RFP: Desk Review of Policy and Regulatory Frameworks Relevant to IRIF and Digital Climate-Smart Agriculture

About this role

Background IRIF is a climate-resilient, AI-powered agricultural advisory solution being deployed by Birrama Digital Commerce PLC in partnership with Farm Africa, with funding from Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) and cost-share contributions. IRIF combines low-cost soil and micro-climate sensor capsules with satellite data and AI-generated advisories, delivered by SMS/USSD to smallholder farmers in Oromia Regional State, to improve irrigation decisions, input use and yields. Objective To review the policy and regulatory environment affecting IRIF and similar digital agricultural advisory services, and to identify enablers, barriers and gaps that should inform engagement with national partners. Scope of work Frameworks to review. Policies, laws and regulations on climate-smart agriculture, digital agriculture and e-extension, agricultural data, personal data protection, telecom and SMS/USSD services, digital credit and microfinance, and agricultural insurance. The applicant confirms the list at inception. Analysis. For each, note what it allows, restricts or leaves unclear for IRIF, and rate the importance of each gap. Stakeholders. A short map of institutions responsible for each framework. Recommendations. Practical options for IRIF and national partners to address priority gaps. Findings will feed a separate briefing note and policy brief, which may be awarded to a different consultant. Standards and expectations Every reference is traceable (title, date, issuing body) and its status stated: in force, draft or repealed. The review is analysis to inform engagement, not a legal opinion on compliance. Federal and Oromia regional instruments are covered where relevant. Contract management and reporting The successful applicant reports to the IRIF Project Manager at Birrama Digital Commerce PLC and attends regular progress meetings. A contract is signed with Birrama, and payment is made in instalments set out in the contract once Birrama accepts the completed work, less any tax required by Ethiopian law. All work products, data and materials belong to Birrama and the IRIF project. The applicant must keep project and farmer information confidential.