About Practical Action
Practical Action is an international development organization putting ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world. We help people find solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems, challenges made worse by catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality. We work with communities to develop ingenious, lasting and locally owned solutions for agriculture, water and waste management, climate resilience and clean energy. And we share what works with others, so solutions that start small can grow big.

Background
Practical Action is exploring opportunities to implement a youth-focused agricultural programming into Senegal and the broader West Africa region. To support evidence-based programme design, we are commissioning a feasibility study to better understand the enabling environment, identify key risks and opportunities, and generate strategic insights that will inform future interventions.
This feasibility study is part of our broader efforts to deepen our impact and partnerships in West Africa and to co-create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable agriculture programmes.

Scope of Work
The selected consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive feasibility study that will include:

• Situational and policy analysis, including national strategies on youth employment, agriculture, land access, and enterprise development.
• Value chain mapping to identify priority agricultural sectors and nodes with potential for youth engagement and inclusive economic development.
• A market analysis of the prioritized value chains on their margin’s potential.
• Assessment of financial and institutional frameworks, particularly in relation to youth entrepreneurship, access to finance, and business development services.
• Stakeholder consultations with actors such as government agencies, youth organizations, cooperatives, private sector, civil society, and academia.
• Analysis of cultural and social dynamics, including gender norms, disability inclusion, and traditional land tenure systems.
• Identification of partnerships and delivery pathways that align with Practical Action’s strategic approach.
• Note: Additional relevant background information will be provided upon contracting.

Expected Deliverables
• Inception Report
• Desk Review and Situational Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement Summary
• Final Feasibility Study Report
• Presentation Slide Deck summarizing key findings
Note: While the feasibility study may involve desk research and stakeholder interviews conducted in French, all final deliverables are expected to be submitted in English.


Timeline
The consultancy will begin in early July 2025 and should be completed by 31 July 2025.
A total of 20 consultancy days are anticipated for this assignment.


Consultant Profile
We are seeking a Senegal-based individual consultant who meets the following criteria:
• Bilingual in French and English (spoken and written).
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in conducting feasibility studies or programme design work for development organizations or foundations.
• Solid understanding of the agriculture sector in Senegal, especially youth, gender, and disability -inclusive programming.
• Demonstrated experience in value chain analysis, policy and regulatory review, and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of Market Systems Development, Climate Risk, locally led, Evidence Based, and GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) approaches.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report writing skills.
• A master’s degree or higher in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Development Studies, International Development, Rural Sociology, Anthropology, Public Policy, Political Economy, Gender and Development, Inclusive Development or related area.




Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All consultants will be subject to pre-engagement checks, including criminal record verification, where applicable.