Terms of Reference

 1.                  Introduction

The Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is the premier institution leading community-driven development in Pakistan. Established as a not-for-profit company in February 1997 under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 (now the Companies Act 2017), PPAF is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the impoverished and fostering a more equitable and prosperous nation. Operating across 150 districts in all four provinces and regions, PPAF supports communities by improving infrastructure, energy, health, education, livelihoods, and financial access, while also enhancing resilience to disasters. It focuses on the most vulnerable and marginalized rural households, offering a wide range of financial and non-financial services. PPAF is committed to embedding its core values of social inclusion, participation, accountability, transparency, and stewardship into all its processes and programs. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.ppaf.org.pk.

 2.                  About the programme

The programme aims to empower communities, particularly women, by organising them into livestock producer groups for collective production and the establishment of community-led livestock markets. It also seeks to support women and youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises in developing value chains for sheep, goats, and poultry. The programme will be implemented across 120 union councils in six (6) flood-affected districts of Balochistan including Loralai, Pishin, Zhob, Lasbela, Khuzdar and Jaffarabad.

The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to post 2022 floods climate-resilient socioeconomic recovery in the most affected and poorest districts of Balochistan province. The specific objective is improved value chains and market linkages in agriculture and livestock sectors of Balochistan.

Expected Result/Output 1: Strengthened capacities of target groups in improving value addition and compliance to food safety and sustainability standards.

Expected Result/Output 2: Increased livestock assets of target women and men farmers/ entrepreneurs.

Expected Result/Output 3: Enhanced access of women and men farmers to finances for value addition of livestock and livestock products.

 3.                  Rationale for the hiring of the consultant

PPAF has recently entered into a grant agreement with the European Union (EU) for the implementation of the project titled “Post-Floods Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of the Livestock Sector in Balochistan.” One of the core activities under this initiative is to assess the feasibility of introducing livestock insurance to protect smallholder farmers and women-led livestock microenterprises from economic shocks due to livestock loss.

Livestock is a vital livelihood asset for rural households in Balochistan, particularly for smallholder farmers and women-led enterprises. However, the sector remains highly vulnerable to disease, natural disasters, and climate-related shocks. Despite its importance, livestock insurance for the small ruminant (sheep, goat, etc.) is virtually non-existent in the province. Introducing livestock insurance can offer critical financial protection and risk mitigation for vulnerable communities. This study will assess the feasibility of such a mechanism by examining national and regional models, identifying enabling conditions, and recommending a viable approach for Balochistan. The findings will also guide future support to project beneficiaries receiving livestock under the restocking and access to finance components, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods.

 4.                  Assignment Objectives

The main objective of this assignment is to conduct a feasibility study for introducing livestock insurance in Balochistan, with a focus on small-scale farmers and women-led livestock enterprises. The study should:

-          Assess and evaluate existing livestock insurance models in Pakistan.

-          Review regional/international best practices (e.g., India, Bangladesh, etc.).

-          Identify government-supported mechanisms and incentives for livestock insurance.

-          Recommend a viable model for Balochistan, including a list of potential insurance providers.

 5.                   Scope of Work

The selected consultant/firm will be responsible for:

 6.              Key document to be shared by PPAF

PPAF will share the approved version of the project proposal, logframe, workplan, and other key documents with the consultant.

 7.                  Qualifications and Competencies Required

Candidate or team leader of the firm interested in this assignment should have the following qualifications and competencies: 

-          M.Phil/master’s degree in agricultural Economics, risk management and insurance, livestock sciences, development studies, or related fields.

-          Minimum 10 years of experience in insurance, livestock development, or rural finance.

-          Proven track record of conducting feasibility studies or designing insurance or risk mitigation programmes.

-          Familiarity with livestock value chains and rural markets in Pakistan, especially Balochistan.

-          Strong analytical, writing, and stakeholder consultation skills.

-          Knowledge of local languages (Balochi, Pashto) is an asset.

 8.              Duration of Consultancy

The assignment will last for 30 workdays, to be completed within two months.

 9.              Selection Method

The individual consultant will be selected in accordance with PPAF’s procurement rules and guidelines.

 10.              Ethical Considerations:

The consultant is required to provide minutes from the key consultation meetings along with the final version of the livestock insurance feasibility study report. PPAF will retain ownership of all consultation data and information collected for this assignment. The consultant is not permitted to use or quote any data or information from the assignment without obtaining prior written permission from PPAF’s senior management.