertake the following activities:

• Review EA Foods’ existing policies, procedures and tools related to E&S, including any ESMS manual, health, safety and environment (HSE) policies, human resources policies, contractor management procedures, incident reporting, grievance mechanisms, audit/inspection procedures, and farmer-facing requirements.
• Map existing ESMS components against IFC PS1–PS4 (and relevant aspects of PS6 for supply chain), E&S safeguards, and FMO’s E&S requirements, including climate and food safety relevant aspects.
• Assess organisational structure, roles and responsibilities for E&S, including Board, senior management, operations, logistics and HR/people teams.
• Assess integration of E&S into key business processes such as due diligence of suppliers, contracted farmers and off-takers, new site selection, project design, construction, operations, contractor management, and monitoring and reporting.
• Assess E&S incident management, including traffic accidents, worker incidents, community incidents and environmental events.
• Identify gaps relative to IFC PS requirements, and good practice in agri-food supply chains.
• Prioritise high-risk gaps that must be addressed prior to or in parallel with DFCD/FMO investment (e.g. supply-chain labour risk, agrochemical management, community traffic safety).
• Develop a phased Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) that distinguishes short-term OF-phase actions (policies, critical procedures, high-level frameworks) and investment-phase actions (detailed SOPs, systems roll-out, additional studies and infrastructure investments).

Deliverable 1: ESMS Gap Assessment Report and phased ESAP, including a summary alignment matrix with IFC Performance Standards.

Task 2: Expansion Sites-Level E&S Risk Assessment

The Consultant will undertake targeted:

• E&S risk assessments for 2–3 representative expansion sites linked to the proposed investment.
• In consultation with EA Foods and DFCD, identify 2–3 priority sites (for example: proposed/new rice milling facility, expansion collection centre(s) in key sourcing regions, and main logistics corridors/fulfilment centre with high traffic volumes).
• Carry out a focused baseline review (secondary data, site visits, stakeholder consultations) to understand the environmental and social context, including land use, water use and availability, community settlements, traffic patterns, worker conditions and presence of vulnerable groups.
• Screen potential project-related risks during construction and operation phases, including: community health and safety (traffic safety, dust/noise, influx of workers, GBV/SEA risks), labour and working conditions (direct workers, contract workers, and farm-level labour where relevant), resource use and pollution (water abstraction, wastewater, solid and organic waste, emissions, agrochemicals), supply chain risks (child/forced labour, unsafe agrochemical use, deforestation/land conversion in sourcing areas), and climate and GHG aspects.
• Provide site-specific and portfolio-level recommendations for risk avoidance, mitigation and monitoring, including requirements for further studies at the investment stage (e.g. ESIA/ESMP, traffic risk assessment, OHS audits), indicative mitigation measures and monitoring parameters, and implications for E&S risk categorisation and covenants for the DFCD’s Land Use Facility investment phase.

Deliverable 2: Site-Level E&S Risk Screening Report(s) and a synthesis note summarising key risks and recommendations.

Task 3: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Sustainable Supply Chain Recommendations

• Review current farmer training content and extension support, including climate-smart agriculture content embedded in the FMS.
• Map current practices against GAP/global best practice and relevant national standards, including soil fertility management, water management, agrochemical use and biodiversity-friendly practices.
• Identify key E&S risks and opportunities at the farm level, including soil degradation, water abstraction, agrochemical mismanagement, and deforestation/land conversion in sourcing areas.
• Develop a practical GAP Roadmap that defines minimum mandatory practices for contracted/partner farmers (e.g. basic environmental, labour and safety practices), identifies priority GAP modules to be integrated into the FMS and extension packages, and outlines a phased path towards potential GAP certification for selected farmer groups or sourcing areas.

Deliverable 3: GAP and Sustainable Supply Chain Recommendations Note, including a roadmap, priority modules and minimum operating standards for adoption by EAF.

Task 4: Food Safety Certification Preparation (e.g. FSSC 22000)

• Conduct a baseline food safety audit of selected packhouse(s), collection centres and relevant logistics/warehousing operations.
• Assess current practices against FSSC 22000 or equivalent internationally recognised food safety standards, including hygiene, sanitation, traceability, hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), cold chain integrity, pesticide residues and aflatoxin risk management.
• Prepare a structured gap analysis report and prioritised roadmap specifying key system, infrastructure and behavioural changes required; documents and records needed (policies, procedures, SOPs, logs, audits); and the sequence of actions that can be initiated during the OF phase versus those requiring investment-phase resources.
• Design and deliver targeted training for key EA Foods staff (e.g. QA/QC, operations, warehouse/packhouse managers, logistics leads) on food safety principles, roles and responsibilities, and basic internal audit skills.

Deliverable 4: Food Safety Baseline Audit and Food Safety Standards Certification Roadmap Report, plus training materials and attendance records.

4. Cross-Cutting Requirements

Align all work with IFC Performance Standards and DFCD E&S safeguard requirements, and flag any critical risks or potential show-stoppers at an early stage.

Ensure that recommendations are practical, realistic, costed at a high level and phased to align with the OF and investment-phase budgets.

5. Expected Deliverables

• Inception Report (methodology, detailed workplan, revised timeline and data needs).
• ESMS Gap Assessment Report and Draft ESAP.
• Site-Level E&S Risk Screening Report(s) and synthesis note.
• GAP and Sustainable Supply Chain Recommendations Note.
• Food Safety Baseline Audit and Food Safety Standards Certification Roadmap Report, with training materials.
• Final Consolidated E&S Report and slide deck summarising key findings and recommended actions for the investment phase.

6. Duration and Level of Effort

The assignment is expected to be implemented within the DFCD Origination Facility during a 30 days period.

7. Governance, Reporting and Coordination

Client: EA Foods Limited.

DFCD OF Coordinator: SNV East Africa Region, Business Origination Advisor.

The Consultant will report primarily to SNV, with day-to-day coordination with EA Foods’ designated E&S focal point. Key outputs will be shared with DFCD-OF’s E&S lead for review and QA/QC alignment before final approval.

Regular check-ins (e.g. bi-weekly calls) will be held with SNV/DFCD and EA Foods to track progress.

8. Consultant Profile and Team Composition

The assignment is expected to be delivered by a multidisciplinary team that may include:

• Team Lead / Senior E&S Specialist (Agrifood focus): at least 10 years of experience in E&S risk management for agribusiness, food supply chains and/or logistics; proven experience applying IFC Performance Standards and/or World Bank ESF; and a strong track record in ESMS design and implementation.

• Food Safety and Quality Systems Expert: in-depth knowledge of FSSC 22000, ISO 22000 and HACCP; experience with packhouses, cold chain or fresh produce supply chains.
• Environmental / Climate Specialist: experience in resource efficiency, pollution prevention, GHG assessment and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Social / Community and Labour Specialist: experience with labour and working conditions, community health and safety, stakeholder engagement and GBV/SEA risk mitigation in rural/agri contexts.
• Local Field Experts / Enumerators: for site visits, interviews and liaison with local stakeholders.
• Experience in Tanzania and/or East Africa and fluency in English (and Swahili for fieldwork) are highly desirable.

9. Submission of Applications

9.1 How to Submit

Interested consultants/firms shall submit applications through both channels below:

1) Email submission to East Africa Foods (EAF):

• Send applications to: procurement@eafoods.com

• Email subject line: “DFCD-OF | EA Foods | E&S Assessment TA | Technical & Financial Proposal | [Consultant/Firm Name]”

2) Online submission via SNV Smart Recruiters platform:

• Submit concurrently via SNV Smart Recruiters:

https://smrtr.io/xj9D_

 Please note that the upload should happen in the CV column, clearly marking the documents as technical proposal, and financial proposal.

Important: Applications must be submitted via both channels.

9.2 Procurement Timelines

• Call publication date: 20 February 2026

• Application window: 10 working days

• Submission deadline: 5 March 2026, 23:59 (EAT). Late submissions will not be considered.

• Expected assignment duration: 30 days from contract signature (one month)

• Proposal validity: 60 days from the submission deadline

9.3 Proposal Submissions

Applicants shall submit two separate files:

 A) Technical Proposal

• File name: TECH_EAF_DFCD-OF_ES_TA_[Consultant/Firm Name]

 B) Financial Proposal

• File name: FIN_EAF_DFCD-OF_ES_TA_[Consultant/Firm Name]

9.4 Content Requirements - Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal must clearly demonstrate capacity to deliver the ToR scope and deliverables within 30 days and shall include, at minimum:

• Understanding of the assignment and DFCD-OF context, including the objectives and expected outputs.

• Proposed methodology and approach for: (i) ESMS review and IFC Performance Standards benchmarking; (ii) site-level E&S risk screening for 2-3 representative sites; (iii) GAP and sustainable supply chain recommendations; and (iv) food safety baseline audit and certification roadmap (e.g., FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 / HACCP), including associated training approach.

• A task-based workplan and timeline confirming delivery within 30 calendar days, including internal quality assurance and review cycles with SNV/EAF.

• Team composition and roles (including an organogram), level of effort per role, and CVs of key personnel.

• Relevant experience (minimum three comparable assignments) with references (client, contact person, email/phone).

• Key delivery risks and mitigation measures.

9.5 Content Requirements - Financial Proposal

The Financial Proposal shall be all-inclusive and presented as a fixed lump-sum for completing the assignment within 30 calendar days. It must cover all costs required to deliver the outputs, including (as applicable):

• Professional fees (daily rates and level of effort by role).

• Travel and logistics for site visits (local transport, accommodation and per diem).

• Stakeholder consultation and workshop/training costs (if any).

• Communications, reporting and printing (if any).

• Applicable taxes/withholding taxes.

The Financial Proposal must include (i) a summary budget (grand total), (ii) a detailed budget breakdown and cost assumptions (e.g., number of sites to be visited, travel days, workshops/training sessions), and (iii) a proposed milestone-based payment schedule aligned to the deliverables.

9.6 Payment Schedule

Payments will be made upon satisfactory acceptance of deliverables by SNV and EA Foods, against the following milestone-based structure (indicative):

• 20% - Upon contract signature and approval of the Inception Report / Workplan.

• 40% - Upon acceptance of the core technical drafts, comprising the ESMS Gap Assessment Report (including draft phased ESAP) and the site-level E&S risk screening report(s).

• 40% - Upon acceptance of final deliverables, including the GAP and sustainable supply chain recommendations note, food safety baseline audit and certification roadmap (including training materials where applicable), and the final consolidated report and slide deck.

10. Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated using a combined quality and cost approach:

• Technical Proposal: 80%

• Financial Proposal: 20%

10.1 Technical Evaluation (80%)

The Technical Proposal will be scored against the criteria below (indicative weighting):

•Understanding of the assignment and DFCD/IFC Performance Standards context - 10%

• Methodology and implementation approach across all tasks (ESMS, site screening, GAP, food safety) - 25%

• Workplan feasibility and deliverability within 30 days, including quality assurance - 10%

• Team composition, qualifications and role fit (including food safety competence) - 20%

• Relevant experience in comparable agrifood supply chain E&S assignments - 15%

Applicants must score at least 60% of the technical score to proceed to financial evaluation.

10.2 Financial Evaluation (20%)

Financial proposals will be assessed based on cost reasonableness and value for money, completeness and clarity of the budget and assumptions, and alignment of costs with the proposed deliverables and payment milestones.