1. Background

The PROGRESS Project aims to contribute to the increase in competitiveness and sustainability of the local private sector in Georgia through the development of skills to facilitate greening of businesses in the sector of food services (restaurants, cafes, bars, bakeries, confectioneries, catering companies, institutional food providers, etc.). The 30-month development initiative is funded by the European Union and Austrian Development Agency (ADA), with funds from the Austrian Development Cooperation. The project implementers are CARE Österreich and its partners – CARE Caucasus, Restaurateurs’ Association of Georgia (RAG) and Fundación Restaurantes Sostenibles (FRS) from Spain.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Georgia by increasing capacity of workforce to support green transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The contribution will be possible through achieving the specific objective of forming sustainable and stable sector partnerships for developing Vocational Education and Training (VET) system’s capacity to improve qualifications and skills in “greening” food services.

CARE and partners believe that the following outputs are critical for attaining the above objectives:

1. Improved instructional materials and training resources of colleges on green transformation of food service in line with National Centre for Education Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) requirements and standards;
2. Increased organisational and technical capacities of the NPO “Food, Beverages & Hospitality” to qualify for the status of Sector Skills Organization;
3. Increased awareness of policy makers, key sectoral stakeholders and general public on the long-term benefits of sustainable food services and green transformation;
4. Increased opportunities for evidence-based policy dialogue among competent authorities and key sectoral stakeholders to improve VET policies, systems and practices related to green transformation;

Among the key sectoral stakeholders and beneficiaries of the PROGRESS project are the Skills Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia (MOESY), and the potential Sector Skills Organisation (SSO) representing the Hotel, Restaurant, and Café/Catering (HORECA) sector.

The development of Sector Skills Organization, as one of the major tasks of the project, aims to support the ongoing reform of VET system in Georgia that puts sectoral associations in the centre of system development. The model, in which Sector Skills bodies become governors of VET systems, has proven to be key for the improvement of the professional education system in several European countries, such as Denmark, Czech Republic and the United Kingdom in the last decades. Currently, The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia is testing the model in the local context and the application of an effective European know-how may be critical for its success. To deliver the Output 2 above, the project will use European expertise for the successful development of a professional organisation created by the HORECA sector associations for governance of Vocational Education and Training within the food service sector. Through a series of workshops and coaching, the Action will capacitate the Sector Skills Organisation to deliver the following functions to the governance of sectoral VET:

• Analysis of skills needs in the food and beverage and hospitality industry sectors, particularly in specific areas of food services
• Planning of dual education (DE) programmes
• Various support to implementation of DE programmes
• Evaluation of the DE programmes
• Acknowledgement of enterprises as education facilities

The SSO will support, through an advisory capacity, the Skills Agency who will lead in the development of qualifications and development of standards.

1. Objectives of the Consultancy

The overall objective of this consultancy is to build the capacities of the non-profit organisation (NPO) “Food, Beverages & Hospitality” to allow its formal recognition as a Sector Skills Organisation and make possible its involvement in participatory governance of VET system.

To become a Sector Skills Organisation and thus a legitimate representative of the private sector in the emerging public-private partnership, the associations should meet several technical and organisational requirements set by the Skills Agency, which include:

1. The establishment of an inclusive organisational structure
2. Demonstration of deep understanding of the needs of the represented sector
3. Availability of industry expertise in skills
4. Financial and human resources
5. Effective documentation system
6. Strong strategic planning abilities, among other requirements

The Action will engage specialised European expertise to assess the NPO’s technical and organisational capacities, identifying gaps to support its recognition as a Sectoral Skills Organisation (SSO) by the national Skills Agency. The consultant will conduct a needs assessment covering governance, stakeholder engagement, and curriculum alignment with national qualifications. They will then deliver a tailored capacity-building plan, including technical support, mentoring, and organisational development, enabling the NPO to contribute effectively to professional education in the food services sector.

The capacity building will also include the engagement of the NPO – and then SSO – in experience exchanges with SSOs in other sectors, in assessments and monitoring of project activities (Outputs 1 and 2), in public awareness raising (Output 3) and in policy dialogue (Output 4). Thus, the development of sectoral non-profit association will bring the sector of food services not only to the steering of VET system but also contribute to the increased sustainability of post-action interventions.

1. Methodology and Activities

A. Identifying Capacity Development Needs of the NPO “Food, Beverages and Hospitality”

This activity will form a core part of the assignment. The consultant will lead a structured capacity assessment process to support the NPO’s recognition as a Sectoral Skills Organisation (SSO) by the national Skills Agency.

The methodology will centre on qualitative research through focus groups and one-to-one conversations with NPO leaders and key stakeholders. This will be complemented by a review of recent relevant data and documentation. An assessment tool, aligned with the SSO criteria of the Skills Agency, will guide the process. The tool will be developed by CARE in consultation with the Skills Agency and European experts and applied by the consultant.

The consultant will be responsible for:

A.1 Establishing working relationships with key stakeholders

A.2 Supporting finalisation of the assessment tool

A.3 Administering the tool and gathering data

A.4 Facilitating participatory analysis of findings to identify capacity gaps and priorities

A.5 Drafting a tailored capacity-building plan to address these gaps

A.6 Finalising and sharing a report summarising findings and recommendations

Timeline: Completion by December 2025

B. Building capacities of the NPO to qualify for the status of SSO

Capacity building of the NPO is a core part of this assignment, with the development plan focusing on two main areas:

1. Meeting Skills Agency Criteria – e.g., drafting a formal charter, developing an effective organisational structure, and ensuring transparency and inclusiveness.
2. General Organisational Strengthening – including project management, partnership building, and basic advocacy.

Additional inputs—such as training on Georgian education legislation and international practices in SME greening—will be delivered by a separate expert. Capacity-building activities will include small-group workshops and individual coaching for around 20 NPO members. Delivery will largely be outsourced to a professional training provider with relevant European experience, given the early stage of SSO development in Georgia.

The consultant will also help identify training needs related to the green transition of food service SMEs and support expert roundtables to enrich learning.

The consultant will lead the following sub-activities:

B.1 Stakeholder engagement and validation of findings

B.2 Design of a capacity-building framework

B.3 Support for meeting SSO criteria

B.4 Development of broader organisational skills

B.5 Creation of a participatory monitoring system

B.6 Final review and sustainability planning

Timeline: Completion by June 2026

C. Round Tables on SSO Development

The concept of Sector Skills Organisations (SSOs) is new, and practical experience with their formation is still limited. While official guidelines exist, peer learning and shared reflection are essential to support emerging SSOs in navigating challenges and building capacity.

To support this, the project will include two round table events bringing together emerging and recognised SSOs to exchange experiences, identify common challenges, and share strategies. These will also provide an opportunity for the Skills Agency to better understand the support needs from the perspective of developing SSOs.

The consultant will lead the following sub-activities:

C.1 Identify participants from SSOs and relevant stakeholders

C.2 Design agendas and content for both events

C.3 Oversee logistical planning (venue/online setup, interpretation, materials)

C.4 Facilitate the first round table focused on early lessons and peer exchange

C.5 Provide expert input and gather feedback

C.6 Facilitate the second round table to reflect on progress and outcomes

C.7 Outline plans for continued SSO development beyond the project

C.8 Document and disseminate key learning

Timeline: First event by December 2025, second by June 2026

1. Key Deliverables:

For Activity A: Capacity Assessment and Planning

• Diagnostic Report (~10–15 pages):
  A detailed analysis of the NPO’s current technical and organisational capacities, based on assessment responses. The report will include:
  • Overview of methodology and stakeholder engagement
  • Identified capacity gaps and priority areas
  • A structured capacity-building plan aligned with Skills Agency criteria
  • Annexes: Completed assessment tools, participant feedback, summary of focus group and interview data

For Activity B: Capacity Building Implementation

• Training Plan & Materials:
  • Outline of around 4 virtual group workshops and up to 5 one-to-one coaching sessions for the NPO lead
  • Session content focused on SSO requirements, organisational development, project management, and advocacy
  • Developed training materials/ tool kits, agendas, and handouts for all sessions
• Delivery Reports:
  • Summary report for each workshop/coaching round, including participant attendance, feedback, and reflection on outcomes
  • Updated capacity-building plan with completed KPIs and recommendations for next steps
• Final Assessment Report (~8–10 pages):
  • Overview of delivery
  • Assessment of progress towards SSO criteria
  • Sustainability framework outlining future capacity development beyond the project

For Activity C: Round Table Events

• Planning Documentation:
  • Invitations, agendas, and preparatory reading or background materials for both events
• Delivery of Two Round Tables (one by Dec 2025, one by June 2026):
  • Each with approx. 20–25 participants, including facilitators and stakeholders
  • Focused on peer learning, challenges, and policy alignment
• Round Table Reports (2 reports, ~6–8 pages each):
  • Summary of key discussions, lessons learned, stakeholder feedback, and recommendations for future collaboration
  • Captured insights to be shared with the broader community of emerging SSOs

1. Implementation Arrangements:

The budget for this assignment is Euros 31,500. This includes consultant’s time, travel, accommodation and subsistence. Capacity building related costs (training venue, catering, interpretation, etc.) is covered separately. All the expenses expected to deliver on the assignment should be informed in the budget proposal and all expenses are payable against the receipts. This technical cooperation support is expected to last for some 16 months, with consultant’s two visits to the client(s).

All materials will be produced in English.

The Consultant is expected to work with a variety of stakeholders identified in the project brief and supported by the CARE project team and the NPO secretariat.

For this assignment, the Consultant shall report to the Project Manager as a supervisor of the processes under Output 2.

1. Responsibilities of the Project:

• Assume all the responsibilities pertaining to the service provider contracting process
• Ensure that all necessary documentation is availed to the service provider
• Facilitate initial connections of the service provider with different stakeholders
• Provide interpretation / translation support as necessary
• Overall data quality control and technical review report
• Provide any other technical or operational support to the consultant as needed
• Prepare inception report review
• Approve draft and final report

1. Ethical Approaches & Data Disclosure:

The approach to the baseline must consider the safety of participants at all stages of the survey. The service provider will need to demonstrate how they have considered Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (PSHEA); through the different data collection stages, including recruitment and training of NPO/SSO staff, data collection and data analysis and report writing. Bidders are required to set out their approach to ensuring complete compliance with international good practice with regards to research and training ethics and protocols.

CARE requires that the datasets that are compiled or used during the consultancy is returned to CARE when the consultancy is completed.

CARE must be provided with a final template of any surveys, interview guides, or other materials used during data collection. Questions within surveys should be assigned numbers and these should be consistent with variable labelling within final datasets.

1. Schedule:

It is expected that the assessment will start in June 25 and end by November 2026.

The times presented in the Methodology and Activities section can be amended as necessary, however, this should be done only based on the written consent by CARE and the Consultant.

1. Consultancy Profile:
2. Knowledge and experience of the Georgian Skills Agency and their concept of the SSO’s.
3. Previous involvement in supporting the SSO set-up in Georgia and engagement with the key stakeholders.
4. Strong knowledge and experience of the hospitality and tourism industry.
5. TA minimum of ten years international experience of working in an SSO related to hospitality and tourism.
6. A minimum of seven years of project management experience.
7. Experience of identifying green skills and developing green skills solutions in hospitality and tourism.
8. Excellent TVET and skills development expertise.
9. Proposal Evaluation

CARE will evaluate service proposals with regards to each of the following criteria and their relative importance:

Evaluation Criteria:

Demonstrates good knowledge and experience of the Georgian Skills Agency and their concept of the SSO’s and experience of Sector Skills Organisations internationally – 20%

Demonstrates and evidences their experience of TVET in an international context – 20%

Provides evidence of knowledge and experience of the Tourism and Hospitality industry – 20%

Methodology provided is clear on how the objectives and timelines will be undertaken and met – 40 %

How to Apply:

The interested experts (an individual consultant or a company) that have their profiles matching the qualification requirements stated above are invited to forward their applications to the following address:

geo.info@care.org

Please, write “Sector Skills Organisation Development” in the subject box of your mail.

The application should consist of the following documents (all in English):

1. Cover letter of maximum one page summarizing expertise of the individual consultant or the team.
2. Curriculum Vitae or Resume of maximum 3 pages, highlighting relevant experience, for the consultant or, or in case of team, its every member.
3. At least one sample of work / case study undertaken in the development of sector skills organisations or similar Report produced by the applying consultant or the company team members.
4. Clear and concise proposal of maximum 8 pages. Given that the vision of methodologies, sub-activities and deliverables presented above is not immensely strict, the applicants can suggest reasonable changes in their outline of the assignment. The proposal should also contain a timeline and an estimated budget of the assignment.

Application deadline: 14:00 (Tbilisi time), Thursday, 05 June, 2025