Terms of Reference (ToRs)

Market and Value Chain Assessment for Blue Economy Startups & Enterprises

1. Background

Pak Mission Society (PMS) is a national NGO committed to fostering inclusive development, resilience, and economic empowerment across Pakistan. With over 20 years of experience, PMS has implemented transformative programs in entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, disaster resilience, and livelihoods reaching over 8,000 entrepreneurs, 1,000 women, and marginalized minority groups nationwide. PMS works with leading national and international partners across the globe.

PMS, in partnership with an anticipated donor is planning to design and implement entrepreneurship and startup project at the Lasbella University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS). The project aims to empower 40 students through a 12-week hybrid entrepreneurship program, leading to the development of at least 8 viable blue economy startups within a 4-month implementation period.

The initiative addresses youth marginalization and susceptibility by promoting economic empowerment, civic engagement, and social cohesion. Blue economy sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine logistics, eco-tourism, and renewable resources hold untapped potential for livelihood creation and inclusive growth across Baluchistan.

To ensure the sustainability and viability of student led business ventures, PMS requires an expert consultant to conduct a comprehensive market and value chain assessment that identifies opportunities, gaps, risks, and enablers within blue economy sectors in Lasbella and adjoining coastal areas.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to:

• Assess market dynamics and value chain opportunities across key blue economy sectors.
• Identify growth potential, barriers, and enabling factors for startups and enterprises.
• Provide strategic recommendations for student entrepreneurs, LUAWMS incubation center, and PMS on integrating youth-led startups into viable value chains.
• Contribute to project outcomes by ensuring that selected business ideas are market-driven, sustainable, and socially inclusive.

3. Objectives

The consultancy will:

1. Map existing and emerging blue economy value chains relevant to Lasbella/Baluchistan.
2. Identify market demand, supply gaps, and competitiveness factors in fisheries, aquaculture, marine eco-tourism, logistics, and allied sectors.
3. Assess youth and women’s participation opportunities within these value chains.
4. Identify potential Market System Development (MSD) actors (government, private sector, cooperatives, investors) for partnership and mainstreaming youth.
5. Develop a strategic roadmap with recommendations for incubation, mentorship, and enterprise support tailored to the anticipated Project.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant/firm will:

• Conduct desk research on existing studies, policies, and market reports related to blue economy in Pakistan (with emphasis on Baluchistan).
• Carry out field-based research in Lasbella, engaging key stakeholders including LUAWMS faculty and incubation center, Fisheries/aquaculture operators, Local and provincial government authorities (Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, Tourism), Private sector actors (processors, exporters, logistics firms, eco-tourism operators), Financial institutions and investors, Community representatives, women, and youth groups.
• Map value chain actors, functions, relationships, and constraints for selected subsectors.
• Analyze demand supply trends, input-output flows, pricing mechanisms, and market access challenges.
• Identify potential niches for innovation and startups including value-added fisheries, eco-tourism services, cold-chain logistics, seaweed farming, marine by products, green energy.
• Assess gender and social inclusion opportunities in the value chains.
• Develop a risk analysis covering environmental, social, and conflict-sensitivity factors.
• Provide practical recommendations to guide youth-led enterprise development, incubation, and market integration.

5. Methodology

The consultant is expected to use a mixed-methods approach combining:

• Desk Review literature, government policies, market studies, and secondary data.
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with government officials, industry actors, and community leaders.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with students, entrepreneurs, and women’s groups.
• Value chain mapping tools flow diagrams, actor mapping, cost-benefit analysis.
• Market System Development (MSD) tools to ensure inclusivity and youth engagement.

6. Deliverables

The consultant/firm will provide:

1. Inception Report including detailed methodology, tools, and workplan.
2. Draft market & value chain assessment report with findings, analysis, and preliminary recommendations.
3. Validation Workshop presentation of findings with PMS, LUAWMS, donor, and stakeholders.
4. Final Report incorporating feedback, with detailed including value chain maps for at least 3 subsectors including market opportunities and demand analysis, gender and inclusion strategy, startup and incubation recommendations, risk and sustainability assessment.

7. Duration and work plan

The assignment will run for the 4 weeks aligned with the following calendar.

8.Eligibility criteria

The selection of consultants will be guided by the following eligibility and evaluation criteria.

9. Qualifications of Consultant/Firm

• Advanced degree in Economics, Business, Development Studies, Fisheries, Marine Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 7 to 10 years’ experience in market systems/value chain analysis, entrepreneurship, or private sector development.
• Proven track record in blue economy, MSME support, or coastal livelihoods in Pakistan or similar contexts.
• Experience in youth, women, and social inclusion programming.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
• Fluency in English and Urdu proficiency in Balochi is an asset.

9. Reporting & Management

The consultant will report to the programme lead FSL at PMS and focal person of the project.

10. Budget & Payment

The consultant/firm will propose a budget covering professional fees, travel, data collection, and reporting costs. 100% payment will be made upon completion of the assignment

11. Submission of technical and financial proposal

Interested consultants/consulting firms are invited to submit both a technical and financial proposal. The technical proposal must outline the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, detailed work plan, and relevant experience, supported by evidence of similar assignments. The financial proposal should provide a clear and itemized budget covering professional fees, travel, logistics, data collection, and report preparation costs. Both proposals must be submitted together in separate sealed envelopes, clearly marked as ‘Technical Proposal’ and ‘Financial Proposal’ at following address. Incomplete submissions or proposals received after the deadline will not be considered for evaluation. Submission will be made at the following address Street # 29, House # 333, G14/4 Islamabad on or before 12^th October, 2025.