Request for Quotation

Consultancy for Market Ecosystem Analysis, Gender- Responsive Labor Assessment, and Investor Scoping

1. Background

Oxfam’s is a global initiative that has been working In Ethiopia for over five decades partnering with government bodies, civil society, and communities to address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. In Ethiopia, despite ongoing macro-economic reforms and strong comparative advantages including a large youth workforce, industrial parks, renewable energy potential, and strategic connectivity, foreign direct investment (FDI) and long-term B2B partnerships remain constrained by regulatory, financial, logistical, labor market, and security-related bottlenecks. To ensure that trade and investment translate into inclusive growth and decent work, Oxfam seeks to commission a rigorous, evidence-based study that identifies systemic constraints and opportunities across the investment lifecycle, with strong attention to gender equality and social inclusion.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based study that bridges the gap between Ethiopia’s domestic market potential and the stringent requirements of international investment. The findings will be disseminated globally. The study moves beyond anecdotal evidence to identify critical “choke points” across the investment lifecycle and provides a practical roadmap for fostering sustainable B2B partnerships and inclusive job creation. It will focus on key value chains, including coffee, silk, oilseeds, and horticulture. The results will inform policy dialogue, program design, and partnership strategies that promote responsible private sector engagement, inclusive employment, and the sustainable integration of Ethiopian firms into global value chains.

3. Objectives of the Consultancy

Overall Objective

To identify systemic investment, trade, and labor market bottlenecks and propose pathways for inclusive, gender-responsive, and responsible private sector engagement in Ethiopia.

Specific objectives:

• Identify and analyze key regulatory, financial, logistical, and institutional bottlenecks across the investment lifecycle that constrain mutually beneficial trade, long-term B2B partnerships, and foreign direct investment.
• Assess labor market dynamics and value chain participation with a social inclusion lens, identifying skills gaps, structural barriers, and opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups to access decent employment.
• Map and analyze private sector interest, investor perceptions, and market demand and identify priority sectors, geographies, and stakeholders with high potential for responsible investment and inclusive growth.

4. Scope of Work

The consulting firm will conduct a comprehensive analysis of Ethiopia’s market ecosystem and investment readiness, covering regulatory, financial, and logistics dimensions, alongside a gender-responsive labor market and value chain assessment aligned with international investor standards. The assignment will involve extensive engagement with key stakeholders, including government institutions, financial service providers, chambers of commerce, private sector actors, industrial parks, and cooperative unions across the selected value chains and geographic hubs (including Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, and Sidama) with strong potential for inclusive growth. The consultancy will culminate in clear, actionable recommendations to inform Oxfam’s programming, advocacy initiatives, and strategic partnership development.

5. Deliverables

The consultant will submit an Integrated Trade, Investment, and Labor Strategy Report, serving as a practical decision-making tool for Oxfam and its partners. The report will include diagnostics, stakeholder mapping, and prioritized recommendations aligned with inclusive growth and donor priorities.

6. Duration of the Assignment

The duration of the consultancy will be agreed upon with Oxfam at contract signing.

7. Application and Submission Process

The key tasks, scope, deliverables, and essential requirements for this assessment are clearly outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR). Interested service providers are invited to collect the TOR document from Oxfam in Ethiopia at the address below, starting from 12 February 2026. Consultants are required to carefully review the TOR and submit their proposals by close of business on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Proposals must be submitted in three separate parts: Administrative, Technical, and Financial proposals, in accordance with the instructions provided in the TOR.

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is issued solely for the purpose of obtaining offers for the provision of services in line with the detailed requirements set out in the TOR. Only consultancy firms are eligible to apply. Oxfam reserves the right not to enter into or award a contract as a result of this invitation to tender and reserves the right to terminate any contract awarded under this RFQ in accordance with the applicable contract terms and conditions.

Submissions must be in English and delivered by hand to: OXFAM in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa Office, Imperial Gerji, Bole Ring Road St., Behind Sami Building, Sub-City Bole, Woreda 13, House No. 0054